Environmental Modelling

[mw-fox]

Dear Designers.

For my MSc I am currently researching into environmental modeling as a tool for very the early design stages of a project. The theory is that there should be a simple tool that can be used to simulate sketch designs - to get the basic principles right before getting planning permission!

I would appreciate any thoughts on this, and I have also put together a 2min questionnaire, and I would appreciate anyone filling this in for my research:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=z1mFBI0WgnaHgJDCfMJz5g_3d_3d

Many thanks, Matt

[Tobobo]

Done

[Gaieus]

Hi Matt,

I am quite far from any kind of environmental or other design o may just "start" some suggestions here: have a look at the "SketchUp and Green Design" session video (and downloadable PDF's) from BaseCamp 2008.

Also, I remember that there was a kind of "contest" on such a topic at BaseCamp and quite many members here participated so you might get more proper avice from others.

[idraft]

Check out here http://www.ecobob.co.nz/ for some New Zealand Eco home ideas.
Web based tools for energy design - http://www.wbdg.org/tools/tools.php
BRANZ annual loss factor tool may help you ? downnload the "AFL" tool http://www.branz.co.nz/cms_display.php?sn=17&st=1&pg=1431

And these links are more likely what your after if SU compatablity is required.
Energy Rating software

IES Intergrated Environmental Software
http://www.iesve.com/content/
http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s156 (SU Plugin)

YOU can thank me later

Cheers jeff

[mw-fox]

Thanks for giving me the links, very useful guys!
Matt