PPG Industries http://www.ppgideascapes.com has launched an online tool that enables architects and specifiers to model energy costs for a statistically representative 12-story building constructed with selected PPG architectural glazings to optimize daylighting, heat gain, occupant comfort and energy consumption.

Located at glassenergyanalysis.ppg.com, the tool enables users to specify PPG glass according to visible light transmittance and window type, and to configure the prototype building using inputs for climate zone, building shape and orientation, and window-to-wall ratio. Once data are entered, the tool generates a report using U.S. Department of Energy reference building energy simulation software showing energy costs associated with each of the selected glazings. Cost savings for each architectural glass type are benchmarked against a baseline insulating glass unit (IGU) incorporating two panes of uncoated clear glass.

The finished report presents energy and cost data in 11 categories, including energy use index, electricity usage, gas usage, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) cooling load, HVAC air-flow rate, operating electricity savings, operating gas savings, operating energy savings, first-year HVAC cost savings, 10-year energy plus first-year capital cost savings, and emissions reductions. Comprehensive footnotes provide extensive detail about the simulation model.

The PPG Energy Modeling Tool is the latest addition to a suite of Web-based resources to help architects and designers streamline the glass specification process. Others include PPG Glass eVIEW, PPG Glass Education Center, project gallery and a library of Building Information and Modeling (BIM) files.

Visit www.ppgideascapes.com to try the tools, or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332) to learn more.