Designers with Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects (DSA) view building design and performance much like a physician views patient health: tracking the vital signs is key to developing the proper diagnosis or optimal solution.
Instead of using heart rate and blood pressure to identify concerns, DSA’s designers look at six key metrics that, when optimized, are likely to result in high-performance building design, even net-zero energy performance. These include: total envelope U-value, GFA-to-envelope ratio, outdoor air intake rate, heating efficiency, cooling efficiency, and internal heat gain sources.
To help its designers balance and optimize these metrics during the design phase, DSA created the ecoMetrics tool, a visual, interactive database of energy simulation models from 44 of the firm’s LEED-certified projects. The tool allows DSA team members to analyze the firm’s green projects in a consistent fashion. For example, by breaking down the predicted energy use for projects in kWhr/m2, designers can compare, in apples-to-apples fashion, past projects against current designs.
The database also presents project performance in relation to energy benchmarking systems, including LEED, 2030 Challenge, and energy codes. The goal, according to DSA, is to create a common language to more effectively engage clients, consultants, and project teams about energy reduction targets.
The tool was built using Tableau interactive data visualization software. DSA contracted Mike Williams, Associate with engineer RWDI, to assist with the coding and database creation.
“With ecoMetrics we are not only gaining a better understanding of energy use across different building types conveyed in simple-to-understand graphics, but also are driving innovation in sustainable design with this knowledge,” says Michal Szabo, Principal, DSA.
The ecoMetrics tool breaks down each project’s energy simulation model by key performance metrics, including predicted energy use intensity, total envelope U-value, GFA-to-envelope ratio, outdoor air intake rate, heating efficiency, cooling efficiency, and internal heat gain sources.
Read about more innovations from BD+C's 2016 Great Solutions Report
Related Stories
Great Solutions | Jul 9, 2021
MojoDesk creates a new solution for managing open office distractions
The MojoDome allows for a private work space while also maintaining a collaborative environment.
Great Solutions | Mar 18, 2021
Follow the leader: New following technology better equips robots for the jobsite
New proof-of-concept from Piaggio Fast Forward and Trimble enables robots and machines to follow humans.
Great Solutions | Feb 11, 2021
Simplifying the return to the office
A new web-based tool from Sasaki takes the guesswork out of heading back to the workplace.
Great Solutions | Oct 6, 2020
Could water-filled windows help buildings save energy?
New research shows how water-filled glass could help heat and cool buildings.
Great Solutions | Aug 10, 2020
From lobby to penthouse, elevators can be a 100% touch-free experience
The Toe-To-Go elevator system allows riders to operate the elevator entirely with their feet.
Great Solutions | Jul 13, 2020
Essential protection for businesses
Custom protective barriers help keep essential business employees safe.
Great Solutions | Apr 13, 2020
Family workstations highlight the new Fairfield Area Library
The workstations are the perfect remedy for squirming, restless children and toddlers.
Great Solutions | Feb 5, 2020
Power moves: The Shed
Precise positioning of mechanicals above its lighting keeps New York’s kinetic event space, The Shed, running.
Great Solutions | Dec 18, 2019
Robot uprising
Thyssenkrupp’s robotics interface platform helps robots use elevators like humans.
Great Solutions | Nov 12, 2019
Skanska designs personal protective equipment tailor-made for the female workforce
A safety vest is the first piece of equipment to undergo an update.