Training
Workshops
We offer public and private EnergyPlus training workshops using in-person and webinar formats. We have trained more than 900 new and experienced users in the intricacies of EnergyPlus over the course of more than 100 workshops at US and international locations.
We also offer public and private OpenStudio training workshops. We are licensed through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as official training providers for OpenStudio.
We also offer public and private DesignBuilder training workshops. We are authorized through DesignBuilder Software (UK) as the official training providers for DesignBuilder in the US.
We also offer public and private California Simulation Engine training workshops, where we teach CBECC-Res users about the intricacies of the input file that the underlying simulation engine (California Simulation Engine) uses for residential building design and compliance evaluation.
We currently offer the following workshops:
Contact us at training@bigladdersoftware.com for more information, or to request a quote for an in-house workshop.
Further Reading
Who We Are
Philosophy
Training Workshops
Testimonials
Who We Are
We are a team of energy modelers and programmers with many years of experience providing support, training, and software tools for EnergyPlus. We are part of the EnergyPlus Development Team. You can read more about our EnergyPlus work here.
Philosophy
EnergyPlus offers the state of the art in modeling capabilities with unprecedented accuracy and flexibility. Unfortunately, the trade off is that EnergyPlus is complicated engineering software and it’s difficult to learn. That’s why we have created our own unique philosophy for EnergyPlus training:
We teach you EnergyPlus from the ground up. We focus heavily on the syntax, relationships, and architecture of input objects–the building blocks of the text-based EnergyPlus input file. Whether you plan to work with OpenStudio, a commercial user interface, or just a text editor, the more you know about how EnergyPlus works at the text level, the more easily you will be able to unlock the power and flexibility of EnergyPlus. In fact, most user interfaces map very closely to the underlying EnergyPlus input objects. And as many modelers know from experience, the time inevitably comes when you need to move beyond the interface and work directly with the input file.
Hands-on exercises are essential. Most of the real learning happens when you try to use the software yourself. Our workshops are approximately 50% lectures and 50% exercises. The step-by-step exercises begin to build the “muscle memory” that helps you to retain your new skills for long-term use.
Mental models make it easier to learn. EnergyPlus encompasses a vast amount of stuff: input objects, input files, output files, documentation, software tools. Our workshops help you construct mental models to organize all of that information. Mental models provide structures, patterns, and best practices that bring order to the chaos.
We teach you how to teach yourself. At this point EnergyPlus is so large and complex that no one person knows all of EnergyPlus. Even experts don’t keep everything in their head at once. The most important skill we can teach you is how to teach yourself going forward–how to use the available resources to find the information you need after the workshop ends. As the cliche goes, “Teach an energy modeler to fish…”
We are there for you after the workshop ends. Even after completing our workshop, sometimes you still need a little help…or a lot of help. We offer comprehensive EnergyPlus support services so that you can be assured that you will never be stuck for long.
Training Workshops
We currently offer the following workshops:
EnergyPlus for Practitioners
This two-day workshop focuses on the needs of the energy modeling practitioner in order to get you up to speed and highly productive with EnergyPlus as quickly as possible. We cover the fundamentals of EnergyPlus such as geometry and internal loads while rapidly ramping up to advanced topics such as HVAC systems and controls. We guide you through the complexities of the EnergyPlus syntax, input/output files, documentation, and essential software tools including the Euclid extension for SketchUp. Most importantly, we teach you how to use the available resources to teach yourself going forward. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises are used extensively throughout. By the end of the workshop, you should be comfortable with creating, running, and debugging EnergyPlus models.
We recommend an optional third day for in-house workshops. We customize the third day for your specific needs. Possible topics include:
- Specific technologies or strategies (e.g., radiant heating and cooling, VRF systems, natural ventilation, etc.) that are anticipated to be critical for your upcoming projects.
- Software tools and techniques that we use ourselves to work more efficiently with EnergyPlus.
- Introduction to the full OpenStudio application and how to map EnergyPlus concepts to the OpenStudio interface.
We have developed our training materials from scratch over a period of several years based on our extensive experience using EnergyPlus to model real-world projects and helping others to do the same. This workshop should be a prerequisite for anyone planning to work with EnergyPlus regardless of what user interface you choose.
Upcoming workshops and registration
EnergyPlus EMS Controls
This one-day workshop covers the Energy Management System (EMS) capability of EnergyPlus, which allows the implementation of custom control strategies and calculation routines that override standard modeling processes within EnergyPlus. We cover the EnergyPlus Runtime Language (Erl) that is used to describe the custom control programs, how to create EMS components (sensors, actuators, output variables, etc.), and how to debug execution of EMS programs. Lecture topics include how to create advanced HVAC control sequences, how to override default HVAC operation (flow rate, setpoint temperature, capacity, etc.), how to abort a simulation when operational faults occur, and how to use outputs to generate trend data. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises are used extensively throughout.
Previous experience with EnergyPlus is recommended but not required. You are welcome to register for this workshop separately from the EnergyPlus for Practitioners workshop.
Upcoming workshops and registration
Modelkit for EnergyPlus
This one-day workshop teaches you to use the Modelkit framework developed by Big Ladder Software for generating EnergyPlus input files. We cover the basics of how Modelkit uses the Ruby programming language in combination with a library of templates to highlight the benefits of these features. We then describe the process of templates being combined together in order to compose the EnergyPlus input file, and how parametric values can be set in one template and passed to another. For example, changing an HVAC system type from “CAV” to “VAV” would require changing a single parameter – the templates are pre-configured to update EnergyPlus object types, inlet/outlet node connections, and other details accordingly.
We culminate with Big Ladder Software’s Modelkit Excel tool that simplifies parametric analysis by allowing users to set parametric values in a spreadsheet tool and apply the Modelkit framework to automatically compose and simulate EnergyPlus input files, as well as compare user-specified results between simulations. By the end of the workshop, you should be comfortable with creating and simulating EnergyPlus input files using the Modelkit framework. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises will be used extensively throughout to generate models with a range of energy-efficiency measures and HVAC system configurations.
Previous experience with EnergyPlus is recommended but not required. You are welcome to register for this workshop separately from the EnergyPlus for Practitioners workshop.
Upcoming workshops and registration
OpenStudio Launch Pad
This one-day workshop aims to quickly launch you into the world of the OpenStudio graphical user interface for EnergyPlus. We cover the major features and capabilities of the interface including creating and editing geometry using the full OpenStudio extension for SketchUp, managing space types and internal loads, and configuring HVAC systems and controls. (OpenStudio measure writing is not covered.) Demonstrations and hands-on exercises are used extensively throughout.
Previous experience with EnergyPlus is recommended but not required. You are welcome to register for this workshop separately from other EnergyPlus and OpenStudio workshops.
Upcoming workshops and registration
Advanced OpenStudio
This one-day workshop covers advanced modeling topics related to the OpenStudio interface. We cover how to add custom library data (HVAC, building types, etc.), model “bulk” air flow (infiltration, ventilation, inter-zone mixing, transfer air), configure layout and controls for advanced plant systems, use best practices for debugging energy models, and include thermal bridging effects in energy models. OpenStudio measure writing is not covered. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises are used extensively throughout.
Previous experience with EnergyPlus is recommended but not required. You are welcome to register for this workshop separately from other EnergyPlus and OpenStudio workshops.
Upcoming workshops and registration
DesignBuilder Simulation Training
This five-day modular course is an excellent opportunity to deepen your DesignBuilder knowledge using features of version 5 of the software. The course is suitable for new and experienced users alike and is structured to give you plenty of worked examples so you can “learn by doing”. No experience with EnergyPlus is required.
Upcoming workshops and registration
You can choose to attend any of the five days according to your particular training requirements. Please note that Days 2-5 all require previous experience with the 3-D Modeller or attendance on Day 1.
Day 1 - 3-D Modeller
- Introduction to DesignBuilder
- Geometric operations
- Roof geometry, outline blocks, etc
- Import floor plans and zoning
- Model data, activities, and zone merging
- Constructions, infiltration model data
- Openings model data
Day 2 - Basic Simulation
- Component blocks (ground and adiabatic)
- Templates
- Timing - compact schedules, profiles, holidays
- Heating and cooling load calculations
- Simulation and comparing results
- Lighting and daylight control
- Simple HVAC
Day 3 - Natural Ventilation, Renewables, and Daylighting
- Solar shading
- Scheduled natural ventilation and infiltration
- Calculated natural ventilation
- Mixed mode
- PV and wind turbines
- Introduction to Radiance daylighting
Day 4 - Introduction to Detailed HVAC
- Introduction to detailed HVAC (VRF)
- Hot water loops (radiator + natvent)
- Results viewer (analysis of EnergyPlus node data in a HVAC context)
- Fan coil units with chilled water and air loops
Day 5 - Introduction to CFD
- Introduction to external CFD
- Internal CFD 1
- Internal CFD 2
- Linked EnergyPlus to CFD simulation
A new and exciting feature of version 5 is the ability to automatically generate a baseline building model for ASHRAE Standard 90.1 compliance. We will demonstrate this feature during each of the following workshops that cover topics from the five modular days above:
Introduction to DesignBuilder - Day 1 + Day 2
Advanced DesignBuilder - Day 3 + Day 4
CFD Analysis using DesignBuilder - Day 5
Using DesignBuilder for LEED
This training will teach you how to use DesignBuilder to improve productivity, enabling you to model and analyse building performance using EnergyPlus much more quickly and efficiently. No prior learning or knowledge of DesignBuilder is required and the workshops will cover the key elements of modeling from early through to detailed project stages and LEED certification. Both days will use our latest software, due to be released in Fall 2017, which includes significant new ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G automation, DAYSIM for LEED v4 daylighting credits, and a new online LEED reporting and submission tool. Free 30-day licenses will be provided, so why not come along and learn how to use these new tools and experience for yourself why so many customers say they would recommend DesignBuilder training to a friend or colleague.
You can choose to attend one of the two days according to your particular training requirements. Please note that Day 2 requires previous experience using DesignBuilder or attendance on Day 1.
Day 1 - DesignBuilder fundamentals and early-stage modeling
Day 1 is designed for those with no DesignBuilder experience and for existing customers who wish to brush up on the latest features. You will learn how to:
- Import models directly from Revit and from other BIM tools via gbXML import, and import floor plans to aid geometry creation.
- Quickly create and edit model geometry.
- Use DesignBuilder’s unique data input and management tools to vastly reduce your data input time and effort.
- Quickly model a variety of solar shading devices.
- Run steady-state heating and dynamic cooling load calculations using EnergyPlus’s accurate ASHRAE heat balance method.
- Run simulations and generate outputs to quantify comfort and energy performance.
Day 2 - DesignBuilder for detailed design and the new LEED modeling tools
Day 2 is focused on our new LEED functionality and is designed for those who have completed Day 1 or existing customers who wish to brush up on our latest features. You will learn how to:
- Set up an ASHRAE 90.1 proposed model “from scratch”.
- Gain LEED daylighting credits using new DAYSIM climate-based daylight modeling tools.
- Use DesignBuilder’s new LEED tools to automate the baseline building and HVAC system creation.
- Fine-tune and model non-predominant systems in mixed-use buildings.
- Data check and analyse outputs for LEED.
- Use the new online LEED reporting tools.
Using DesignBuilder to Maximize EnergyPlus Productivity
This one-day workshop will show you how DesignBuilder can be used to significantly speed up the process of creating models to simulate using EnergyPlus. You will learn how to use DesignBuilder’s powerful geometry and data management features to help you create EnergyPlus models much more efficiently and maximize your productivity while still leveraging the power of the EnergyPlus engine. Training topics include:
- Introduction to DesignBuilder
- Quickly re-creating the EnergyPlus model: Geometric operations and efficient model data input
- Running simulations
- Exporting IDF data to modify outside DesignBuilder (EnergyPlus experience is recommended for this session)
- Introduction to the DesignBuilder EMS
No prior experience with DesignBuilder is necessary, and a free 30-day trial license can be used during the course. In the morning, you will learn to use DesignBuilder to model the building you created in EnergyPlus during the two-day EnergyPlus for Practitioners training. In the afternoon, you will consolidate the knowledge learned in the first two days to export the IDF data from DesignBuilder and then manipulate it to add or change inputs and run that simulation in EnergyPlus. In the end, you will be introduced to the DesignBuilder EMS, which enables you to customize an EnergyPlus simulation using a simple script-based approach to change simulated behavior for HVAC, natural ventilation, glazing and lighting systems.
What’s not covered by the DesignBuilder workshops? We do not cover use of the EnergyPlus software, modification of EnergyPlus IDF data, and Compact HVAC. Check out our EnergyPlus for Practitioners workshop for quickly getting up to speed on the fundamentals of the EnergyPlus engine.
Upcoming workshops and registration
CBECC-Res: Under the Hood
This two-day workshop focuses on the needs of the energy modeler analyzing residential building code compliance in California using CBECC-Res. We cover the fundamentals of the California Simulation Engine (CSE), the underlying simulation engine for CBECC-Res. Workshop topics begin with basics on how to adjust simulation settings and schedules and eventually include more detailed descriptions of HVAC systems, controls, photovoltaics, and domestic hot water systems. We guide you through the complexities of the CSE syntax, input/output files, and documentation, as well as how inputs in CBECC-Res are translated to CSE input file components. Most importantly, we teach you how to use the available resources to teach yourself going forward. Demonstrations and hands-on exercises are used extensively throughout. By the end of the workshop, you should be comfortable with creating, running, and debugging CSE models in the context of CBECC-Res.
This workshop is NOT an introduction to CBECC-Res. It is expected (but not required) that attendees have past CBECC-Res experience.
This workshop will focus on in-depth applications of using CBECC-Res and CSE beyond compliance analysis. This workshop should be a prerequisite for anyone planning to evaluate emerging technologies for future versions of California’s Title 24 energy code.
Upcoming workshops and registration
Testimonials
Here’s what attendees are saying about our workshops:
“I’ve been an OpenStudio user for years, but I never really felt confident about what was going on under the hood because I hadn’t learned EnergyPlus first. But after attending Big Ladder’s two-day, hands-on EnergyPlus workshop, I’m able to work much faster and more confidently in OpenStudio than ever before. It has paid off tremendously.”
- Elizabeth Gillmor (Principal at Energetics Consulting Engineers, LLC)
“The EnergyPlus for Practitioners course was an excellent training, lifting the curtain of perceived complexity regarding the software. As an expert eQuest and Trane Trace user the course has given me the confidence to learn EnergyPlus and for the first time seriously consider moving toward the platform altogether. As a business owner, courses like these are invaluable, to be able to hear first-hand from EnergyPlus experts, how to customize a new workflow that will help our firm succeed.”
- Matthew Higgins (Founder and Chief Analyst at Vibrantcy)
“Fantastic workshop! It really gives me more confidence on how and where to dig deeper.”
- Anna Osborne (Building Performance Engineer at Integral Group)
“The design of the workshop was perfect. Start simple and build up to complex. Questions mixed with exercises reinforce the lessons and improve skill levels perfectly. Anyone who wants to learn EnergyPlus would save themselves countless hours of trial and error by attending a Big Ladder training. As a previous training instructor and attendee of training workshops, this Big Ladder EnergyPlus workshop was the most engaging, best designed class where I left with useable skills. Great job Big Ladder!”
- James Sitzman (Energy Efficiency Consultant at IFC International)
“This was certainly one of the best prepared and delivered technical presentations I have ever attended. Thanks for a great job!”
- The Weidt Group
“This workshop has been incredibly valuable to me even as an experienced user. I have been the person mainly responsible for energy modeling at our office. I feel much more confident now in both my own abilities, as well as my capacity to help teach and guide others in our office. The workshop leader, Aaron, was articulate, humble, and helpful. The structure of the class is clear and engaging with many helpful exercises throughout.”
- Damon Woods (Research Assistant at University of Idaho Integrated Design Lab – Boise)
“The workshop is very well organized and the material is presented in an excellent way. I would recommend it to all energy modelers.”
- Alex Vlachokostas (Post-doc Research Associate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)