Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects is taking a leadership role in the development of a sustainable design databank focused on energy-use reduction. The firm's new ecoMetrics tool allows for a comprehensive analysis of data from energy simulation models across a wide range of the company’s building types.
“What began as a response to The 2030 Challenge for energy efficiency in buildings evolved into a powerful, interactive visual database containing energy simulation models for more than 40 of our LEED certified projects and other projects with energy simulation models,” said Birgit Siber, Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects. “This tool comes from the recognition that energy use in the building sector is the most difficult and pressing sustainable design challenge.”
The ecoMetrics database contributes to an informed discussion on appropriate energy use reduction targets among clients, consultants, trades, and architects by taking into consideration the many determinants of energy use efficiency, including location, building type, passive initiatives (orientation, massing, thermal performance) and active systems (mechanical and electrical systems), and distills the data into one simple formula: kWhr/m2/year, or kilowatt use per square metre of space per year.
“This allows for a detailed comparative analysis, which is a major step forward in informing energy demand decisions in the future,” said Mike Szabo Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects. The ecoMetrics tool highlights design factors impacting energy efficiency, such as volume-to-floor area efficiency; ratio of glazing to wall; occupancy loads; and specific program requirements, including ventilation rates and HVAC system efficiency.
“The power of data visualization is that it allows us to break down the energy use equation in order to ask the right questions to facilitate and drive innovation,” Szabo added. “We’re measuring performance so that we can manage our projects, strive for net zero energy use, bring value to our client, our team, and contribute to the public discourse on energy use reduction."
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2023
Washington state tries new approach to phase out fossil fuels in new construction
After pausing a heat pump mandate earlier this year after a federal court overturned Berkeley, Calif.’s ban on gas appliances in new buildings, Washington state enacted a new code provision that seems poised to achieve the same goal.
Green | Dec 11, 2023
U.S. has tools to meet commercial building sector decarbonization goals early
The U.S. has the tools to reduce commercial building-related emissions to reach target goals in 2029, earlier than what it committed to when it signed the Paris Agreement, according to a report by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Industry Research | Dec 9, 2023
Two new reports provide guidance for choosing healthier building products
The authors, Perkins&Will and the Healthy Building Network, home in on drywall, flooring, and insulation.The authors, Perkins&Will and the Healthy Building Network, home in on drywall, flooring, and insulation.
University Buildings | Dec 8, 2023
Yale University breaks ground on nation's largest Living Building student housing complex
A groundbreaking on Oct. 11 kicked off a project aiming to construct the largest Living Building Challenge-certified residence on a university campus. The Living Village, a 45,000 sf home for Yale University Divinity School graduate students, “will make an ecological statement about the need to build in harmony with the natural world while training students to become ‘apostles of the environment’,” according to Bruner/Cott, which is leading the design team that includes Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Andropogon Associates.
Industrial Facilities | Nov 14, 2023
Some AEC firms are plugging into EV charging market
Decentralized electrical distribution is broadening recharger installation to several building types.
Sustainability | Nov 1, 2023
Researchers create building air leakage detection system using a camera in real time
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a system that uses a camera to detect air leakage from buildings in real time.
Sustainability | Nov 1, 2023
Tool identifies financial incentives for decarbonizing heavy industry, transportation projects
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has released a tool to identify financial incentives to help developers, industrial companies, and investors find financial incentives for heavy industry and transport projects.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2023
Green Seal will not certify any paints, coatings, floor care products containing PFAS
Green Seal will no longer certify any paints and coatings, floor care products, adhesives, and degreasers containing any per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called “forever chemicals.”
Metals | Sep 11, 2023
Best practices guide for air leakage testing for metal building systems released
The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) released a new guidebook, Metal Building Systems - Best Practices to Comply with Whole-Building Air Leakage Testing Requirements.
Office Buildings | Aug 31, 2023
About 11% of U.S. office buildings could be suitable for green office-to-residential conversions
A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper from researchers at New York University and Columbia Business School indicates that about 11% of U.S. office buildings may be suitable for conversion to green multifamily properties.
