Building Performance Analysis Certificate Program

I've posted in the past about the Building Performance Analysis Certificate program that Autodesk offers online.

I completed the certificate in 2013 when it first came out, it's since changed sine then, more current and using the latest tools. Autodesk do direct this certificate more towards students, however I think that if your interested in utilizing BPA tools as part of your design process (it's easy to do) start with this certificate program. 

The program is modular, meaning that you can go at your own pace. I typically spent some time during my lunch hour doing a module or two, probably took me a little longer than typical but it was all the time I was willing to spend on it. the course gives you a understanding about what to analyse and how to do it, I found it very interesting and informative.

Below is an email I received from Autodesk and I thought I'd pass it on (slightly edited).

We want to take a moment to remind you of the wonderful opportunity with the Autodesk Building Performance Analysis Certificate (BPAC) Program.

The BPAC Program is a free, online, self-paced educational program, for students, educators and professionals, that will help improve your knowledge of building science fundamentals and Autodesk building performance analysis tools. 

What’s Covered:

•        Introduction to BPA Certificate
•        Energy Literacy & Building Loads
•        Climate & Weather Analysis
•        Solar Measurements & Strategies
•        Wind & Airflow Strategies
•        Daylighting Strategies & Analysis
•        Whole Building Energy Analysis with Revit

For information on how to Register

Good luck.

Sc

Revit 2016 and the new Energy Analysis features

Yeah! 

Autodesk finally released Revit 2016. Cant wait to check it out and see what new features have been added and how well it performs.

Frankly I don't expect any "Earth Shattering" features... in fact I'll be happy if they don't have anything too new! I think were beyond that point of truly "new features" with Revit. 

For 2016, all I expect is for it to perform better than 2015 with the inclusion of some of the add on features such as the Building Performance Analysis tools which I think will become more main stream as we use these tools as part of the development of our designs.

I think 2016 (version) will be the juncture where we move from desktop applications to cloud computing, I believe that is the direction Autodesk is going, along with the integration  of software such as Inventor as we go from design straight to fabrication.

Check out some of the new BPA tools for Revit 2016 here and keep up to date on the BPA tools by checking out the BPA New and Community blog.

Sc

Sustainability Community

Autodesk have this pretty cool web site/community on Sustainability where you can access free online resources that teach the principles and practises of sustainability in design and engineering. It not only can teach you the principles of sustainability  and design but also the tools available from Autodesk.

"At Autodesk, we think of designers as anyone who intentionally shapes our world. Whether you are an engineer or educator, an entrepreneur, designer, or maker, you have a place in the design-led revolution. This revolution is driven by new ways to work, create, and respond to today’s most pressing challenges. Autodesk offers tools, insights, and resources to help all designers create more sustainable designs for a better world."

I think these tools are being underutilised in the Architectural design community. As part of the design process we can now incorporate such things as:

• Energy Literacy and Building loads
• Climate Analysis
• Sun and Shadow Study
• Solar Radiation
• Whole Building Energy Analysis
• Wind and Airflow Analysis
• Daylighting

Check out the Autodesk Sustainability Community and see what is available to make your designs sustainable. We all need to do our part for the environment and by using these tools you can also set yourself apart from your competition and show your clients that Architecture can truly become a part of the environment.  

Sc