The Optics computer program is designed for work with optical data for glass and glazing layers. Integration with the International Glazing Database (IGDB) makes it easy to build stacks of multiple glass layers and calculate the resulting optical properties. The program works transmittance and reflectance as a function of wavelength. This allows for calculation of integrated values, such as visible transmittance, according to a range of standards.
BETTER is software toolkit that enables building operators to quickly, easily identify the most cost-saving energy efficiency measures in buildings and portfolios using readily available building and energy data. With minimal data entry, BETTER benchmarks a building’s or portfolio’s energy use against peers; quantifies energy, cost, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential; and recommends energy efficiency measures (technological and operational) for individual buildings or portfolios, targeting specific energy savings levels. The toolkit consists of a web application, application programming interface (API), and analytical engine source code.
A software environment that allows users to couple different simulation programs for co-simulation, and to couple simulation programs with actual hardware. For example, the BCVTB allows to simulate a building in EnergyPlus and the HVAC and control system in Modelica, while exchanging data between the software as they simulate.
Building Controls Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) Read More »
Did you know your living spaces are alive and breathing, just like you? They deal with all kinds of moisture, provide you fresh air, and protect you from pollutants. WARNING: An untrained builder will often build without a controlled ventilation system. Why is this important? Look at it this way: The human body relies on
Did You Know: Your Home is Breathing Read More »
Read Before You Ventilate Introduction: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. Whether you’re a new homeowner or considering upgrading your ventilation system, there are several important factors to consider before making any decisions. In this article, we will guide you through key considerations that can help you make informed
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Vermont is renowned for its charming older homes, barns, and churches that encapsulate the quintessential Vermont dream. Building the Vermont Dream means embracing sustainable practices today, reminiscent of those older homes that reflect the wisdom of our great-great grandparents. Our ancestors were deeply committed to sustainable building, utilizing natural materials, incorporating passive solar design, and employing other techniques to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes. However, over time, we deviated from these practices in pursuit of convenience and cost-effectiveness. To restore Vermont’s legacy of sustainable building and create a future that honors our past, we must understand why we strayed and take action. By educating ourselves and promoting sustainable building, we can revive our connection to heritage, reinstate sustainable practices, and forge a path towards a greener future for Vermont.
Building Back to the Roots: Sustainable Homes, Vermont-Style Read More »
Calculates performance of window and shading systems. It can be used to design and develop new products, teach about heat transfer through windows, and help develop building energy codes. It calculates total window thermal performance indices (i.e. U-values, solar heat gain coefficients, shading coefficients, and visible transmittances) for glazing and framing, as well as thermal and solar optical effects of a wide range of interior, between glass, and exterior shading systems.
Berkeley Lab WINDOW Read More »
BEDES is a dictionary of terms and definitions designed to facilitate the sharing of building characteristics and energy data among data collection and analysis tools more easily, consistently, and at lower cost.
Building Energy Data Exchange Specification (BEDES) Read More »
This is one of those things you want to know before you build or retrofit / remodel your home. As homeowners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our homes are not just comfortable and beautiful, but also environmentally responsible. One critical aspect that is often overlooked in residential construction is the use of Portland cement.
Go Green with Sustainable Alternatives to Portland Cement Read More »
COMFEN is a tool designed to support the systematic evaluation of alternative fenestration systems for project-specific commercial building applications. COMFEN provides a simplified user interface that focuses attention on key variables in fenestration design. Under the hood is Energy Plus, a sophisticated analysis engine that dynamically simulates the effects of these key fenestration variables on energy consumption, peak energy demand, and thermal and visual comfort.COMFEN is a tool designed to support the systematic evaluation of alternative fenestration systems for project-specific commercial building applications. COMFEN provides a simplified user interface that focuses attention on key variables in fenestration design. Under the hood is Energy Plus, a sophisticated analysis engine that dynamically simulates the effects of these key fenestration variables on energy consumption, peak energy demand, and thermal and visual comfort.
Occupancy Simulator Read More »
