Integrating energy simulation into the design process of high performance buildings: A case study of the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center

The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center is designed to be a net-zero energy building.  This paper explains how simulation modelling was integrated into the design process to achieve the design goals.  Simulation was used to evaluate the building shell, including natural ventilation potential as well as evaluate individual HVAC components.  The simulation model was also used to size HVAC equipment and evaluate control strategies. The simulation model underestimated actual energy use.  Differences between model and actual energy use are discussed.