> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/support-and-training/on-demand-courses/green-star-buildings-v-1.0-reference-hvac-systems.md). # Green Star Buildings V 1.0: Reference HVAC Systems
This 40-minute course provides a comprehensive introduction to Green Star Buildings v1.1 reference building HVAC systems, covering both reference building creation and detailed system configurations for energy modelling. Through practical demonstrations, participants will master configuring the Green Star reference HVAC system types, understanding air handling unit distribution across zones and floors, and setting up reference and proposed designs to compare outcomes and communicate compliance. ### Key Course Content This course walks you through reference building HVAC modelling, focusing on how the Green Star reference systems deliver heating and cooling through integrated components including air handling units, fans, heating and cooling coils, air terminals, chillers, boilers, condenser water loops and cooling towers. You'll gain hands-on experience configuring a multi-storey retail and office model and learn practical techniques to build a base template that takes the reference building to approximately 70 to 80 percent configuration through systematic workflows. You'll start by understanding the differences between duplicating the proposed J1V3 design in the 2D workflow and exporting the J1V3 reference building as an EnergyPlus epJSON file for upload to the 3D workflow, learning when each approach is preferable for the Green Star pathway. The course covers essential model parameters including space types (Class 5 office and Class 6 retail), reference building fabric (walls, roofs, floors and windows), level and zone detection, colour referencing, and HVAC availability schedules. From there, you'll dive into detailed system configuration, learning to specify Green Star System 1 (a packaged or split DX reverse cycle heat pump built from the ASHRAE 2019 PSZ-HP template, with constant volume discrete fans, multi-speed curves, DX cooling and electric heating at the air terminals), air handling unit distribution (repeat per connection, Groups by level, and per-floor distributions), Green Star System 2 (air-cooled chillers and boilers supplying VAV air handling units, built from the VAV with reheat template), and Green Star System 3 (water-cooled chillers with condenser water loops and staged cooling towers). You'll also configure air terminal units with constant or continuous fan control and supplementary electric or hot water heating coils. The course provides extensive coverage of resolving platform validation warnings and running the reference building, including identifying outlined components that need attention, replacing default water-cooled chillers and pumps, fixing missing chilled water and condenser water loop connections, correcting distribution errors, and copying space schedules to the clipboard for reuse in plant availability. The final section teaches you to run the reference building in designer mode against an objective such as building energy or building emissions without setting a target, and then to use the reference outcome as the target value for the proposed design. ### Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, participants will be proficient in creating a Green Star reference building from an existing J1V3 model, configuring Green Star reference HVAC Systems 1, 2 and 3 from ASHRAE 90.1 templates, and comparing reference and proposed designs in designer mode to demonstrate whether requirements have been met. ### Course Completion A Certificate of Competency will be awarded upon achieving an 80% pass mark on the final assessment, demonstrating practical understanding of Green Star Buildings v1.1 reference building HVAC configuration and troubleshooting techniques. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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