Thermal performance modelling.
Thermal Performance Modelling/Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
Our science team use NatHERS accredited software, BERSPro, to analyse the thermal performance of a home’s design and construction. It is tailored to Canberra’s climate to predict your home’s heating and cooling requirements, room by room.
The software requires exact dimensions, construction materials and methods, insulation levels, orientation, location, layout, site conditions – and uses 30 years’ worth of average hourly weather data, and exact solar position, throughout a year in Canberra – to calculate how much energy is needed to keep the house comfortable all year round.
We then provide independent, expert advice on practical and cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.¹
Our service can save you time and money by working with you or your architect to:
determine the most cost-effective energy retrofit measures or design changes for your existing home
incorporate sustainability considerations into a house design from the very beginning, maximising the thermal benefits at minimal (if any) extra cost.
The computer simulation includes a wide range of factors that impact a home’s energy efficiency such as: natural ventilation, air leakage, thermal mass, roof spaces, sub-floor spaces, skylights, horizontal reflective air gaps, windows, eave projections and offsets and external shading structures such as neighbouring buildings, trees and fences.
EER modelling process
1. Thermal performance simulation and advice on cost-effective improvements
Simulate the performance of the design in BERSPro, as specified on the plans and confirmed during a site visit.
Identify strongest and weakest areas of thermal performance.
Provide feedback in terms of star rating (predicted heating and cooling loads) for overall design and individual rooms/zones.
Advise on the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of the house.
2. Advanced design optimisation
Run simulations to quantify, in relative terms, the benefit of changes to:
the design (e.g. changing floor or window areas, adding doors to allow zoning)
construction methods/materials (e.g. reverse brick veneer, concrete panels, lightweight cladding)
individual products/materials (e.g. altering the type/performance levels of insulation and glazing).
Provide feedback in terms of star rating (predicted heating and cooling loads) for overall design and individual rooms/zones.
Advise on the most cost-effective ways to achieve desired star rating.
3. Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) Certificate (if required/requested)
Electronically issue an EER certificate, once final specifications are agreed and implemented.
Fees for our thermal performance modelling service can be found here.
References
1. ACT Government (2003), Outreach Energy and Water Efficiency Program Case study report – Sect. 3.2 p12-13 http://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/581608/Outreach_Energy_and_Water_Efficiency_program.pdf