In Balance Green Consulting has recently added a powerful new tool to our service portfolio: IESVE. This Virtual Environment software created by Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) moves far beyond compliance confirmation – it is a cutting-edge modeling solution that will provide building owners, engineers and design professionals with clear strategies for reducing energy use and increasing comfort in cost-effective ways.
While many of today’s energy-modeling programs are tied strictly to California Energy Commission (CEC) requirements, IESVE offers a wide variety of modules that analyze, identify, and design integrated energy (including CEC compliance) and LEED certification solutions – all from one central data model. This allows us to create more diverse and detailed solutions for our clients, including building owners, architects, developers, and engineers. The software is compatible with industry standard tools such as Sketchup and Revit, which helps when integrating with other team members’ plans.
Daylight simulation image from IES
We selected IESVE after doing research on the best tools for energy modeling. The software has been used for years in Europe, and is now being used by top firms throughout the United States. IESVE allows us to graphically show clients options at a highly detailed level.
As more building owners and developers look to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings, including Zero Net Energy, better resources and solutions are essential to the design process - particularly simulation tools that are used from project conception.
“ “Energy modeling presents the greatest opportunity for architects to realize more ambitious energy-saving in their design projects, particularly when used early in the design process.”
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Architects, developers, and building owners who are interested in high performance buildings or who desire better energy savings than can be gained through conventional mechanical systems will be particularly interested in what the software can provide. Some of the cutting-edge systems that can be modeled and analyzed in IESVE include variable refrigerant flow (VRF), radiant ceilings and floors, dedicated outside air systems (DOAS), chilled beam distribution, and central plant systems. IESVE is also capable of showing savings through daylight and glare analysis, electro-chromatic glazing, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) used to prove savings achieved through natural ventilation.