Trial / Demo
The IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) enabled CBRE to accurately model complex HVAC and hot water systems, streamline LEED documentation, and demonstrate exceptional energy performance for a new 3,630 m² R&D office and laboratory facility in Sweden. The project is targeting LEED v4 certification, achieving significant energy and emissions reductions under the 2024 update of the Optimize Energy Performance credit.
CBRE undertook dynamic simulation modelling to support LEED certification for a new two-storey research and development facility in Sweden. The objective was to quantify and optimize the building’s energy performance, demonstrating compliance with LEED v4’s stringent energy performance requirements while ensuring modelling transparency for USGBC review.
The project targeted an ambitious 14 points under the Optimize Energy Performance (2024 update) credit — a notable achievement given the more stringent criteria introduced in this version of the rating system. Through the use of IESVE’s integrated modelling tools, CBRE was able to deliver precise results to substantiate these high-performance levels.
Modelling Approach
Using IESVE, CBRE utilised ModelIT, SunCast, Apache, ApacheHVAC, VistaPro, and the ASHRAE 90.1 PRM and ECB Navigators to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the proposed design.
IESVE provided a seamless workflow from geometry creation and thermal analysis through to detailed HVAC modelling and automated LEED reporting. The ASHRAE 90.1 Navigator ensured all modelling steps followed the prescribed process, reducing the risk of omissions when iterating design updates or revising baseline assumptions.
ApacheHVAC was central to the process, enabling detailed simulation of chiller condenser heat recovery for domestic hot water (DHW) — a key sustainability strategy for the building. This feature eliminated the need for external spreadsheet calculations, saving time and simplifying LEED submission documentation.
Results
The energy modelling demonstrated a 56.5% improvement in source energy use and 54.7% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline, equating to 14 LEED points under the Optimize Energy Performance (2024 update) credit.
These results reflect both the design’s inherent efficiency and the precision of the IESVE modelling approach, providing a strong foundation for LEED certification and performance verification.
Why IESVE?
CBRE’s energy modelling team exclusively uses IESVE for detailed dynamic simulation. The software’s comprehensive toolset, from building envelope analysis to HVAC simulation and LEED reporting, enabled the team to manage the entire modelling process within one environment.
“IESVE provides a robust workflow for building energy modelling, from geometry creation, detailed HVAC simulation, to results analysis and automated report creation - all in one tool. The LEED modelling process is well-supported by the ASHRAE 90.1 Navigator, making compliance straightforward and transparent.”
Attila Kopanyi, Senior Engineer, CBRE
