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| Design Assistance |  | |
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| The biggest energy savings from efficiency occur when a facility is originally designed and constructed with optimised (least-cost) energy efficiency in mind. Then the mistakes and compromises which limit the amount of efficiency can be minimised. |
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| Energy Solutions design assistance |
Design assistance provided by Energy Solutions Ltd ensures that energy efficiency is an integral part of the design process. We perform a detailed analysis of the energy use impacts of different design options and give designers and engineers reasoned advice on which design strategies will optimise the energy efficiency of the building.
To accurately analyse the energy use of the potential designs we use the latest computer simulation tools (EnergyPlus and/or DOE-2) to develop a detailed model of the building. Computer simulation is the most precise method of predicting energy use of building designs and therefore gives the most accurate analysis of the energy performance of different design options. Energy Solutions is one of the few companies in New Zealand which has any significant experience in building energy simulation, especially with the explicit HVAC simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus.
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| In virtually all projects we are involved with, we will provide a guarantee that we will either identify cost-effective energy savings worth more than our fees. More... |
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| Contact us to find out more details about Energy Solutions design assistance. More... |
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| Government grants available |
| To assist organisations needing finance to have a "design audit" of their project completed, EECA has established a design audit grant scheme. These are direct grants to organisations as an incentive to complete a design audit. This scheme will provide a subsidy of 50% of the cost of the energy audit up to a maximum of $50,000 for most organisations. More... |
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| Cost |
| The cost of design assistance varies greatly. There are no rules of thumb for costing a project because each project is so different. It depends on a number of things: how much involvement we have in the design process; the size, shape and type of usage of the building; the complexity of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design; and the number of design options to be analysed. |
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| Who needs Design Assistance |
The best time to optimise energy efficiency is at the design stage of a building. Far more significant energy savings are able to be achieved if energy efficiency is considered prior to construction, so designers and clients at the beginning of the design process should consider seeking design advice.
Up to 80% energy savings can be made compared to standard new design if energy efficiency is a priority during the design. In many cases the capital costs can also be reduced by ensuring motors and ducts are correctly sized, ensuring there isn't excess lighting etc.
The other best time to apply energy efficiency design assistance is during renovation. Savings during renovation are typically 30-50%, compared to the existing energy use pattern.
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| Case Studies |
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| Tauranga Art Gallery |
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In 2004 Energy Solutions provided Design Assistance for the proposed Tauranga Art Gallery - a building of around 1,500 sq.m.
The specifications of the building were checked by Energy Solutions to ensure that specified building controls were well documented, energy efficiency of specifications were maximised and efficient practices for monitoring energy use and building conditions were maintained.
We also used building energy simulation software (EnergyPlus) to determine the savings potential of variations to the specified lighting design, building fabric, HVAC plant and building controls.
The improved design strategy generated energy savings of over 30% compared to a simulated model of the building originally specified. |
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"It was good to have a second opinion on the design and performance of the proposed HVAC system for the building. Energy Solutions overall evaluation of the energy efficiency of the building was important as high energy costs will eat into our exhibition budget."
Richard Arlidge, Director - Tauranga Art Gallery Project, Tauranga Art Gallery Trust
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