flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Modeling tool helps compare options for HVAC systems when little known about a building

Codes and Standards

Modeling tool helps compare options for HVAC systems when little known about a building

Compares projected costs and energy usage for all HVAC systems and hot water consumption.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | January 25, 2022
Commercial building

Courtesy Pixabay

Version 6.0 of the Building Efficiency System Tool (BEST), a commercial building HVAC system efficiency comparison application, is now available.

The Hydronic Industry Alliance-Commercial (HIA-C), a committee of the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA), recently released the update that helps compare options for HVAC systems at an early design stage when little information is known about the building. The tool can compare projected costs and energy usage for all HVAC systems and hot water consumption in any building “based on what is known before money is spent on selecting the HVAC and water heating systems, and (at a stage when) almost all inputs may be adjusted once the design process begins,” according to a news release.

The tool can model multiple heating and cooling sources including all electric systems using cascaded heat pumps and backup sources. “With the trend to all-electric solutions—including cascading heat pump systems—BEST is able to quickly and easily compare these innovative ideas,” says Greg Cunniff, P.E., director of Applied Solutions for Williams Comfort Products. “Legacy modeling software currently has a difficult time comparing these new ideas.”

The revised tool is available at no charge at: http://forms.iapmo.org/hiac/software_register.aspx

Related Stories

Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015

Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects

For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.

Engineers | Jul 12, 2015

White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs

The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.

Contractors | Jul 9, 2015

Opioid abuse blamed for increase in worker injuries, business losses

Insurance giant CNA says concerns are increasing in the construction industry.

Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2015

California Supreme Court upholds affordable housing requirements

Court cites affordable housing crisis of ‘epic proportions.’

Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2015

First valuation advisory for green and high performance property adopted

The document provides voluntary guidance to appraisers on the background and competency necessary to credibly value green buildings.

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

Maryland’s Prince George County turns to P3s to build green infrastructure

Over the next 10 years, the county must convert 15,000 acres of watertight surfaces—almost 5% of the county's total area—into surfaces that absorb or treat rainwater. 

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

Philadelphia considers more incentives for green building

Developers could be allowed additional height, floor area on projects that meet benchmarks.

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

LEED building at Duke University may be retrofitted to prevent bird deaths

More birds die from colliding with buildings at Duke than on any other campus in a 45-school survey conducted by Augustana College. Duke is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a bird migration route. 

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

Balcony collapse in Berkeley, Calif., prompts an examination of codes

Dry rot and too much weight appear to be the causes of a fatal accident at an eight-year-old building in Berkeley, Calif. 

Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015

Guides to wood construction in high wind areas updated

The guides establish prescriptive, wind-resistive structural requirements for wood-frame buildings of different sizes and shapes.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Sustainability

Grimshaw launches free online tool to help accelerate decarbonization of buildings

Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021