Conference Agenda

Session
Grid-Friendly Buildings of the Future
Time:
Thursday, 14/Aug/2025:
9:10am - 10:10am

Location: Cripple Creek 2


Session Abstract

This session presents innovative approaches to enhance building energy modeling workflows and tool integration. A BIM-BEM workflow integrates HVAC and lighting systems through shared occupancy sensor data for coordinated design. Research reveals how independently modeling energy efficiency measures leads to inaccurate savings predictions by neglecting synergies between measures. A Standard 232 case study explores standardized data exchange formats to improve interoperability between building performance software. These presentations highlight advancing methodologies for more accurate modeling and streamlined workflows.


Presentations

A Building Electrical System Design Workflow that supports Hybrid AC and DC distribution

Anay Waghale, Michael Poplawski

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, United States of America

Building electrical systems have become more complicated, as designers navigate, for example, if and how to integrate DC distribution with traditional AC approaches in order to more efficiently deliver power to DC loads or connect resiliency-providing battery systems. Existing design tools often focus on narrow objectives (e.g., safety) and are not interoperable. Comprehensive design evaluations thus typically require modeling systems in multiple tools, a process that is often inconsistent with project time and cost limitations. This presentation outlines a workflow that leverages BIM and semantic data modelling to generate Modelica models that enable high-fidelity power-flow simulation of building electrical systems.



Navigating the U.S. Electric Grid: An Essential Guide

Amanda Bogner, Kyle Rieth

Catalyst Partners, LLC, United States of America

As buildings become increasingly electrified and energy-intensive, designers must understand how their buildings interact with the U.S. electric grid. This session introduces the structure of the national grid, the roles of key stakeholders, and the critical differences between generation, transmission, and distribution. Attendees will explore concepts of reliability and resilience, examine emerging trends like all-electric buildings and demand response, and learn how thoughtful design can support grid stability. The session highlights how architectural choices can modify, disrupt, or align with grid load profiles—empowering designers to create buildings that are energy-efficient, resilient, and compatible with a low-carbon, grid-integrated future.