Compliance & Performance Modelling
From the use of computer modelling to comply with the SANS 10400-XA standard, to integrating the work of architects and engineers, we help you find the sustainability “sweet-spot” for both compliance and building optimisation.
COMPLIANCE & PERFORMANCE MODELLING
Use powerful engineering software tools to comply with national standards, learn about your building, improve its design for the local climate and/or ensure it meets green building certification criteria.
At Ecolution Consulting, we take an integrated approach to optimise building performance and energy end-use. We collaborate with architects, designers, engineers, owners, and the operational team at every stage of the process to ensure that we achieve significant energy and cost savings that will last over the lifetime of the building.
We encourage you to exceed the minimum requirements of building energy use standards and future-proof your building through our design and certification modelling services. Design for greater comfort and efficiency.
All our modelling services are carefully crafted to suit project budgets and timelines
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SANS 10400-XA Modelling
Evaluate and certify your building to ensure it complies with the National Standard.
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Early Stage Design Modelling
Simplified, low cost, climate responsive design and planning for building design in early stages.
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Design Optimisation Modelling
Comprehensive responsive design and planning that builds on early stage design modelling.
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Certification Modelling
Evaluate and certify building performance based on Green Star and/or LEED certification.
Understanding Energy Modelling for SANS 10400-XA Compliance
In South-Africa all new buildings and renovations to existing buildings must comply with SANS 10400-XA – energy usage in buildings.s
In South-Africa all new buildings and renovations to existing buildings must comply with SANS 10400-XA – energy usage in buildings. Ecolution follows the holistic approach that incorporates all building attributes into one energy model. In this way, your building’s assessment benefits from clever sustainable design (unlike the alternative strict ‘deemed-to-satisfy’ approach). Our modelling approach rewards you by eliminating much of the red tape for building energy approval and expands design freedom.
We encourage you to exceed the minimum requirements of this building energy use standard. Future-proof your building through our design and certification modelling services. Design for greater comfort and efficiency.
You can choose one of two routes to comply:
RECcomended - Rational Assessment (Modelling)
✓ A 3D computer energy model is built, and detail of location, envelope fabric, operation and systems are assigned.
✓ With modelling, design freedom is possible again. You can balance energy efficiency and cost, and select glazing, shading and insulation that suits your design and performance expectations.
✓ Hourly Computer simulations are done for a full year. This test compares building system efficiency to the Standard’s energy benchmarks.
NOT reccomended - Deemed-to-Satisfy (Prescriptive)
X This route follows a check-list approach to comply with the Standard’s minimum requirements.
XStrict minimum glazing – calculations required
XStrict minimum roof insulation
X This route may lead to high-cost performance glazing, which in some cases can be unnecessary.
See our full performance modelling ‘journey’ here.
Why Choose Ecolution Consulting to guide your Building Performance Modelling?
Building performance modelling is a cornerstone of sustainability at Ecolution. With the use of sophisticated software, our experienced engineering team maximises your building’s sustainability performance by finding the perfect balance between indoor thermal comfort, optimal daylight and energy efficiency. We design in response to your building’s climate by accentuating bespoke features for balanced solar control, natural ventilation cooling, and passive systems to meet your design budget and long term operational savings.
Ecolution’s services are tailored to enable all building types to afford performance modelling. We apply modelling at all stages of your building’s ‘life cycle’ to reduce energy cost and improve comfort; starting at basic concept modelling, to advanced performance modelling, SANS 10400-XA and Green Star certification modelling, and operational performance audits, all integrated into Ecolution’s broader service offering.