Building Energy Modeling Workshop Report
Building Energy Modeling Workshop Report
• Tabarbour, a neighborhood in
Amman, Jordan, features a hilly
topography typical of the city, with an
elevation that influences its
microclimate.
Our Department
BUILDING SELECTION
The orientation of an apartment significantly impacts the amount and
quality of natural light it receives throughout the day. In Amman, Jordan,
where the sun's path and climate play an essential role in design
considerations, an apartment with openings toward the west and north
experiences unique lighting conditions.
Stair Location
Floor plan
Basement Floor
BUILDING SELECTION
Elevations
The elevation of an apartment in Amman, Jordan, with openings oriented toward
the west and north has unique design considerations influenced by the city’s
climate, sun path, and urban context. These orientations affect the building's
aesthetics, energy performance, and functionality.
Afternoon Sun Exposure:
Openings facing west receive direct sunlight
in the afternoon and evening, especially in
the summer months when the sun sets later
and at a steeper angle. This can lead to
increased heat gain and glare during the
warmer parts of the day.
B. Ceiling Construction
The Ceiling consists of stone, concrete, an air
gap, cement bricks, and plaster, with an overall
thermal conductivity of
푈=1.70 W/m2KU=1.70W/m 2 K.
4.2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Wall
IMPROVEMENTS Heat loss in winter= Total U-value =1.01
Heat Loss Calculations Q = U* A* ΔT W/m²K
. Q = 1*141.73*(22-2)=
Roof AW1=A wall – A
=2834.6
Q = U* A* ΔT opening
ΔT =I T2-T1 I Heat loss in winter= AW1=(120.43)-2(2)-
Q = U* A* ΔT 4(1.60*1.75 )-2(1.60*2.7)
Total U-value =1 W/m²K Q = 1*141.73*(33-25)= AW1=96.59 m²
A =141.73 m ² =1133.84
AW2=A wall – A
opening
AW2=(119.96)-
3(0.75*0.7)-2(1.75*1.60)
AW2=112.79 m²
4.2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
IMPROVEMENTS
Floor Slab
Total U-value =1.08 W/m²K
A =118.07 m²
Q = U* A* ΔT
Q = 1.08* 118.07* (22-
2)
Q=2550.3
Q = U* A* ΔT
Q = 1.08*118.07*(33-
25)
=1020.12
DESIGN
BUILDER
CALCULATIONS
3.1 Site weather data
Construction details refer to the comprehensive set of drawings and specifications that show
how various elements of a building are to be constructed. These drawings provide a clear
and precise guide to the construction team
BUILDING MATERIALS
MATERIALS TYPES :
SHADING
SHADING TYPE :
• Blinds with high-reflectivity
slats are a practical solution
for enhancing energy
efficiency and managing
daylight in buildings.
Climate and weather data
analysis
3.1 Site weather data :
Climate and weather data
analysis
3.1 Site weather data :
8AM
Altitude 20
Azimuth 106
12PM
Altitude 60
Azimuth 176
4PM
Altitude 30
Azimuth 250
3.2 Sun path diagram:
Summer Solstice 8AM 12PM 4PM
8AM
Altitude 37
Azimuth 83
12PM
Altitude 81
Azimuth 178
4PM
Altitude 37
Azimuth 277
3.2 Sun path diagram:
Autumn Equinox 8AM 12PM 4PM
8AM
Altitude 27
Azimuth 108
12PM
Altitude 59
Azimuth 184
4PM
Altitude 24
Azimuth 255
3.2 Sun path diagram:
Winter Solstice 8AM 12PM 4PM
8AM
Altitude 10
Azimuth 126
12PM
Altitude 35
Azimuth 180
4PM
Altitude 10
Azimuth 234
3.3 Hourly and Annual Weather
HOURLY
Data Analysis:
This graph shows the variations
in outside dry bulb temperature
and outside dew point
temperature on December 21.
•Solar azimuth decreased, reflecting the sun's lower position as summer ends.
•Solar altitude dropped, indicating shorter daylight hours and reduced solar intensity.
•Wind direction showed variability, typical of transitional weather patterns in September.
•These trends highlight the need to adjust shading, passive heating strategies, and
ventilation systems.
•Understanding these factors ensures energy efficiency and comfort as temperatures
decline.
3.4 Shading Analysis: 8 AM
Shading Impact Analysis on West-Facing
Windows During Spring Equinox
8AM
Altitude 24
Azimuth 106
12PM
Altitude 60
Azimuth 176
4PM
Altitude 30
Azimuth 252
3.4 Shading Analysis: 8 AM
8AM
Altitude 37
Azimuth 83
12PM
Altitude 81
Azimuth 178
4PM
Altitude 37
Azimuth 277
3.4 Shading Analysis: 8 AM
Shading Impact Analysis on West-Facing
Windows During Autumn Equinox
8AM
Altitude 27
Azimuth 108
12PM
Altitude 59
Azimuth 184
4PM
Altitude 24
Azimuth 255
3.4 Shading Analysis: 8 AM
8AM
Altitude 10
Azimuth 126
12PM
Altitude 35
Azimuth 180
4PM
Altitude 10
Azimuth 234
3.5 Daylighting simulation:
This model demonstrates the
results of daylighting
simulation for the project
building. The heat maps
illustrate the distribution of the
Daylight Factor across
different spaces, including
bedrooms, the kitchen, the
living room, and guest room .
The results highlight the
utilization of natural light and
the impact of window design
and architectural elements on
light distribution.
Initial Energy Simulations
3.6 Internal Gains Solar analysis:
23 September: Autumn
Equinox
Objects struck by
sunlight absorb its visible
and short-wave infrared
components, increase in
temperature, and then re
-radiate that heat at
longer infrared
wavelengths. Though
transparent building
materials such as glass
allow visible light to pass
through almost
unimpeded, once that
light is converted to long-
wave infrared radiation
by materials indoors
Initial Energy Simulations
3.6 Internal Gains Solar analysis:
23 September: Autumn
Equinox
•General Lighting (Cyan line): Relatively
constant throughout the year, reflecting
constant usage, which is likely to be
influenced by the behaviour of building
occupants rather than seasonal
variations.
•Occupancy(Orange Line):Relatively
constant throughout the year, reflecting
constant usage, which is likely to be
influenced by the behaviour of building
occupants rather than seasonal
variations.
Heat Gains
•Description: Displays contributions from
external infiltration, general lighting, solar
gains, and internal loads such as
occupancy.
•Analysis:
• Solar Gains (yellow line): Peak
during summer months due to
increased solar exposure,
influencing cooling demand.
• Internal Gains (occupancy and
lighting): Relatively constant
throughout the year, indicating
stable usage patterns.
• Infiltration Gains: Lower during
warmer months, possibly due to
reduced wind-driven air leakage
or intentional ventilation control.
3.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Fuel Breakdown (Top Graph)
•Electricity Usage: Cooling (blue) is
the dominant electricity consumer,
especially in warmer months (June
to September), indicating a
significant cooling load during
summer.
•Heating (Gas): Gas heating (red) is
more prominent during the colder
months (January, February,
November, and December),
suggesting increased energy
demand for heating in winter.
•Lighting (Yellow): The lighting load
remains relatively constant
throughout the year, reflecting
steady usage, likely influenced by
occupant behavior rather than
seasonal variation.
3.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Temperature (°C)
•Air Temperature, Radiant Temperature,
Operative Temperature, and Outside Dry-
Bulb Temperature:
• Air temperature fluctuates
seasonally, with higher
temperatures in summer and
lower in winter.
• Operative and radiant
temperatures closely follow air
temperature trends, indicating
proper system response to
maintain thermal comfort.
• Outside dry-bulb temperature
varies significantly, affecting
both heating and cooling
demands.
3.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric(W)
Heat Balance lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
•External Infiltration (light blue):
• Relatively steady infiltration,
slightly higher in colder months
due to increased temperature
differences between indoor and
outdoor environments.
•Solar Gains Exterior Windows (yellow-
green):
• Higher during summer due to
increased solar radiation,
contributing to cooling loads.
• Lower in winter, reducing natural
heat gains.
•Zone Sensible Heating (red):
• Noticeable during winter
months, indicating increased
heating requirements.
• Absent in warmer months.
•Zone Sensible Cooling (blue):
• Significant cooling required in
summer months.
• Minimal or no cooling in winter.
3.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Insights:
•The building experiences high cooling
loads in summer and high heating loads
in winter.
•Proper insulation and glazing could
reduce both heating and cooling
demands.
•Steady lighting consumption indicates
consistent energy use that could benefit
from energy-efficient lighting solutions.
3.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Temperature Trends
•Description: Shows air temperature,
radiant temperature, operative
temperature, and outside dry-bulb
temperature.
•Analysis:
• Outside Dry-Bulb Temperature
(dark blue): Follows a typical
annual temperature profile in
Amman, with hot summers and
cool winters.
• Indoor Operative and Radiant
Temperatures: Stay within a
narrow range, suggesting
effective thermal management
and insulation.
• Difference Between Internal and
External Temperatures: Indicates
the efficiency of the building's
HVAC and envelope systems in
maintaining indoor comfort.
3.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
•Document and verify the district heating source to ensure it supports LEED requirements for energy
efficiency and sustainability.
•Perform a full LEED energy model to quantify improvements against the baseline ASHRAE standard.
IMPLEMENT
PASSIVE
DESIGN
MODIFICATION
S
4.1 Orientation and shading adjustments
4.2 Construction and Materials Improvements
4.3 Insulation improvements
4.4 Glazing modifications
4.5 Ventilation strategies
4.1 ORIENTATION AND SHADING
ADJUSTMENTS
- Insulation improvements:
increase or enhance
insulation for better thermal
resistance.
- Glazing modifications:
experiment with different
glazing types to achieve
better thermal performance.
4.2 Construction and materials
improvements
4.3 Ventilation strategies
implement natural ventilation and airtightness solutions for enhanced airflow
and reduced mechanical cooling loads.
B. Ceiling Construction
The Ceiling consists of stone, concrete, an air
gap, cement bricks, and plaster, with an overall
thermal conductivity of
푈=1.70 W/m2KU=1.70W/m 2 K.
4.2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Thermodynamic processes in HVAC design
Psychrometric chart
Note there is detailed chart for summer and winter where the point in the
IMPROVEMENTS middle of each zone is the optimum (satisfying 80% of people). We can save
energy by not committing to the optimum for example for winter (optimum is
Heat loss in winter= 22 °C but we can target 20 °C to save energy in summer optimum is 25 °C, we
Heat Loss Calculations can target 28 °C)
Q = U* A* ΔT
. Roof Q = 1*141.73*(22-2)=
=2834.6
Q = U* A* ΔT
ΔT =I T2-T1 I Heat loss in winter=
Q = U* A* ΔT
Total U-value =1 W/m²K Q = 1*141.73*(33-25)=
A =141.73 m ² =1133.84
4.2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
IMPROVEMENTS
Floor Slab
Total U-value =1.01
W/m²K A =398.9 Total U-value =1.08 W/m²K
m² A =118.07 m²
Q = U* A * ΔT Q = U* A* ΔT
Q = 1.01* 398.9* Q = 1.08* 118.07* (22-
(22-2)= 2)
=8057.8 Q=2550.3
Heat loss in
summer= Heat loss in summer=
Q = U* A* ΔT Q = U* A* ΔT
Q= Q = 1.08*118.07*(33-
1.01*398.9*(33-25)= 25)
=3223.1 =1020.12
4.2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
IMPROVEMENTS
Wall
AW1=A wall – A
opening
AW1=(120.43)-2(2)-
4(1.60*1.75 )-2(1.60*2.7)
AW1=96.59 m²
AW2=A wall – A
opening
AW2=(119.96)-
3(0.75*0.7)-2(1.75*1.60)
4.2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
IMPROVEMENTS
Window U-value
2.Environmental Impact
Solar energy is renewable and clean, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering
greenhouse gas emissions.
4.Energy Independence
With solar panels and optional battery storage, homeowners can reduce their reliance on
the grid, especially during power outages or peak demand times.
ENERGY ANALYSIS
POST-MODIFICATION
5.1 Site weather data
8AM
Altitude 20
Azimuth 106
12PM
Altitude 60
Azimuth 176
4PM
Altitude 30
Azimuth 250
3.4 Shading Analysis:
Spring Equinox 8AM 12PM 4PM
HSA=∣Az−Wall Orientation∣
HSA=∣176−180∣=4° HSA=∣250−180∣=70°
HSA=∣106−180∣=74°
8AM
Altitude 37
Azimuth 83
12PM
Altitude 81
Azimuth 178
4PM
Altitude 37
Azimuth 277
3.4 Shading Analysis:
Summer Solstice 8AM 12PM 4PM
HSA=∣Az−Wall Orientation∣
HSA=∣178−180∣=2° HSA=∣277−180∣=97°
HSA=∣83−180∣= 97°
8AM
Altitude 27
Azimuth 108
12PM
Altitude 59
Azimuth 184
4PM
Altitude 24
Azimuth 255
3.4 Shading Analysis:
Autumnal Equinox 8AM 12PM 4PM
HSA=∣Az−Wall Orientation∣
HSA=∣184−180∣=4° HSA=∣255−180∣=75°
HSA=∣108−180∣=72°
8AM
Altitude 10
Azimuth 126
12PM
Altitude 35
Azimuth 180
4PM
Altitude 10
Azimuth 234
3.4 Shading Analysis:
Winter Solstice 8AM 12PM 4PM
HSA=∣Az−Wall Orientation∣
HSA=∣180−180∣=0° HSA=∣234−180∣=54°
HSA=∣126−180∣=54°
•Occupancy(Orange Line):Relatively
constant throughout the year, reflecting
constant usage, which is likely to be
influenced by the behaviour of building
occupants rather than seasonal
variations.
Heat Gains
•Description: Displays contributions from
external infiltration, general lighting, solar
gains, and internal loads such as
occupancy.
•Analysis:
• Solar Gains (yellow line): Peak
during summer months due to
increased solar exposure,
influencing cooling demand.
• Internal Gains (occupancy and
lighting): Relatively constant
throughout the year, indicating
stable usage patterns.
• Infiltration Gains: Lower during
warmer months, possibly due to
reduced wind-driven air leakage
or intentional ventilation control.
5.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Fuel Breakdown (Top Graph)
•Electricity Usage: Cooling (blue) is
the dominant electricity consumer,
especially in warmer months (June
to September), indicating a
significant cooling load during
summer.
•Heating (Gas): Gas heating (red) is
more prominent during the colder
months (January, February,
November, and December),
suggesting increased energy
demand for heating in winter.
•Lighting (Yellow): The lighting load
remains relatively constant
throughout the year, reflecting
steady usage, likely influenced by
occupant behavior rather than
seasonal variation.
5.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Temperature (°C)
•Air Temperature, Radiant Temperature,
Operative Temperature, and Outside Dry-
Bulb Temperature:
• Air temperature fluctuates
seasonally, with higher
temperatures in summer and
lower in winter.
• Operative and radiant
temperatures closely follow air
temperature trends, indicating
proper system response to
maintain thermal comfort.
• Outside dry-bulb temperature
varies significantly, affecting
both heating and cooling
demands.
5.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Heat Balance (W)
•External Infiltration (light blue):
• Relatively steady infiltration,
slightly higher in colder months
due to increased temperature
differences between indoor and
outdoor environments.
•Solar Gains Exterior Windows (yellow-
green):
• Higher during summer due to
increased solar radiation,
contributing to cooling loads.
• Lower in winter, reducing natural
heat gains.
•Zone Sensible Heating (red):
• Noticeable during winter
months, indicating increased
heating requirements.
• Absent in warmer months.
•Zone Sensible Cooling (blue):
• Significant cooling required in
summer months.
• Minimal or no cooling in winter.
5.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Insights:
•The building experiences high cooling
loads in summer and high heating loads
in winter.
•Proper insulation and glazing could
reduce both heating and cooling
demands.
•Steady lighting consumption indicates
consistent energy use that could benefit
from energy-efficient lighting solutions.
5.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
Temperature Trends
•Description: Shows air temperature,
radiant temperature, operative
temperature, and outside dry-bulb
temperature.
•Analysis:
• Outside Dry-Bulb Temperature
(dark blue): Follows a typical
annual temperature profile in
Amman, with hot summers and
cool winters.
• Indoor Operative and Radiant
Temperatures: Stay within a
narrow range, suggesting
effective thermal management
and insulation.
• Difference Between Internal and
External Temperatures: Indicates
the efficiency of the building's
HVAC and envelope systems in
maintaining indoor comfort.
5.8 Fuel breakdown
report on energy consumption for heating, cooling, and
electric lighting on a monthly, daily, and yearly basis.
•Natural gas and additional sources have no recorded usage (0.00 kWh/m²); LEED emphasizes
reducing EUI compared to the baseline model.
•End use percentages are as follows: interior lighting (35.09%), receptacle equipment (43.79%),
and space cooling (21.12%), which are key energy drivers for optimization.
•Full load hours range between 6,072 and 6,073, with slight variations for hours exceeding 1%;
these schedules are critical for accurate LEED energy modeling.
•Photovoltaic and wind energy contributions are zero; integrating renewable energy systems can
earn LEED points.
5.11 LEED certification
•LEED Requirement: Points are awarded based on the percentage improvement in energy performance above the
baseline:
•1-18 points for LEED v4 (depending on % improvement).
•Example thresholds: 6% improvement = 1 point; 50% improvement = 18 points.
•Comparison:
•No improvement over baseline is provided.
•Energy use (61,737.18 kWh total) and electricity EUI (205.60 kWh/m²) are relatively high. LEED projects typically
aim for reductions by optimizing lighting, equipment, HVAC, and introducing renewable energy.
Conclusion
1.Energy Optimization as a Core Objective:
The analysis highlights that energy efficiency is a critical factor in achieving sustainable building performance. Implementing
smart energy management systems, renewable energy integration, and passive design principles will significantly reduce
energy consumption.