Since energy modeling is a big part of BIM, I have decided to get my LEED GA accreditation. I have always had an interest in building energy analysis, and a combination between Revit, Ecotect, and Green Building Studios just lets me visualize a building's energy performance.
A few steps to know:
gbXML vs DXF
gbXML (Green Building Extensible Markup Language) is good for:
- exports the model as model analysis data, meaning all rooms from Revit are imported as spaces and all material names from Revit are imported
- whole building energy use and cost
- water use and cost
- carbon emissions
- heating and cooling load analysis
- LCA
- HVAC equipment sizing
- lighting analysis
- and more
- exports the model in 3D geometry, meaning that the model is exported in layers, not material, i.e. exporting curtain walls in DXF will result in the curtain walls being a solid in Ecotect because the curtain wall is a solid layer
- spaces were not exported in DXF and should be defined under the zones tab
- before importing the model, make sure to specify the scale by multiplying by 25.4 to convert from SI units
Make sure that the rooms in the Revit model are properly enclosed, because any room that is not properly enclosed, Ecotect will analyse it as the outdoor space, giving you inaccurate energy analysis.
Loading different weather data from the web site:
Keep the model simple. DO NOT import details because Ecotect does not see details, it only recognizes spaces and openings.