Simulation Based Tools

 

RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS MATRIX

 

Our first deliverable, the Resource Requirements Matrix, addresses various sustainability issues. Those issues are related to energy, human factors, materials and resource management. They are also distinguished between present, short term and long term. On the x – axis we have the various resources and the proposed measurement we concluded after the series of simulations we commenced. Finally we have another column which explains the benefits that simulation gives to each different study.

 

 

 

Parameter

Time required

Knowledge required

Data required

People

Computing

Benefits of Simulation

ENERGY RELATED ISSUES

PRESENT

Equipment sizing

2

2

3

2

2

Less capital and running cost

SHORT TERM

Cost of fuel

1

2

2

1

1/2

Less running cost

Passive heating and cooling

2

2

2/3

1

2

More accuracy

Low plant requirements

Less emissions

Less running and capital cost

Energy consumption

1

2

2/3

1

2

Low consumption of utilities

Less emissions

LONG TERM

M&T

3

2

1

1/2

2

Identify overconsumption (accurately and faster)

Source off fuel (ren and non ren)

2

2

2/3

1

1

Less emissions

Less running cost

Life cycle energy cost

3

3

3

3

2/3

Increase life of the building

Decrease energy consumption

Comply with probable legislation and future needs

HUMAN FACTORS

PRESENT

 

Fire and Safety

2

3

2

2

2/3

More accuracy in prediction of flow paths and hazards

Lighting

1

2

2

1

2

Less use of energy

Visual comfort

Increase in productivity

SHORT TERM

Thermal comfort

1

2

3

1

2/3

Increase in productivity

 

LONG TERM

Indoor air quality

1

2

3

1

2/3

Health

Acoustics*

2

3

2/3

2

2

Increase in productivity

Health

Better performance of certain types of buildings

Emissions

1

2

2/3

1

2

Health

Compliance with legislation

MATERIALS

PRESENT

 

Choice of materials

2

2

2/3

1/2

1/2

Less running cost

SHORT TERM

Alternative/ recyclable materials

2

2

2/3

1/2

1/2

Less running cost

More environment friendly

LONG TERM

Low embodied energy materials

3

2

2/3

1/2

1/2

Less running cost

More environment friendly

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES

LONG TERM

Water conservation

3

2

1/2

1

2

Less running cost

 

Waste management

3

2

1/2

1

2

Health

Compliance with legislation

 

Proposed Scoring

As a group we realised that it wasn’t feasible to input specific numbers in our matrix. So we decided to implement a scale from 1 – 3 in order to show how intensive a program is and what amount of resources is needed.

 Time:

1.     Short time (order of a day)

2.     Moderate time (order of a week)

3.     Longer Time (order of months)

 

Knowledge:

1.     Basic (common sense/general knowledge)

2.     Advanced (training may be required)

3.     Specific (out-house support may be required)

 

Data:

1.     Field data required

2.     Data usually found in guides

3.     Detailed databases required

 

People:

1.     One person

2.     Two or three persons

3.     More than three persons

 

Computing:

1.     Manual or calculator required

2.     Typical PC/laptop required

3.     More powerful computer required

 

NOTE:        Software may be platform specific and may be specific for the simulation of a certain aspect of the built environment only.