AIA has unveiled a new tool that generates a report on predicted energy use and project modeling. The initiative is part of the voluntary 2030 commitment program of carbon neutral buildings. “The tool was specifically developed to be simple to use and to be used by firms of all sizes on a variety of building types, large and small,” said AIA President, George H. Miller, FAIA.
The Excel-based reporting tool will only require the user to enter project use type (from a drop down menu), gross square footage (GSF), yes/no questions: Is project Interior only? Is project modeled? and predicted energy use intensity (PEUI). Based on that information, for modeled projects the tool will automatically calculate the national average site EUI for that project type and the project’s percent reduction from the national average EUI toward meeting the firm’s 2030 goal for the current year (currently 60%). For non-modeled projects, users will enter in the design standard or code and similarly the sheet will calculate the project’s EUI.
AIA’s 2030 commitment program mirrors many facilities managers’ desire to increase their sustainable practices. According to AIA, the commitment “set[s] quantifiable design goals for every project regardless of whether required by the client,” including:
- Design projects to reduce the amount of fossil-fuel based energy used to align with 2030 goals
- Reduce the amount of potable water used in all projects
- Improve indoor air quality (IAQ) through the elimination of hazardous materials used in all projects
- Have every project undergo a green building evaluation whether the project is seeking certification or not
- Document all projects in case study format with consistent criteria to help measure performance and progress
Please visit http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAB079654 to learn more about or download the Excel tool.
