Building Information Modeling and Saving the Planet by conserving energy

I started designing HVAC systems many years ago.  I discovered that designing correctly required more than just a good knowledge of piping, ductwork, and how to calculate the loads.  I found out that large libraries of equipment catalogs, a good rolodex and patience were necessary to assemble all the facts about equipment.  I also found out that carefully following the design changes and revising drawings as they occurred, was a tedious job, if not downright boring and deadening.  Good ole Thomas Edisons 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration rule was exemplified.

This, of course, was when the only things an HVAC engineer did not do by hand was running his Carrier E20 load program on a Tandy TRS Model III by Radio Shack. That was 1980.

Today, with desktop computing, everything can done all on one screen without even getting out of ones chair.   Calculations, Equipment researching and  selection, and drawings are that information which is the heart and soul of the design work.  But it IS about the information. Make no mistake about it.  If you strip everything but the information, your still left with enough to bid, construct, test, occupy, operate, maintain, repair, overhaul, buy and sell, lease and eventually tear down your building and/or the systems in it.

Information in all kinds of detail is what Building Information Modeling will give us, once it is implemented correctly.  The design processes that create good green buildings can be massively improved and integrated with the right data used in the correct manner.  Sounds easy, doesn’t it.  THIS IS THE CHALLENGE.  Next