by Ann Withanee — August 5, 2011—The Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) award-winning performance analysis software suite, the Virtual Environment, played an integral role in the energy review of two planned Nunavut Research Institute (NRI) buildings at Arctic College in Iqaluit, Canada.
Led by consulting and engineering services firm MCW Custom Energy Solutions Ltd. (MCW), the IES Virtual Environment (VE) software was used to help justify design changes that led to a reduction in annual energy use in each building of 12 and 13 percent, respectively, beyond the original design.
The NRI project presented a unique challenge because of its heating-intensive climate, the fact that energy has to be shipped on-site in the form of fuel oil, and its extremely high operating costs, notes MCW.
Located in a remote part of Canada that faces extremely high heating demands and energy costs, the Government of Nunavut Community and Government Services (GN CGS) enlisted MCW to find opportunities to improve energy efficiency related to design documentation proposed for two new research buildings.
IES VE technology was used to develop a detailed energy analysis to review the buildings’ energy consumption, performance and occupant comfort. MCW chose the software for its superior graphics, accurate energy calculation, and detailed HVAC and building envelope modeling functions.
