ATLANTA– An integrated design approach to building energy modeling – and learning how to use modeling tools more effectively – improves the accuracy and reliability of simulation results and increases the return on time and resources invested to generate the models.

ASHRAE’s Energy Modeling Conference: Tools for Designing High Performance Buildings, April 4-6, 2011, ASHRAE Headquarters, Atlanta, Ga., will provide hands-on modelers and principals with the information to better harness the power of energy modeling tools.  The conference covers modeling fundamentals, building component contributions, software demonstrations and case studies. A collaborative perspective is provided that demonstrates how energy models and computer simulations can assist all project team members in creating energy-efficient buildings.

For complete information or to register, visit www.ashrae.org/energymodeling. Registration is $500 ($450, ASHRAE, AIA and USGBC members).

“There are  industry powerful modeling tools that enable engineers and architects to create and refine our vision of a building – its appearance, systems, operation and performance,” Lynn G. Bellenger, P.E., ASHRAE president and conference keynote speaker, said. “Understanding how to use those tools to model new and innovative system types and learning more about building physics will enable modelers to expand their abilities to design the high-performance buildings our clients demand and expect.”

In the conference’s spirit of integrated design, William J. Worthen, AIA,also joins Bellenger as a keynote speaker. Worthen is the American Institute of Architecture’s national director and resource architect for sustainability, serving as an expert on sustainability.

Sessions cover ASHRAE standards, the cost of energy modeling, modeling for a variety of building types, such as hospitals, data centers and labs, building information modeling and integrating building performance.

Energy modeling software companies are providing 30-minute demonstrations. One-on-one comprehensive demonstrations also are available.

In addition, on April 6, the U.S. Department of Energy is launching its development roadmap for EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, EPGUI and other tools. Attendees can provide feedback on the roadmap and on DOE’s general activities in the simulation tools area. 

Also on April 6, ASHRAE will administer its Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) certification examination. The BEMP certifies an individuals’ ability to evaluate, choose, use, calibrate and interpret the results of energy modeling software when applied to building and systems energy performance and economics and to certify individuals’ competence to model new and existing buildings and systems with their full range of physics. Certification applications (submitted online) must be received by ASHRAE 30 days prior to the exam. The application fee is $415 ($295 ASHRAE member).

            ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.