BIM Curriculum Unit 3 – Green Building Design

Unit 3 Lesson 1 Tutorial 1: Finding the optimum Building Orientation

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Prepare BIM models for energy analysis.
• Export model geometry using the gbXML file format.
• Import gbXML model data into analysis tools, such as Autodesk® Ecotect® Analysis software and Autodesk® Green Building Studio® web service.
• Use the Ecotect Analysis weather tool to find the optimum building orientation based on solar effects.
• Use Green Building Studio design alternatives to determine the optimum orientation based on energy use.

Unit 3 Lesson 1 Tutorial 2: comparing Massing and Shape Alternatives

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Use simple BIM models to evaluate the energy use of different building massing and shape alternatives.
• Use Green Building Studio to estimate the total annual energy use for each alternative.
• Explore the impacts of different massing strategies on fuel use versus electricity use.

Unit 3 Lesson 1 Tutorial 3: Designing Architectural Shading Features

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Use Autodesk® Revit® Architecture software to evaluate the impact of sun and shadows on a building design.
• Design and evaluate architectural features to optimize the use of sunlight throughout the year.
• Estimate potential energy savings of proposed design features using Green Building Studio.

Unit 3 Lesson 2 Tutorial 1: Evaluating the Impact of material Thermal Properties

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Specify building materials for wall and roof surfaces in Autodesk® Green Building Studio® software as a service (SaaS).
• Create design alternatives to evaluate the energy use impact of different wall types.
• Analyze and compare building materials choices that affect estimated energy costs.

Unit 3 Lesson 2 Tutorial 2: Designing for Thermal Comfort

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Define thermal zones, and specify the number of occupants, time of use, and heating and cooling system properties.
• Use the Ecotect Analysis data grid to analyze the thermal comfort of regions within a space.
• Estimate the energy resources required to maintain a room’s temperature within the comfort range.
• Analyze and comparing the impacts of changing building material properties.
• Assess the energy use impact of changing the limits of the comfort range.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 Tutorial 1: Estimating a Demand Baseline and improving Efficiency

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Use Green Building Studio to estimate the plumbing fixture requirements and water use based on building size and type.
• Adjust the fixture estimates to match the actual numbers placed in the BIM model.
• Evaluate the water use impact of specifying high-efficiency plumbing fixtures.
• Determine the LEED points available for different levels of water use reduction.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 Tutorial 2: Offsetting Water Use Through Net-Zero Measures

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Use Green Building Studio to explore the impact of net-zero measures that use innovative strategies to reduce dependence on water from utilities.
• Estimate the water use reductions available through greywater reclamation.
• Explore the potential reduction available through rainwater harvesting.
• Determine the LEED points available by using these net-zero measures.

Unit 3 Lesson 4 Tutorial 1: Estimating a Demand baseline and Improving Efficiency

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Use Green Building Studio to estimate annual electrical use based on building size and type.
• Evaluate the electrical end use impact of specifying high-efficiency lighting fixtures, controls, and HVAC systems.
• Use design alternatives to compare strategies for reducing electrical use.
• Determine the LEED points available for different levels of power use reduction.

Unit 3 Lesson 4 Tutorial 2: Offsetting Power use  Through Net-Zero Measures

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Evaluate the photovoltaic potential of building surfaces by considering the solar energy available at the project location as well as the orientation and tilt of each of the surfaces.
• Determine which surfaces of a building are worthwhile candidates for photovoltaic panels by considering the payback period required to offset the cost of installing the panels.
• Calculate the LEED points available by using photovoltaic panels to generate power on-site and reduce reliance on utilities.

Unit 3 Lesson 5 Tutorial 1: Analyzing the Daylighting Provided in a Design

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Use the Autodesk® Ecotect® Analysis grid to calculate the daylighting levels at various locations within a design.
• Set daylighting analysis assumptions to create an accurate estimate.
• Compare different types of lighting level analyses and the information they provide.

Unit 3 Lesson 5 Tutorial 2: Adding Design Features to Improve Daylighting

In this exercise, students will learn how to:

• Model architectural features to improve the daylighting conditions within a space.
• Increase daylighting through window and skylight placement.
• Decrease daylighting through shading.
• Analyze the effectiveness of proposed design changes.