Wish you had a crystal ball to predict energy use and cost before construction begins? Energy modeling gives you exactly that—data-driven foresight.
When owners and design teams skip this step, they often face costly inefficiencies, underperforming systems, or missed compliance targets down the line. Whether you're trying to meet code, hit a certification target, or manage lifecycle costs, energy modeling helps you make informed decisions early—when they’re easiest and cheapest to change.
It’s not just about compliance—it’s about confidence. With Emerald Built Environment’s energy modeling expertise, you gain more than just a simulation—you get actionable insight, aligned with your goals for cost savings, certifications, and long-term performance. Our team connects the dots between energy use and sustainable design, helping you reduce risk, maximize ROI, and build smarter from day one.
What Is Energy Modeling?
Energy modeling is a sophisticated simulation that analyzes how a building will consume energy based on design choices. It considers factors like lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, and even the building’s orientation to predict energy use and costs. More than just a compliance tool, energy modeling helps owners and designers proactively optimize efficiency, ensuring buildings perform as expected—without costly surprises down the line.
What Stages of Building Is Energy Modeling Appropriate For?
Energy modeling adds value at multiple stages of a building’s lifecycle:
Early Design
Helps shape the building’s orientation, insulation choices, and mechanical systems for peak efficiency.
Final Design & Engineering
Fine-tunes systems for cost-effective energy performance.
Construction & Post-Occupancy
Ensures the building operates as efficiently as intended, with real-world data informing ongoing optimization.
What Are the Benefits of Energy Modeling?
Cost Savings
Avoids overbuilt or inefficient systems, reducing upfront and operational costs.
Performance Optimization
Ensures mechanical systems, lighting, and insulation work in harmony for peak efficiency.
Risk Reduction
Minimizes surprises by forecasting energy use, helping owners avoid costly miscalculations.
Compliance & Incentives
Meets sustainability standards like LEED and unlocks potential tax credits and rebates.
What’s Involved?
A detailed energy model accounts for:
- Building orientation and climate impact
- HVAC system efficiency and controls
- Lighting design and daylighting strategies
- Renewable energy potential (like solar panels)
- Insulation, roofing, and window performance
Blogs
Explore our curated blog posts to learn how energy modeling supports smarter design, certification goals, and long-term building performance. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to refine your approach, these insights can help you make more informed, energy-conscious decisions.
Starting Your Sustainability Journey: Your Questions Answered
In today's rapidly evolving world of sustainable buildings, conducting energy modeling
Energy Modeling as a Design Assist Tool
When it comes to designing new builds or renovations, energy planning is a real challenge — and is often deprioritized in the early design stages
What Is Energy Modeling? [VIDEO]
Imagine that you’ve hired architects and a set of engineers to design a new 6-story office building that will have an upscale restaurant on the first floor.
Navigating Net Zero: Your Top Questions Answered
Have you ever wondered about the nitty-gritty details of net zero and how it impacts your business?
At Emerald Built Environments, a Crete United Company, we translate energy modeling into actionable insights that help you design, build, and operate high-performance buildings.
Whether you’re looking to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, or achieve sustainability goals, our team makes energy modeling work for you. Let’s talk about how we can optimize your next project.