Design Analytics

DESIGN ANALYTICS Data-Led Design

Contents

Introducing Introba

3

Design Analytics

5

Our Services

7

Experience

9

Sector Leadership

31

A Global Alliance

33

Cover and Left: DC Electrification Map (cover)+ Hourly Energy Use (left) © Introba DPC

Introducing Introba

Designing Living System, Transforming Built Environments

We are a global network of changemakers creating smart, resilient, and connected Living System.

Introba’s leading-edge design and advisory practices apply technology, advanced engineering, and thoughtful creativity to elevate the human experience by creating Living Systems.

We recognize that business-as-usual engineering will not future-proof against the impact on our planet’s resources or ensure human safety and comfort. As a result, critical changes to global infrastructure, material supply chains, and government and corporate policies all play a role in our transformative design and consulting work.

Through our network of strategically integrated practice areas, Introba seeks to remedy inefficiencies, capitalize on shared opportunities, and find practical solutions to create adaptable, efficient, flexible, equitable, cost-effective, and



resilient environments today and for future generations.

BILL OVERTURF Our blended expertise in built environment engineering practice areas with specialty advisory services creates Living Systems that are intelligent, resilient, highly sustainable, and connected to their environments.

Together, we are leaders in advanced engineering and innovation.

4

Design Analytics We elevate the perception of what’s possible in the built environment through a data-driven approach to design and engineering that gives our clients the confidence to take bold action.

Our design analytics practice is built around the belief that every project – no matter the size, scope, budget or goals – is an opportunity to deliver something impactful. Our greatest opportunity to counteract the negative effects of climate change exist when we explore our design with a critical eye, and assess measures which align with our strategic objectives of improving overall efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In applying our process, our focus remains on the efficiency as much as the human centric aspects of the building, as form and function are equally important to a building’s overall efficiency, though not always as simple to measure.

Through a collaborative focus on ideation and implementation, we provide design teams with comprehensive analysis supported by empirical modeling. We empower real decision making around high performance system selection, building enclosure performance, lighting and external solar shading integration, indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and most importantly, occupant health and well-being.

Concept diagram of a thermal labyrinth showing connection to geo-exchange system

6

Our Services Helping Our Design Analytics practice create specialized modeling tools for building performance analysis, and custom interfaces to visualize and explore information, thus supporting Introba’s engineering and Advanced Energy work.

When approaching applications development, we always take the user needs into account, whether it’s a product that will be used internally, or one that is available for public use.

We strongly believe in the power of visualization, interaction, and experience, as critical components of analytical tools.

These techniques will help the user derive meaningful insights from data – insights that can be used to affect real change.

Energy + Climate • • •

• •

Net zero design Energy use characterization IntrobaDRIVE - instant feedback energy modeling Renewable energy systems optimization Climate responsive design

Analytic Tools • • • •

Advanced building skins Dynamic facades Glazing optimization Solar control

Bioclimatic Design • • • • • • •

Human experience Light + visual comfort Airflow + distribution Thermal comfort Wind comfort Solar access + overshadowing External glare analysis

Carbon + Resilience Strategy • • • • • •

Strategic planning Climate action planning Decarbonization road mapping Resiliency planning Sustainability planning + policy

Building Performance Analysis • • •

Network load analysis Building stock analysis Incentive analysis

Building guidelines

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EXPERIENCE

Experience Sunset Park Community DER Analysis Phase 1 This preliminary study established potential pathways to reduce local air pollution from peaker plants and redirect payments for power generation back into the community. One of our models estimated 32% peak reduction.

L O C AT I O N

Brooklyn, New York, USA

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE This preliminary study kicked off a

respiratory illnesses among the city’s

larger planning effort, establishing

most vulnerable populations.

potential pathways to reduce local

The purpose of this project was to

air pollution from peaker plants

establish the theoretical potential of

and redirect payments for power

various DER strategies to reduce peak

generation back into the community.

demand, to assess the overall impact

E XPERTISE

In New York City, highly-polluting

of DER strategies on peaker plant

Design Analytics

power generating facilities known as

operation, and to identify areas for

“peaker plants” are used to produce

further analysis and research.

electricity when demand exceeds

Our team created a model that

normal levels – primarily during the

assumed 8% roof photovoltaic (PV)

summer months when residents

totaling 71MW, plus 80MW applied

and businesses turn up their air

battery storage. In this scenario, the

conditioning during heat waves.

models estimated 32% peak reduction.

CLIENT

NYSERDA (New York State COMPLETION

2021

Overwhelmingly, peaker plants run on

Right: Energy use analysis. © Introba DPC Top Right: Sunset Park peaker plant.

Bottom Right: Sunset Park neighborhood.

fossil fuels, operate without modern

Key Features -

pollution control equipment, and are

Distributed Energy Resources study

located in or adjacent to communities

Focus on equity

of color and low-income communities.

32% peak reduction in one model

These facilities contribute to chronic

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Experience Reston Station Promenade The next two office buildings of the Reston Station Promenade transit-oriented development total 770,000 square feet. We completed design analytics to help optimize the massing, orientation, and envelope configuration for several buildings in the complex.

L O C AT I O N

Reston, Virginia, USA CLIENT

Comstock AREA

770,000sqf E XPERTISE

Energy Analysis Solar Radiation Analysis Envelope Optimization

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Reston Promenade is a true transit-

The goal of these interventions is to

oriented development – an office,

regulate solar gains in the winter and

residential, and hospitality complex

summer to increase occupant thermal

that is built on top of a below ground

comfort and reduce peak heating and

parking garage that serves the

cooling loads.

adjacent Reston Metro Station.

In addition to the envelope analysis,

For this project, we were involved from

we developed whole building

the very beginning of the project to

energy models to evaluate energy

help optimize the massing, orientation,

performance against a LEED Baseline.

and envelope configuration for several

Through our close collaboration with

buildings in the complex, focusing on

the architects and engineers, the

external overhangs, surface tilts, and

project is on track to achieve over

variations in window-to-wall ratios to

40% savings in energy use and 30% in

control unwanted solar gains.

energy costs.

In the concept phase of design, Right: Envelope optimization studies for a mixeduse residential tower (left) and mixed use office building (right), demonstrating options for optimal solar control.

we developed design options that

Key Features -

worked with the architectural intent

LEED Silver Targets

of each building, creating variations

Large mixed-use buildings

© Introba DPC

in glazing area, overhangs, and other

Transit-oriented development

Top Right: One of the Reston Station buildings.

articulations in the facade that

© HKS Architects

respond to differences in incident

Bottom Right:

solar radiation.

Reston Station courtyard. © HKS Architects

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Experience Sidewalk Labs Quayside Introba has been collaborating with this client since 2017 in the development of the Quayside Toronto development. As part of a large suite of consulting and engineering services, Introba developed an analysis model that projects hourly energy use of the project’s building and public space loads, including snow-melt systems, electric vehicle charging, and outdoor lighting.

L O C AT I O N

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Introba has been collaborating

Our models, and the master planning

CLIENT

with Sidewalk Labs since 2017 in

tool that we developed for Sidewalk

Sidewalk Labs

the development of the Quayside

Labs, project hourly energy use for

Toronto development. Envisioned as a

the entire development, including

showcase for the neighborhood of the

public realm loads such as snow-melt

future, the development comprises

systems, electric vehicle charging, and

mixed use residential, commercial

outdoor lighting.

retail & office space, and an expansive

We used the hourly load models to

promenade, intended to promote what

analyze the potential for renewable

cities of the future can aspire to be.

energy strategies, including

We worked with Sidewalk Labs

photovoltaic systems with various

on building systems optimization

battery bank control strategies. Using

and integrated design strategies.

these models, we could help Sidewalk

In particular, we developed clear

Labs project savings in annual utility

performance based targets for

costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

AREA

2,000sqm (GIA) E XPERTISE

• • •

Masterplan Load Profiles Renewable Energy Analysis Energy Storage

Right: Project demand profiles with different battery bank control sequences – optimized for cost (middle) and GHG emissions (bottom). © Introba DPC

each building, which helped the development team find the right balance between facade composition

Top Right:

and thermal performance –

Rendering of the Quayside development from the water.

particularly as that performance

© Michael Green Architects / Gensler Bottom Right: 35-story mass timber prototype building. © Michael Green Architects / Gensler

relates to central plant design.

Key Features Mass timber Factory-produced prototype buildings Hourly load models

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Experience DC Electrification Study Introba developed calibrated energy models for 30 building typologies as part of this effort to develop a strategy to implement widespread building electrification in the District of Columbia. We also analyzed the economic and social co-benefits of potential benefits, with a focus on equity.

L O C AT I O N

Washington, DC, USA CLIENT

Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) COMPLETION

2021 E XPERTISE

• • •

Energy Analysis Data Analysis Decarbonization Strategies

Top: Electrification map of Washington DC. © Introba DPC Bottom: Hourly energy use analysis of Washington DC. © Introba DPC

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Introba was retained by the District

As part of the analysis, we developed

of Columbia Department of Energy

calibrated energy models for 30

and Environment (DOEE) to develop

building typologies in the District and

a strategy that builds on past energy

aligned them with geo-spatial data to

planning work and provides a

develop a localized analysis of energy

strategy for the District to implement

use on an hourly basis. Our team also

widespread building electrification.

evaluated the effect of various energy

Introba worked with DOEE and

efficiency and transportation demand

stakeholders to come up with a set of

management measures to determine

electrification and energy efficiency

the optimal pathway to electrification.

strategies, and then conducted

Our analysis will ultimately help inform

detailed modeling to determine the

regional infrastructure plans regarding

localized grid impact of each set

new or adjusted electrical capacity,

of strategies. We also analyzed the

in addition to policies regarding the

economic and social co-benefits of

optimal roll-out of energy efficiency

potential strategies, with a focus on

and electrification strategies at the

equity. Our team is currently in the

building scale.

process of conducting community

Key Features:

outreach and engagement on the

Energy efficiency strategies

analysis, which will be refined and

Localized grid impact

completed in 2020.

Economic equity analysis

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Experience First Nations Technical Institute The new building is a net zero, off-grid mass timber facility that speaks to FNTI’s longterm stewardship of land and natural resources and commitment to the mitigation of global climate change.

L O C AT I O N

Tyendinaga, Ontario, Canada

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE The First Nations Technical Institute

Our analysis and recommendations

CLIENT

(FNTI) is developing their new aviation

helped develop the overall building

First National Technical Institute

and culinary school in Tyendinaga

design that maximizes the use of

Mohawk Territory. The building is

passive systems and works with the

pursuing targets of Net Zero Carbon

natural environment, supplemented by

and Net Zero Energy. The construction

efficient active systems when needed.

will be Mass Timber, utilizing nationally

As part of our analysis, we developed

sourced material. The new building

a comprehensive renewable energy

is a bold, state-of-the art facility that

and battery storage strategy to create

speaks to FNTI’s long term stewardship

a building that is almost entirely

of land and natural resources and

self-sustaining. The analysis utilized

commitment to the mitigation of global

the hourly electric load profiles from

climate change.

our energy models, and simulated

We worked closely with the architects,

scenarios for optimizing onsite solar

Montgomery Sisam, and engineers, to

photovoltaic, wind turbines, and battery

explore ideas about net zero carbon

bank capacities. We also explore the

and net zero energy strategies,

potential for different battery control

including how to create a building that

sequences to optimize for energy,

could fully disconnect from the grid.

carbon, and utility cost savings.

COMPLETION

In Design AREA

54,000sqf E XPERTISE

• • •

Energy Analysis Passive Strategies Net Zero Energy Strategy

Top: Hourly load profile showing effect of renewable energy systems and battery storage. © Introba DPC Bottom: First Nations Technical Institute interior rendering

Key Features: Mass Timber Net Zero Energy + Carbon design

3

Summer 4

1. Manually operated windows

5

2

1

2. Ceiling fans for airflow 3. External shading 4. Solar chimney 5. Thermal mass with flush

3

5

Winter

4

1. Direct solar heat gain 2. Thermal mass

2

1

3. Heat recovery ventilators 4. Airtight construction 5. Solar hot water / PV

280

kWh

240 200 160 120 80 40 0

B

01 AM

06 AM

11 AM

04 PM

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

09 PM

May

02 AM

07 AM

Jun

12 PM

05 PM

10 PM

03 AM

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

08 AM

Nov

01 PM

06 PM

Dec

Jan

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Experience University of Michigan Decarbonization Plan The long-term campus decarbonization plan is being developed via design analytics with engineering support to provide potential pathways for geo-exchange fields, solar hot water canopies, and photovoltaic systems. All of this was visualized in an interactive online map, allowing the University to explore our recommendations.

L O C AT I O N

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA CLIENT

University of Michigan COMPLETION

On-going E XPERTISE

• • •

Energy Analysis Campus Decarbonization Geo-Exchange Design

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Introba is currently working with the

Working with our engineering teams

University of Michigan on their long-

in Vancouver and Washington D.C., we

term campus decarbonization plan,

also mapped out potential areas for

which will eventually encompass

geo-exchange fields, solar hot water

all seven of the University’s main

canopies, and photovoltaic systems. All

campuses. As part of this work, we

of this was visualized in an interactive

completed a comprehensive audit

online map, allowing the University

of building energy use, evaluating

to explore our recommendations and

opportunities to deploy low-exergy

validate our assumptions.

thermal energy systems, renewable

As the University of Michigan accounts

energy systems, and energy storage

for roughly one-third of Ann Arbor’s

systems.

total greenhouse gas emissions, our

This analysis involved a synthesis of

recommended strategies to reduce

over 10 million data points from energy

the energy and carbon intensity of

meters, and monthly utility bills for the

the University will have a significant

roughly 650 buildings spread across

regional impact.

three cities. Based on this information,

Top: Interactive mapping tool produced to show energy use intensity distribution across the main campus. © Introba DPC Bottom: Interactive mapping tool showing proposed low-exergy distribution system. © Introba DPC

we developed concepts for low-energy

Key Features:

thermal systems, which connect

Decarbonization analysis and planning

buildings that have complimentary

for existing campus

loads, reducing wasted energy from

Online interactive decision-making tool

simultaneous heating and cooling loads.

22

Experience Napa Microgrid Performance Introba’s Advanced Energy Services team designed a microgrid composed of ~200 kW of solar, 3 MWh of storage, and a microgrid controller to ensure energy security for a residential client. The proposed microgrid can support the client’s property “off-grid” for over a month under optimal solar conditions.

L O C AT I O N

Napa Country, California, USA CLIENT

Confidential E XPERTISE

• • • •

Advanced Energy Services Microgrid Design Probabilistic Financial and Performance Modeling Electrification Strategy

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Since 2014, Introba has worked

the geo-exchange system also

alongside the Vancouver Airport

reduces potable water consumption

Authority to develop an initial idea of

by minimizing the use of evaporative

reducing the Airport Authority’s and

cooling towers. Using cooling towers

Sea Island’s greenhouse gas emissions

with plume abatement technology adds

by 33%. These early studies and designs

the benefit of minimizing low visibility

ultimately led to the current Vancouver

concerns for the control tower.

International Airport CORE Program, where a new Central Utilities Building (CUB) is being constructed to serve the largest building in British Columbia, the existing Terminal Building.

Within the Central Utilities Building, a new thermal energy plant will utilize the largest geo-exchange system in Canada—with up to 1,400 boreholes at full build-out—as its primary source of low-carbon heating and cooling.

The current geo-exchange field of 840 boreholes will provide 3,700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emission reduction at completion in 2023. In addition to greenhouse gas emission reductions,

Right: Napa County, CA. © Introbaal Airport © Introba

The CORE Program also includes renovations to the existing Terminal Building’s infrastructure to improve energy efficiency and ready the building to work harmoniously with the new CUB. Modifications include changing the entire heating system for the Terminal from a high temperature system to a low temperature system.

Key Features: • Low Carbon Energy System • Geo-Exchange System • Rainwater Reuse • Envision Framework

24

Experience Horton Plaza Redevelopment Energy Advisory Introba is the owner’s representative — performing project design, financial analysis, and procurement — for this landmark microgrid with solar, battery storage, district chilled water, and smart building systems. The transaction is expected to cut utility costs by over 70%.

L O C AT I O N

San Diego, California, USA CLIENT

Stockdale Capital Partners COMPLETION

2021

In addition to providing MEP and

related to weather, utility rates, and

technology design services for this

energy demand — enabling optimized

zero-carbon campus, Introba is also

microgrid configuration

acting as the project’s advisor for its deployment of advanced energy systems to cut energy costs, risks, and

• Identify and address regulatory challenges • Develop commercial framework for

carbon.

prospective energy procurement(s),

Providing Stockdale with investment-

including contracting methodology,

grade advisory services in its effort to

performance guarantees, and more

Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Technology Advanced Energy Advisory

deploy one of the largest commercial-

• Run competitive solicitation, perform

scale microgrids in California, Introba

due diligence, evaluate proposals

Services

expertise. The engagement will

AREA

840,000sqf E XPERTISE

• • • • •

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

AWA RDS

2020, SCDF Design Awards, Unbuilt Concept or On the Boards or Under Construction

leverages a deep background that

• Support contract negotiations

covers both technical and financial

• Support communications, stakeholder

significantly reduce project costs and risks:

Key Features:

• Deliver proprietary financial modeling

• LEED Platinum Target

and extraordinary visibility into

• WELL Platinum Target

project economics; stochastic ‘monte

• WiredScore Certification Target

carlo’ analyses run over 70,000 scenarios of possible outcomes

Right: Horton Plaza Redevelopment © Stockdale Capital Partners

engagement, and marketing

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Experience John Hopkins University Sustainability Plan Introba + Assedo Consulting engaged to guide the institution through a comprehensive engagement effort to co-create a new vision for sustainability and develop a clear roadmap for the next eight years.

L O C AT I O N

Baltimore, Maryland, USA CLIENT

Assedo COMPLETION

2022 E XPERTISE

• • • • •

Stakeholder engagement Analysis Research Sustainable and low-carbon building strategies Vision and guiding principles development

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is

2. Developing a strategic roadmap for

embarking on the first update of its

pathways towards decarbonization

institutional sustainability framework

and an updated GHG emissions

since the original Climate Change

reduction and carbon neutrality

Implementation Plan was published in

commitment

2009. JHU selected Introba and their partner Assedo Consulting to guide the

Healthy Buildings Guidelines that

institution through a comprehensive

serve as a guiding document for

engagement effort to co-create a new

future building and site design

vision for sustainability and develop a

4. Assessing the university’s risk

clear roadmap for the next eight years.

for climate-related events and

Project scopes include:

establishing resilience strategies

1. Establishing an overarching 2030 Sustainability Plan, which addresses areas including and beyond facilities and operations

Right: John Hopkins University Campus © John Hopkins University

3. Creating High Performance and

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Experience Massachusetts Institute of Technology Greenhouse Gas Reduction Study The purpose of this project is to help MIT quickly assess and prioritize building upgrades across the entire campus. Our automated and rapid-response models are designed to benchmark, assess, plan, and track energy and greenhouse gas emissions performance of campuses with diverse building types.

L O C AT I O N

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA CLIENT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology COMPLETION

2021 E XPERTISE

•

Design Analytics

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is

2. Developing a strategic roadmap for

embarking on the first update of its

pathways towards decarbonization

institutional sustainability framework

and an updated GHG emissions

since the original Climate Change

reduction and carbon neutrality

Implementation Plan was published in

commitment

2009. JHU selected Introba and their partner Assedo Consulting to guide the

Healthy Buildings Guidelines that

institution through a comprehensive

serve as a guiding document for

engagement effort to co-create a new

future building and site design

vision for sustainability and develop a

4. Assessing the university’s risk

clear roadmap for the next eight years.

for climate-related events and

Project scopes include:

establishing resilience strategies

1. Establishing an overarching 2030 Sustainability Plan, which addresses areas including and beyond facilities Left: MIT Campus.

Far Right: This graph shows the frequency of input parameters within the ensemble model.

For the 100 iterations within each ensemble model, the size of the circle corresponds to the number of times a particular input variable is used. Larger circles generally correspond to higher confidence results. © Introba

3. Creating High Performance and

and operations

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Title Leadership Sector

Our Design Analytics team is composed of architects, engineers, urban planners, and user experience designers, and reflects our commitment to integrated design solutions.

We believe that the most creative solutions emerge from crossdisciplinary collaboration, when different perspectives come together to solve the most complex problems. We empower design teams to make better-informed decisions founded on comprehensive analysis and supported by empirical modeling.

We help clients to optimize the performance of entire districts, enhance the quality of space between buildings, develop climate-responsive building skins, and drive whole building performance.



We focus as much on the levers that drive efficiency in buildings as on human experience within, between, and around buildings.

Our analytical expertise makes possible the achievement of ambitious resource conservation.

Shreshth Nagpal Vice President, Design Analytics New York, United States Shreshth’s professional focus over the past fifteen years has been to understand and model building performance that results from the interaction between envelope configuration, climatic context, functional requirements, conditioning systems, and occupant behavior.

Ali Nazari Vice President, Energy & Sustainability Vancouver, Canada

David Barker Managing Principal, Sustainability Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Ali has led energy modeling and sustainability efforts for the first commercial Living Building Challenge project in Canada and the first certified LEED Platinum office in Vancouver.

David provides specialist consulting advice on building energy, building envelope, internal environment quality and wellness, micro-climate, wind comfort and visualization of analysis data using augmented and

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The Introba Way A Global Alliance Introba is part of a global alliance of infrastructure brands. United in our vision to transform the world by designing solutions that enhance how people, places, and communities connect.

Mission: To be the top Deep Green Ourquality global alliance members are consulting and engineering firms with unique and complementary engineering and consulting specializations, serving the building, transportation, and water sectors. firm with global reach.

Together we provide our clients with the resources and reach of a truly global company and the innovative Introbaand is one of the world’s buildingspecialty firm. thinking deep focus of a largest best-in-class



engineering and consulting firms with more than employees in us offices across thescale United Our1,000 alliance enables to tailor and ourStates, solutions Canada, the United Kingdom, Serbia, and Australia. to our client’s specific needs. Through technical Committed to reshaping the and world, our problem excellence, local knowledge, future insight we solvers combine cutting-edge digital solutions empower positive change in our communities and for our with emerging innovations and industry-leading planet. sustainability strategies to transform the built environment. We collaborate with our clients to create living systems that are smart, secure, resilient, and connected – spaces that uplift communities, protect the health of the planet, and adapt to meet the demands of the future.

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Designing Living Systems.

Transforming Built Environments.

Introba.com