After performing an energy analysis, use the Energy Cost Range dashboard to understand how adjustments to specific variables can reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.
When you send an energy simulation to Green Building Studio, the simulation plus an additional 60 or more alternative simulations are performed using an algorithm that tests energy variables. The resulting alternative simulation results are used to create the Energy Cost Range dashboard.
This dashboard is available from the Results and Compare window. When you select an analysis in the left pane and click the Energy Cost Range tab, a dashboard displays the annual energy cost range, with the energy cost mean displayed in the center of the dial. Tick marks below the mean indicate how much further you can reduce energy costs by adjusting variables.
Each of the remaining charts on the dashboard represents a single variable, such as lighting efficiency or wall insulation. A relatively flat line graph indicates that the variable will not impact energy cost substantially. However, where a line graph shows a decline, energy costs can be improved by changing the variable. Move the cursor over points in the line graph to see more information for each value.
For each chart, you can drag the blue markers along the X axis to change the range of values for that variable. Change one or more variables, and then check the energy cost mean displayed at the top of the dashboard. It updates automatically to reflect changes to the variables. Iterate the design until you have achieved the desired sustainability rating at an acceptable cost.
For more information, see the Green Building Studio help.