MCW Custom Energy Solutions Ltd. Uses IES Software to Improve Energy Efficiency at Nunavut Research Institute

IES software tools yield significant energy savings for Canadian college.

Boston – Integrated Environmental Solutions’ (IES)award-winning performance analysis software suite, the Virtual Environment, played an integral role in the energy review of two planned Nunavut Research Institute(NRI) buildings at Arctic Collegein Iqaluit, Canada. Led by consulting and engineering services firm MCW Custom Energy Solutions Ltd. (MCW), the IES Virtual Environment (VE) software was used to help justify design changes that led to a reduction in annual energy use in each building of 12 and 13 percent, respectively, beyond the original design.

Located in a remote part of Canada that faces extremely high heating demands and energy costs, the Government of Nunavut Community and Government Services (GN CGS) enlisted MCW to find opportunities to improve energy efficiency related to design documentation proposed for two new research buildings.

IES VE technology was used to develop a detailed energy analysis to review the buildings’ energy consumption, performance and occupant comfort. MCW chose the software for its superior graphics, accurate energy calculation, as well as detailed HVAC and building envelope modelling functions. MCW specializes in providing sustainable building designs and has been serving clients with IES VE software for building performance analysis for more than three years.

“The Virtual Environment allowed us to see the impact our ideas would have on the energy consumption of these buildings,” said Brian Tysoe, Mechanical Engineer and Building Simulation Specialist at MCW. “The superior graphics, visualization and presentation capabilities made it easy to communicate the benefits to our client.”

“The NRI project presented a unique challenge due to its heating intensive climate and the fact that energy has to be shipped on-site in the form of fuel oil. Arctic College needed sound advice to tackle extremely high operating costs,” said Dr. Don McLean, founder and CEO of IES. “Using the analysis tools we offer, NRI was able to achieve significant savings in terms of energy costs and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”

A more detailed case study on this project can be found on the IES website.