Energy Use Analysis & Code Compliance
Energy Use Analysis
SOCOTEC is an independent third party consulting group. We have been working on energy efficiency projects for commercial and residential properties that cover more than 200,000,000 square feet for more than 20 years. Our list of clients includes some of New York’s largest commercial real estate groups, convention centers, banks, and hotel chains, many on a portfolio-wide basis.
A comprehensive energy audit allows a building owner to receive a realistic understanding of how a building performs and what steps should be taken to positively affect the performance.
We perform energy audits to assess and diagnose inefficient or defective installations. We utilize various building modeling software, testing equipment, and techniques to quantify appropriate modifications and potential investments resulting in reduced operating costs.
By analyzing and then integrating energy efficiency measures, SOCOTEC promotes financial transparency, so decision makers can be better informed about potential energy efficiency improvements and returns on investment.
New York City is one of the nation’s leaders in promoting energy efficiency in the built environment. New York City has implemented the 2030 Greener, Greater, Buildings Plan to promote energy efficiency and actively reduce its carbon footprint. As part of the plan, New York City recently passed a local law which mandates that an energy audit be performed on all buildings over 50,000 square feet, every ten years, beginning in January of 2013, with early compliance paths available. The objective of the energy audit is to perform an independent assessment to identify and develop plans to:
- Analyze and understand existing energy usage
- Improve energy efficiency by reducing energy use, carbon footprint, and/or operating costs
- Perform a cost/benefit and Return on Investment (ROI) analysis of various efficiency measures
Additionally, we have been involved with retro-commissioning and measurement & verification services on many projects which extend for several years, allowing us to prove out the performance of our recommendations over time.
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Code Compliance
SOCOTEC professionals have performed analyses on over 100 million square feet of facilities, including many flagship projects. We model all building types from 5,000 to over 5,000,000 square feet, as well as entire campuses.
We have modeled all facility types, through all phases of a projects design and construction, and our expertise is solidly anchored in design, research and field work.
Our professionals have in-depth experience in all relevant domains:
- Energy use
- Renewables
- Lighting and daylighting
- Air movement in buildings and natural ventilation (Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis)
- Contaminant dispersion
- Conductive heat flow through thermal bridging building envelope, roofs, etc. (THERM Analysis)
- Moisture migration and moisture condensation (WUFI)
- Life-cycle of materials and carbon
- Economic parameters
SOCOTEC’ modeling is supported by a true understanding of building physics and of real world consequences. This capability is the result of extensive testing, monitoring, commissioning and benchmarking.
Proven Record of Success With Energy Modeling for LEED
Our analysis has a proven track record. We model accurately – and we anchor this modeling in our extensive experience working with materials and systems under all operating conditions. We have a significant advantage in LEED projects. Our work is characterized by:
- High level modeling, that can make the difference of energy points required for the LEED rating
- In depth knowledge of energy codes, including ASHRAE 90.1
- A designated LEED representative from USGBC, to directly assist with expediting our volume and quality of work.
- Working relationship with USGBC on difficult general issues (eg. removal of mandatory voltage drop provision, or tenant mandates in core and shell buildings) saving tens to hundreds to thousands of dollars per project
Local Law 86 Results
LEED and Code models are idealized. They do not represent real-life energy use/cost. SOCOTEC professionals have been pioneers in correctly predicting energy use once a building is built or renovated. To this end we employ advanced modeling techniques supported by our experience with M&V and commissioning.
We obtain results: Attractive paybacks, energy savings from 10% to 50% depending on budgets, even net-zero buildings.
A resource you can trust.
We are independent
We do not perform design. We have no drawings to reuse, no potential interest in supporting one option over another. Our sole goal is to support the interest of the client and the project.
We do not perform design. We have no drawings to reuse, no potential interest in supporting one option over another. Our sole goal is to support the interest of the client and the project.
Want to know more about our Energy Use Analysis & Code Compliance services?
