Successful Use of Energy Modeling to Inform Design

This case study will discuss the successful completion of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Phase 1, at the State University of New York at Buffalo that used early concept phase energy modeling to inform design then continued use of energy modeling in the schematic phase to optimize the systems. This 628,000 gsf world class health science complex integrates patient care, medical education, and biomedical research into one location. The first two floors house multipurpose educational and community spaces. The third, fourth and fifth floors feature core modular research facilities and 150,000 sf of state-of-the art research laboratories. The sixth floor houses specialized medical education facilities, including a patient care simulation center and a surgical simulation center to simulate operating rooms. A robotic surgery simulation center will train students and physicians in remote control surgery technologies. The administrative offices and academic departments are located on floors three through seven. The seventh floor houses gross anatomy facilities.

The design modeling anticipated savings of over 40% energy and 28% of energy cost over a code compliant system. Currently the building is operating within 5% of design energy model results.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how successful energy modeling in early concept phases can inform system selection;
• Understand the engineering tasks necessary to produce data needed by energy modeling consultants to perform calculations reflecting design intent;
• Learn how continuous energy modeling informs and optimizes systems to be installed; and
• See actual building performance can match energy modeling results