The Green Crane Consulting offers the best in Dynamic Simulation Modelling via different Virtual Building analysis technologies – helping assess and optimise the environmental performance of the built-environment from pre design through operation to refurbishment, as well as associated building products and systems.  Our expertise and knowledge covers Masterplanning, Concept Assessment, Daylight and Solar Studies, Design Optimisation.

Masterplanning and Site assessment

We can assess energy consumption at both the site and building level; determining at all scales the impact of reduced energy, from city-grid consumption, to impact on renewables feasibility and community generation schemes. Examples of the types of services we offer are listed below, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements

• Visual imaging, including sketch, colour, texture views and movies
• Pedestrian/external comfort including CFD & site wind assessments
• Potential of low-carbon technologies and renewables e.g. PV solar thermal inputs
• Community based options and microgeneration as a route to zero carbon
• Climate metrics and weather file interrogation for optimisation of site and orientation
• Optimisation of building concepts
• Daylight and shadow assessment and visualisation of base site, including orientation and shading from surrounding buildings etc.
• Solar intensity – energy and exposure
• Feasibility of site and thermal concepts

Concept Assessment

Incorporating performance strategies and targets right from the concept stages is vital in achieving sustainable design. The Green Crane Consulting by using IES software can work with you using the latest in building performance technology and optimisation techniques. We will help you identify what is most important for your project and tailor our system of analysis and feedback based on these weightings.

Our rapid feedback helps you assess initial fundamental design parameters such as shape, form, shading, orientation, envelope and passive/active opportunities. Taking into account climate, surrounding buildings and future weather patterns to score multiple scenarios against your most important criteria, and provide you with design directions to explore in more detail.

Design Optimisation

We help you realise rapid processing of complex building models for optimal design and strategic decision making. Answer your questions with certainty and deliver a truly optimal design.

At key stages of any new build or refurbishment design process you need feedback on the performance of different options. Now with exclusive access to cutting-edge optimisation tools, we can deliver rapid feedback on numerous form, construction and HVAC permutations; measuring against up to three objectives at any one time across energy performance, daylight, comfort, air quality.

Daylight and solar analysis

Understanding the impact of site, daylight and solar intensity on internal light levels, heat gain and PV feasibility is key at early design stages for many sustainable design strategies. Sensibly positioned and orientated buildings with carefully sized and positioned glazing and shading devices reduces the need for artificial lighting and creates a better environment to live and work in.

However, the energy reduction trade-off of increasing daylight levels without greatly increasing heat gain is a delicate and integrated one. We can work with you right from the earliest concept stages, using the latest in analysis and visualisation technology to understand and demonstrate in images and videos the impact of different design strategy decisions:

• Shadow assessment across the site, looking at building form, height and orientation in conjunction with surrounding buildings or other obstructions
• Solar intensity – energy and exposure
• BREEAM & LEED credits
• Shading device need, type, sizing and positioning
• PV feasibility, panel positioning and energy output