Perth & Kinross Council - Building Performance Modelling

Perth & Kinross

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Due to significant cost saving benefits, Perth and Kinross Council have approved IESVE as its preferred software package for all projects from initial design through to handover, commissioning and operation.

Key Facts

  • IESVE named as preferred software package for energy modelling after market evaluation
  • Preferred modelling software to be used by external consultants
  • Realised significant cost savings in the past 2 years
  • Leading by example with innovative integrated modelling processes

The energy management team at Perth and Kinross Council have been using the IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) for just over two years. The team have developed innovative new processes to ensure the Council’s building projects are as energy efficient as possible.

The council began using the software to model CIBSE loads and carry out heat loss calculations to enable the appropriate sizing of HVAC systems. Over the last two years the team have significantly progressed in their use of IESVE and have discovered the benefits of using it as part of a truly integrated modelling process. From building models to perform concept design analysis, such as solar, building orientation and location, and climate, to performing detailed load profile calculations in order to be able to analyse the models and see what improvements were required.

The council have used IESVE to pinpoint ways to improve their existing portfolio and energy efficiency. Many buildings in the Perth and Kinross area were built in the 1900s and their EPC ratings are currently around G and F levels. Using the software internally, the council have conducted Building Condition Surveys to see what improvements can be made.

On seeing the benefits that performance modelling with IESVE can bring, the council recently changed their specification to be very focussed on this, naming the IESVE as their preferred modelling tool for all outsourced work. In perceiving the way the industry has evolved, the council has moved beyond a compliance focused approach and is using the building models much more innovatively to ensure the actual buildings are performing as intended. 

Its process requires that its chosen contractor provides the IESVE model at the very start of the project in order for the Council’s energy management team to review the model and ensure it is up to the required standard of the specification. This starts out as an initial ‘compliance model’ and then becomes a ‘developed model’ which the contractor is required to update throughout the lifecycle of the project and then provide to the council at the end of the job so it can be compared to the actual in-use model. From project to project the council has, over time, refined its processes based on lessons learnt.

Taking things a step further, the council are now using IES iSCAN software to manage the operational performance of its buildings. In using IES software throughout the entire lifecycle of the building, from concept design through to handover, commissioning and operation they are able to keep a close eye on the project and continuously update the model to ensure the building is performing as designed. This continuous learning process means that with each project the council can create benchmark models that they can then use for future reference on other projects. 

“We’ve added IES to our specification as our preferred modelling software because of the success we’ve had with it. The support we’ve had from IES in the package we’ve got is great and we’ve just invested in some more training as well. We’ve also noted significant cost savings, particularly from our £10 million corporate office refurbishment where we used iSCAN which highlighted a lot of alteration required at commissioning, handover and in use stages.” 
- Chris Anton, Energy Officer, Perth & Kinross Council
 

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