In this episode, I talk with Matthew Duffy, Vice President of IESVE Sales North America East at IES Ltd., about how early energy modeling shapes smarter project decisions. We explore how 3D simulation helps right-size HVAC systems, connect sustainability goals with budget realities, and give project managers powerful tools to lead with clarity and confidence.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Matthew Duffy:
- As a mechanical engineer now in leadership, how has your technical background shaped your approach to strategy and client engagement in the AEC industry?
- What trends are you seeing in how project managers and engineers use early energy modeling today?
- How can digital tools like IESVE improve project decisions and change the role of AEC project managers?
- What should project managers know about load calculations and HVAC equipment sizing software?
- How do you see early energy modeling helping bridge the gap between design, engineering, and project management teams?
- What are the biggest misconceptions project managers or engineers have about energy modeling, and how do you address them?
- Why do you think some people avoid using energy modeling and stick to familiar methods instead?
- What advice would you give project managers who want to integrate sustainability and efficiency into their projects?
- What do you think is the biggest pitfall project managers face, and how can they avoid or overcome it?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Early Energy Modeling Prevents Oversizing and Costly Mistakes:
- A strong technical foundation equips leaders to communicate across disciplines and align strategy with the needs of owners, architects, and engineers. It builds credibility and allows complex ideas to be translated into practical decisions that support client engagement.
- Early energy modeling is expanding from simple efficiency checks to full evaluations of energy and carbon at every level of a project. Teams now analyze site conditions, heat flows, and system options as sustainable and resilient buildings become top priorities.
- Digital tools like IESVE bring performance data into the earliest design phases, allowing teams to test systems virtually before construction. This empowers project managers to guide sustainability, budget, and scheduling decisions with accurate, real-time insights.
- The industry is shifting from outdated 2D methods to advanced 3D modeling that delivers greater accuracy and faster validation. Project managers can quickly visualize inputs and outputs, making it easier to spot errors and communicate results clearly.
- Energy modeling integrates with BIM to share geometry, system loads, and airflow data across disciplines. This shared platform reduces rework and creates a common understanding of performance goals for all team members.
- Many believe energy modeling is too slow or resource-heavy to be practical. In reality, focused studies produce valuable insights quickly and help teams make smarter choices that meet codes and performance goals.
- Energy modeling often feels intimidating because of the learning curve and data inputs. With mentoring and project-based training, teams can overcome this barrier and see the practical benefits of using the tools early.
- Performance analysis delivers the most value when it begins during the earliest planning phases, even with just a site location or a basic footprint. Early results on daylighting, system sizing, and energy intensity guide design choices before changes become costly.
- A major pitfall for project managers is oversizing systems using rough estimates that inflate costs and energy use. Replacing these shortcuts with accurate energy modeling leads to right-sized systems, reduced expenses, and stronger confidence from owners.
More Details in This Episode…
About Matthew Duffy
Matthew Duffy is the vice president of IESVE Sales for North America East at IES Ltd., where he leads efforts to advance energy efficiency in building design through innovative modeling and simulation tools. A mechanical engineer by training, Matthew has built his career around helping organizations integrate sustainable practices and data-driven decision-making into their design and project management processes. His work focuses on bridging the gap between design teams, engineers, and project managers to improve performance outcomes while meeting evolving client and regulatory demands.
With a strong background in both engineering and sales leadership, Matthew brings a unique perspective on the role technology plays in shaping the future of the built environment. He is passionate about equipping project teams with the tools they need to balance cost, performance, and sustainability, ensuring that energy modeling is not only accessible but also central to delivering smarter, more efficient projects.
About the Host:
Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM
Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM, joined The Engineering Management Institute as the strategic initiatives team leader in February 2025. With eight years of experience in developing leadership programs in an academic setting, she brings valuable expertise in planning and executing impactful initiatives. Fiona utilizes her PMP certification and program management skills to oversee events like PM AEC Connect and optimize internal processes for improved efficiency. Based in central North Carolina, she combines her strategic approach with a passion for driving successful outcomes at EMI.
Sources/References:
IESVE (Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment)
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
OpenStreetMap
Revit
Rhinoceros 3D
SketchUp
VAV (Variable Air Volume systems)
Active Chilled Beams
Connect with Matthew Duffy on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
This Episode is Brought to You by School of PE
School of PE has been a leading provider of exam prep courses since 2004, helping thousands of professionals achieve licensure and certification in engineering, surveying, and project management. Taught by industry experts, their courses align with the NCEES CBT format and consistently deliver pass rates above the national average. School of PE is recognized as a top-rated provider, and they are committed to student success through expert instruction and high-quality materials. Visit http://www.schoolofpe.com/ for more details and to see how they can best help you achieve your professional goals. Specialties: FE Exam Review, PE Exam Review, Surveying, and PMP.
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