energy modelling software

Energy Modelling Design Tools

In line with ever more stringent building regulations, Southfacing have previous experience are currently developing a range of energy modelling (and related building design) software tools in house and for external clients that will:

• Provide tools to promote sustainability and low carbon issues
• Inform initial building design in relation to energy performance
• Promote low carbon and energy efficient developments
• Incorporate calculated energy performance of buildings
• Provide a user friendly interface
• Present design options to reduce energy consumption with minimal capital investment
• Present performance data in a clear and understandable format
• Incorporate the potential contribution from Renewable Energy systems with associated costs
• Be useful to all sectors eg. design teams and architects, engineers, contractors and developers.

Current Project - Climate Lite Toolkit

We are working in a team of specialists with DTI funding to provide an 'off-the-blocks' tool to comprehensively inform design teams and developers on low and zero carbon routes from the very outset of a development. As regulations and planning progresses, the construction industry will need to adopt low carbon strategies early to remain competitive.

The tool will gather what limited information is available and guide the user to 'design in' low carbon, when they may only have site information available. The tool will allow the user to input site specific information which will initial guidance on energy provision. Then the user will be able to select design options and finally use a 'mixing desk' of Combined Heat and Power, district heating, micro generation and other renewables to calculate the best, most cost effective outcome moving forward.

The team includes: BRE, Cambridge Architectural Research, Cardiff University and Bobby Gilbert Associates. Please contact us if you wish to become an industry partner.

Case Study - London Energy Partnership Toolkit

We are working with the the London Energy Partnership to develop a Low and Zero Carbon Electronic Toolkit. The toolkit will allow building designers, developers and planners to better understand the impact of energy on developments; it will encourage low and zero carbon developments and help achieve their 10% renewable energy target. This project is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and the London Development Agency with support from the Greater London Authority and many other partners. It is hoped this will be released in Autumn 2008.