Presentation Title:
Loads & Codes: Why updating “Rules of Thumb” is Essential to Delivering Value
Track C: Decarbonization and Electrification Strategies
Session C1: Building Decarbonization
Day 1 - March 11, 2026Â 2:30 pm
Speaker(s):
Abstract:
| Accurate HVAC load calculations and system sizing are critical to achieving high-performance, low-carbon buildings. ASHRAE Fundamentals provides the foundation for these calculations through the Heat Balance Method, which captures the dynamic interactions between envelope, internal gains, and systems. Proper application of these methods is essential for desired thermal comfort and increased equipment reliability while also reducing lifecycle carbon. As buildings transition toward electrification and renewable integration, load calculations inform critical metrics such as the Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI), Energy Use Intensity (EUI), and Carbon Use Intensity (CUI). Incorporating hourly load simulation, climate-specific design data, and realistic occupancy profiles enhances the precision of sizing and supports optimization across thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and cost. This session will explore the significance of advancing load calculations to not just include peak design day conditions, discuss potential policy changes to promote advanced load and sizing methods into more building designs, and share what building design teams are doing today to implement these advances into real building designs. Ultimately, HVAC load analysis is not only a procedural task but also a key decarbonization strategy. By integrating sound fundamentals in an integrated design process with lifecycle and carbon accounting frameworks, engineers and architects can align design intent with performance outcomes—delivering systems that lower lifecycle carbon without increasing first cost. |