A really useful design tool that has been around for more than 20 years is system modeling or program simulation software. Used initially in the 1970s for energy analysis and life-cycle analysis, today it can be used as an integral part of project delivery goals. This building criteria based on infrastructure performance should be a standard requirement for any building program looking to invest in a new facility, and/or the renovation of an existing facility. So, what is system modeling?
Another part of system modeling is to insert the types of hvac equipment and system options that could be provided to service this new or renovated building. The system modeling can simulate a number of "wet" systems (centrifugal chillers, heat pumps, thermal storage, etc.) and also a number of "air-side" systems (variable-air volume, reheat, double duct, etc.). Along with system analysis, the software should include the operational costs associated with each of these systems, first cost, operation and maintenance cost, life-cycle costs, etc.