This applies to Version 1.2.1.0
Guardian Glass for BIM version 1.2 includes an Energy Code Lookup function where codes will be suggested based on Site Location in the Revit model.
In the USA, the appropriate ASHRAE or IECC code will be displayed in the drop-down list and may be selected for compliance checking. The project zone will also be used to provide suitable suggestions. Not all regions are currently supported but more Codes will be added to our database. Users may also create Codes for different projects with suitable values and these will also appear in the drop-down list. These Codes are saved online and can be accessed in future sessions with the application.
Click into the drop-down list to review and select a suggested Energy Code based on the project location in Revit. If the project location is modified in Revit use the Refresh Codes button to get new suggestions. NOTE: If the site location is modified for the model in Revit, the Building Manager should always be opened again and new Solar Results calculated for this location.
Custom Codes may also be created by linking to your online Account. Use the pencil icon to link to the Codes section of your Account. You can also access this anytime by going to your Account and clicking into the Codes section.
Click on the Create Code button and enter a name and values for element categories (Roof, Floor, Wall and Glazing). These values may be based on a suitable Energy Code for the project eg ASHRAE/IECC, UK Part L, or any Code recommended by your Regional Authorities. Maximum Glazing Percentage Allowed may also be entered.
The units used are based on your User Preferences in your Account. These may be modified by going to your profile area. Units may be changed in the drop-down list.
Once the Custom Code is saved online, you may return to the Revit Add-in. Use the Refresh Codes button in the Add-in to display the new Energy Code that was created. This can then be selected. The values will be displayed alongside the actual average thermal values for the element properties in the model. If elements do not meet these target values, the project values will display in red. Elements with incomplete or without thermal properties will display warning symbols.
NOTE: Users are advised to confirm the values suggested as no responsibility is taken for inappropriate code values. Custom Codes with modified or updated values may always be created by the User and imported as shown above. Currently ASHRAE 2007 -2019, IECC 2006 – 2021, Title 24 (California Standards), selected US State Energy Codes, Ireland Part L and UK Part L are included. Other regions such as Canada and Australia are to be added soon. Zone maps are used in an effort to provide the correct Code values but these may not always be precise. Please confirm that the values displayed are suitable for your project.
This applies to Version 1.1.6.0
You may create your own Building/Energy Code for your project with appropriate values as references. A default Code is displayed as a placeholder only and is not expected to be used for projects. When creating a Code, input values which align with appropriate Regional Codes for your project. Thermal values will highlight as compliant or non-compliant (in red) for Elemental Thermal Performances.
A default Building Code is provided in the drop-down list as a placeholder only, but this cannot be edited and it is recommended that you create their own Code/Building Standard with values to suit your project location. For example, Users with projects in the USA, could create an Energy Code using values from Ashrae 90.1 or IECC. Users in the UK might create an Energy Code using the Approved Document UK Part L which applies to that country. European designers may use appropriate regulatory guidelines for your country or Eurocodes.
Helpful information and guidance is provided here in Guidance on Building Energy Codes.
To the right of the Selected Code box are tools to allow Custom Energy Code creation. Icons allow Creation of a new Code, Editing the Code that is currently displayed in the box and Deletion of the Code that is currently displayed. Note: the Apply button is only present for Mass models.
When creating a Code, you may input values for each element type. This will then be used as a reference for the thermal values assigned to Revit ‘elements’ (walls/floors/roofs/glazing). Codes that are created can later be edited, deleted or renamed. You may create several Codes and choose between these later when working with other projects as they will be saved for all other projects.
By default, the Overall Performance gives an average for the inputted values. By un-checking this box, you may also input an Overall value instead. You may also input a value for Overall Performance if you wish to use this method. Some regions may accept an Overall value for the Building Envelope rather than individual elemental values. This may involve trade-offs, if one element has a higher value than recommended but another may have a lower value to compensate for instance. This method is only activated if the checkbox is use, otherwise it will not affect any results.
Please also see Section 15.0 FAQ’s below for more guidance on sharing Custom Codes/Standards with colleagues.
If you have not yet created a Building Code, you will only see the icon for Create. Other buttons will appear for editing, deleting codes only after they have been created. If you have already created a Building Code, you will see icons to Create (additional Codes) and to Edit and Delete (the selected Code). Multiple Codes/Standards may be created and saved and will be available for other projects. Installing a new version of the application will delete any codes/model results that have been saved. It is possible to save these codes by if necessary before the software is updated to a newer a new version. Please contact us for more information support@fenestrapro.com.
Creating a Code and input values in Performance
These are the current ranges used for elements in the application. Values within these ranges are accepted for input as shown below:
The Max percentage glazing value is 95%. Values input above this will default back to 95. This is similar to Revit which allows for a minimal framing percentage.
If you input a value that is outside the expected ranges, the input box will remain with a red outline and a message will advise to input a correct value in that field (ie. within the expected ranges). Values that are input above or below the set ranges will default to the maximum or minimum value allowed. Please check the list of existing Codes in Performance before creating new entries as a similar entry may already exist. If you input a Code with the same name as an existing entry, the new one will have numbers appended to it to distinguish it.
Note: While the Add New Code window is open, other functions are not available until this process is completed (you will not be able to click on other buttons in the application or adjust the View in Revit etc).
Information created in the Custom Codes will be saved for further sessions in all model types. Codes that are created are not project specific, so they will remain available for use with any other project (Mass or Detailed).
Once you have created a Code or list of Codes, the selected Code will be used as a reference once it is displayed in the dropdown box. If inputted values are not correct, a message will show to prompt you to modify the inputs. This will prevent you saving the Code until the values are corrected and within the typical ranges expected.
Note: When creating or editing a Code, if you cancel out of this window, the new entry will not be saved.
