ASHRAE 209 Simulation Services

At AECO, we recognize that maximizing long-term asset value and securing competitive LEED certification points requires a fundamental shift in how we approach design.

We move beyond simple compliance checks by deploying the Integrative Design Process (IDP), anchored by the advanced simulation methodologies formalized in ASHRAE Standard 209. This standard, titled "Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings," transforms energy modeling from a final scorecard into a critical design driver that shapes the building from its very inception.

Modeling as a Design Driver: The Integrative Process

The conventional design process often operates in silos, yielding fragmented solutions where architects design the form and engineers are left to condition the resulting space. This frequently leads to unintended negative consequences and oversized systems.

AECO utilizes ASHRAE 209 to disrupt this norm. We foster intentional collaboration among all project team members—architects, engineers, and owners—during the crucial preliminary discovery phase. By front-loading energy simulation, we interpret complex system relationships early, identifying synergies that yield maximum economic and environmental benefits.

Instead of waiting until the end of the design cycle to "check the box," we use modeling to inform the fundamental geometry and systems of the building.

The Foundation: Simple Box Modeling & Load Reduction

The technical foundation of our strategic approach is "Simple Box" energy modeling.

Performed before the schematic design is finalized, this conceptual analysis uses a simplified building form to explore big-picture questions. Our primary goal during this phase is load reduction: minimizing the building's inherent heating and cooling demands before expensive mechanical systems are even selected.

We iteratively test and optimize passive design strategies, including:

Massing & Orientation

Assessing how the building’s shape and rotation affect solar gain and renewable energy potential.

Envelope Optimization

Refining insulation values, glazing characteristics (U-value, SHGC), and shading devices to create a thermally efficient skin.

Internal Loads

Analyzing lighting power density and equipment policies to reduce internal heat gain.

By prioritizing these passive measures, we dramatically reduce the downstream demands on active HVAC and lighting systems, resulting in lower capital expenditures.

Optimizing ROI: Smart System Selection

Data generated during the load reduction phase directly informs the selection of mechanical systems. Once loads are minimized, AECO models and compares various high-efficiency HVAC topology alternatives.

Crucially, we use simulation to perform Return on Investment (ROI) analysis for Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). This allows us to reveal critical trade-offs for our clients. For example, we can quantitatively demonstrate how the increased capital cost of a high-performance façade can be offset by the cost savings from downsizing the central chiller plant.

Conclusion

ASHRAE 209 proves that energy efficiency is not just about saving the planet; it is about smart economics. By partnering with AECO, you ensure your project benefits from a truly integrative approach. We translate sophisticated simulation data into superior performance, reduced operating costs, and validated sustainability achievements.

Design with Data:
Embracing ASHRAE 209 for High-Performance Buildings