1.5 ConEd Learning Hours

2:00 p.m. ‐3:30 p.m.

As we have moved from 2D design and conventional roles to 3D and building information modelling (BIM) design
offering a much greater amount of information, architects are responsible for an increasing number of aspects of
building design. As the industry begins to adopt BIM terminology such as LOD (Level of Detail) and TEUI (Total
Energy Use Intensity), it is increasingly important to align contract language and owner expectations around
budgets, energy/performance, and carbon targets. A related aspect is managing the degree of project team
integration and the depth of coordinating of sub-consultants.

Many of us lack the tools that can help us not only track costs, but also analyze early-stage design options that will
result in better-performing, lower-cost buildings that lead to better team communication, morale, and owner
satisfaction. While this may seem like an impossible challenge, producing zero-emission (operational) buildings for
less total cost than code-minimum is possible. We can do this while also maintaining good client relationships right
through the post-occupancy phase–however, the right approach and the right tools play a critical role.

This session’s presenters are both applying tools and methods in Early Stage Modelling, well before a building’s
massing is understood. Learn how in this session examining a range of tools and case studies.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of Canada's commitments to international climate agreements, policy
   advisements, and AEC sector impacts and responsibilities through an inventory of emissions (mandatory
   in 2023/24) and a mitigation strategy (national, provincial).
   
2. Understand Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Building Design (even in Schematic Design), and how
   simple tools can be used to target performance objectives for a more streamlined Integrated Design
   Process using simple metrics and tools.
   
3. Develop an understanding of LOD in BIM and how the LOD100-500 schema also translates to a level of
   detail in Carbon and Energy Impacts.
   
4. Develop a working knowledge of available tools that will allow practitioners to translate Early Stage
   targeting and modelling skills to their projects in order to reach improvements in performance objectives
   such as TEUI and LCA footprints through use of simple tools. 

Andy Thomson, M.Arch, OAA Director
Thomson Architecture

Andy Thomson, an architect since 2016, boasts 28 years of experience in green building, design, research, and writing. A UBC M.Arch program graduate, he's been practising as an Intern Architect since 2003. In 2018, Andy founded Thomson Architecture, Inc., a research‐based firm specializing in advanced ecological, prefab, and BIM design services for complex, high‐ performance projects in Canada, the United States, and the European Union. He's an active member of the Ontario Association of Architects' Climate Action Advisory Group. A lecturer with Toronto Metropolitan University, Andy also engages in local and international public speaking to promote cost‐effective, high‐performance ecological design.