OPINION
Your letters
a design tool to aid architects and engineers, thermal, daylighting and solar dynamic simulation has proven to be a powerful addition to many practices. Alternative options, passive strategies and innovative technologies can be road tested virtually before making decisions, ensuring that the optimum design solutions are built. We have always advocated that the
This month: ‘Real’ simulation tools, praise for the admittance method and a question over graduate pay
Simulations need to get ‘real’ As developers and expert users of dynamic-thermal performance analysis software we couldn’t agree with Becci more (‘Bad by Design’, July 2012 CIBSE Journal). We offer tools, which follow the UK’s National Calculation Method (NCM) and provide compliance calculation routes for Part L and energy performance certfi cates (EPCs). However, we also supply true dynamic thermal simulation tools for whole building performance assessment. We’ve consistently
advocated, since the introduction of Part L in 2006, that design for compliance is not the only route to true high-performance, low-energy, zero-carbon structures. Once you understand that dynamic modelling tools for compliance differ from true dynamic thermal simulation tools then you can appreciate the root of the issues being discussed in this piece. We want to encourage the move towards ‘real’ simulations where designers try to mirror exactly how buildings will operate. Yes there are limitations, but as
We want to encourage the move towards ‘real’ simulations where
designers try to mirror exactly how buildings will operate
best route to compliance is to focus on building the best building you can, and checking against compliance at each stage. The compliance and design model are inherently two different versions of the same thing. The compliance model is NCM- based to give a common benchmark for compliance across buildings of similar usage, whereas the design model version is bespoke to individual designs. Our approach allows both of these models to be created and compared using the same platform. Interestingly, the future of analysis
we are investigating takes this design model on through commissioning into operation, to ensure the building has a chance to operate as designed. Models can now be calibrated using real usage and performance data, alongside actual weather conditions, to highlight faults and areas for improvement, continuously commissioning a building over its lifecycle. David McEwan, director IES
DELIVERING: INTEGRATION & QUALITY
In today’s complex construction industry, it is more important than ever that the building and engineering services elements of a project are undertaken by companies with the skills, the capability and the resources required to do a truly first-class job.
As our new name highlights, members of the BUILDING & ENGINEERING SERVICES ASSOCIATION (B&ES – formerly the HVCA) are able to demonstrate the necessary competence and professionalism.
Our members meet the exacting standards that are essential for the quality design, installation, integration and maintenance of building and engineering services and renewable technologies.
a new brand; a new HVCA 16 CIBSE Journal September 2012
www.cibsejournal.com www.b-es.org
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