Envelope retrofit analysis using eQUEST, IESVE Revit Plug-in and Green Building Studio: a university dormitory case study

Abstract

Three building analysis software programs, DOE-2 eQUEST, IESVE Revit Plug-in and Autodesk Green Building Studio, are used to quantify the predicted energy savings of a scheduled envelope retrofit on a university dormitory. The study includes investigating the potential energy savings created by the removal and replacement of all original windows and exterior non-structural infill brick panels coupled with installation of supplementary insulation materials between the new brick panels and the interior concrete masonry unit walls. The rehabilitation will take place in four over 7000 m2 seven-storey residence halls originally constructed in 1965. Reports generated from baseline design simulations are compared with real energy consumption data in order to ascertain the accuracy of the three modelling programmes. Analysis of the retrofit proposal is carried out by comparing results of each retrofit design alternative against the baseline and assessing CO 2 emissions reduction resulting from the proposed retrofit process. Advantages and disadvantages of each modelling programme are also discussed.