CASE36 · Buildings · DOE-2.1E design simulation
Forecasting mixed-use building energy, end uses and carbon before construction
An 8,760-hour model translates envelope, internal gains, schedules and HVAC/plant assumptions into design-stage energy demand, primary energy and emissions by facility and season.
01 · CASE ANALYSIS
Design-review purpose
Office, retail, hotel, residential and cultural uses were modeled separately because occupancy, lighting, hot water and HVAC schedules differ.
The source predicts a single design scenario. It does not publish a before/after improvement percentage.
02 · CASE ANALYSIS
Model inputs and method
Model building scale, envelope U-values and window areas; hourly weather; occupant, lighting and equipment gains; ventilation; heating/cooling setpoints; and plant characteristics.
Use hourly calculations to resolve annual energy, monthly heating/cooling and energy-source conversion. Review inputs against the actual design documents.
| Quantity | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Final energy | 85,122 MWh/year |
| Electricity | 43,634 MWh/year |
| Gas | 41,488 MWh/year |
| Primary energy | 161,692 MWh/year |
| CO₂ | 37,454 tonnes/year |
03 · CASE ANALYSIS
Energy-source and end-use results
Modeled final energy was approximately 85,122 MWh/year: 43,634 MWh electricity and 41,488 MWh gas. Primary energy was approximately 161,692 MWh/year, with electricity contributing roughly 74%.
Lighting was the largest primary-energy component. Hot water and plug loads also materially influenced design priorities.
04 · CASE ANALYSIS
Seasonality and design priorities
Annual heating demand was approximately 9,710 MWh, with January around 2,697 MWh. Cooling demand was approximately 34,630 MWh, with July around 4,844 MWh.
Total modeled emissions were approximately 37,454 tonnes CO₂/year under the historical conversion assumptions. Compare alternatives under the same weather and schedules rather than calling demand predictions savings.
| End use | MWh/year | Approximate share |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 74,136 | 46% |
| Hot water | 27,168 | 17% |
| Plug loads | 19,607 | 12% |
| Heating | 14,935 | 9% |
| Cooling | 14,659 | 9% |
| Ventilation | 11,187 | 7% |
05 · CASE ANALYSIS
Interpretation and next steps
Review lighting density and schedules, hot-water demand and plant efficiency, envelope performance and ventilation together. Examine annual totals and monthly peaks for different design questions.
Measured performance after completion can differ when tenants, occupancy, schedules, weather or operating controls differ from the design assumptions.
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