Energy Modeling for Marin Elementary School, Albany, CA

Category: Schools

Energy Modeling Components: Envelope, Mechanical, Domestic Hot Water, Lighting

Reason for Energy Modeling: Performance Compliance with the California Energy Code

Completion Date: 2023

Owner: Albany Unified School District

Architect: LCA ARCHITECTS

Mechanical Contractor: Bay City Mechanical

For Building D at Marin Elementary School, a newly constructed structure, our team undertook an in-depth energy modeling exercise. The results were nothing short of impressive, with a substantial 44.6% improvement over the standard design. The design blueprint we evaluated featured a high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system dedicated to air-conditioning. Integral to our energy model was the building envelope, constructed of wood-stud walls bolstered with R-21 insulation. The fenestration was particularly noteworthy, with a u-factor of 0.29 and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.70. A pivotal reason for undertaking this energy modeling was the building's window-to-wall ratio, which exceeded the code's minimum prescription. However, our analysis conclusively demonstrated that, despite having a fenestration ratio higher than the code's minimum, our building design was adept at significantly outperforming a baseline or standard building.