4MS MEP ENG mechanical engineering services Alberta

Building energy performance across Alberta

Energy Modelling & NECB Compliance Across Alberta

Building energy analysis and NECB compliance support coordinated with architectural and engineering design for Alberta projects.

MODELEnvelope, systems & useCOORDINATEDesign decisions alignedALBERTACalgary, Edmonton & beyond
Premium commercial building energy model with envelope, mechanical systems and performance overlays
Energy performance coordinationEnvelope. Systems. Compliance.

01 / Energy modelling & NECB

Energy decisions tested against the building as a complete system.

A useful energy model connects geometry, envelope assemblies, occupancy, lighting and mechanical systems. Reviewing those inputs together helps the team compare options and prepare appropriate compliance documentation.

ENVELOPEAssemblies & glazingSYSTEMSHVAC & lighting inputsNECBCompliance pathway

02 / Coordinated scope

Energy analysis coordinated with the design decisions that shape performance.

The applicable pathway and modelling detail depend on the building type, project stage, jurisdiction, envelope and systems. Inputs and deliverables are confirmed before analysis begins.

01

Whole-building energy model

A coordinated digital representation of the building used to assess annual energy performance and support project decisions.

  • Geometry and orientation
  • Envelope and glazing assemblies
  • Occupancy and operating schedules
  • Mechanical and lighting systems
02

NECB compliance analysis

Applicable prescriptive, trade-off or performance-path requirements reviewed for the project.

03

Envelope performance

Walls, roofs, glazing and thermal characteristics coordinated with the architectural design.

04

Mechanical-system inputs

Heating, cooling, ventilation and controls represented using available design information.

05

Compliance documentation

Clear modelling summaries and supporting information prepared for the applicable review process.

Commercial building cutaway showing coordinated energy performance analysis
Evaluating design options?Compare performance before the design is fixed

03 / Design options

Comparing envelope or system alternatives?

Energy modelling can help the team understand how design changes interact before documentation is finalized. Comparisons are defined around the decisions that matter to the project—not generic simulations.

Envelope optionsGlazing ratiosHVAC conceptsControls & schedules
Discuss your project

04 / Technical coordination

Performance depends on coordinated architecture and engineering.

Energy use is influenced by the combined effect of the building envelope, mechanical systems, lighting, controls and occupancy assumptions.

ENV

Envelope

Thermal assemblies, glazing and air-barrier assumptions represented consistently.

HVAC

Mechanical systems

Heating, cooling, ventilation and heat-recovery concepts modelled from the design.

LTG

Lighting

Lighting power and controls coordinated with the electrical and architectural scope.

SOL

Solar response

Orientation, glazing and shading considered in the building performance picture.

SCH

Schedules

Occupancy and operating schedules established for credible analysis.

DOC

Documentation

Inputs, assumptions and results organized for design and compliance review.

05 / Project path

From project inputs to coordinated compliance documentation.

A transparent process keeps assumptions visible and gives the design team useful checkpoints.

  1. 01

    Confirm pathway & inputs

    Review the project, applicable code pathway, drawings, assemblies and system information.

  2. 02

    Build the model

    Develop building geometry, zones, envelope, schedules, loads and systems.

  3. 03

    Baseline & proposed cases

    Configure the required reference and proposed design cases where applicable.

  4. 04

    Review results

    Check energy use, key drivers and areas that require design-team coordination.

  5. 05

    Refine the design

    Update relevant inputs as the architectural and engineering design develops.

  6. 06

    Prepare documentation

    Issue the agreed modelling summary and compliance support information.

06 / Project applications

Energy modelling for new construction, additions and major renovations.

The required analysis varies with project type and compliance pathway. Scope is confirmed around the building and the authority's requirements.

Commercial buildingsRetail & officesRestaurants & childcarepharmacy & medicalMulti-family residentialIndustrial & service
Commercial building energy model illustrating envelope and system coordination
Building energy modelling and multidisciplinary coordination

07 / Common questions

Energy modelling and NECB FAQs.

Early project information helps determine the applicable pathway, modelling inputs and timing.

What information is needed to begin?

Useful inputs include architectural drawings, envelope assemblies, glazing information, occupancy, lighting and available mechanical-system design data.

Does every project require an energy model?

Requirements depend on the project, building type, applicable code and compliance pathway. The team can help identify the appropriate analysis.

What is the NECB performance path?

It is a compliance approach that compares the proposed building's calculated energy performance with a reference building under defined rules.

Can modelling compare design options?

Yes. Agreed envelope, glazing or system alternatives can be tested when the required inputs and comparison goals are clear.

Can you coordinate with our architect and engineers?

Yes. Energy inputs can be coordinated with architectural, mechanical and electrical design information.

Can you support municipal review comments?

Applicable comments can be assessed and agreed documentation revised where required. Approval is determined by the authority having jurisdiction.

Do you support projects throughout Alberta?

4MS supports projects in Calgary, Edmonton and communities throughout Alberta. Service coverage does not imply a physical office in every market.