Energy simulation and modelling are essential tools in modern building design and operation, enabling professionals to optimize energy consumption, reduce environmental impact, and enhance building performance. The course on Building Energy Simulation and Modelling, offered by the British Academy for Training and Development, provides a comprehensive understanding of how to create and utilize energy models for buildings. Participants will learn how to simulate energy use, assess energy efficiency, and integrate sustainable practices into building design.

This course focuses on the principles of building energy simulation, the use of advanced software tools, and how to interpret simulation results to inform design decisions. With growing emphasis on sustainability and energy conservation in the built environment, knowledge in energy modelling and simulation is increasingly in demand for architects, engineers, and energy managers. The course also emphasizes the importance of compliance with building codes and energy performance regulations.

By the end of the course, participants will have the skills necessary to simulate energy consumption in buildings, assess the impact of different design strategies, and contribute to the design of energy-efficient buildings.

Who Should Attend?

• Architects and Engineers involved in designing energy-efficient buildings and systems, and who require tools to model and simulate energy usage.
• Energy Managers responsible for optimizing energy use in buildings and improving overall energy performance.
• Building Performance Analysts who assess energy efficiency in buildings and seek to implement best practices for sustainable design.
• Sustainability Consultants in the area of sustainable building practices and energy conservation techniques.
• Facility Managers responsible for managing building operations and energy consumption, and who are looking to apply simulation tools for ongoing performance improvement.
• Students and Researchers pursuing careers in building science, sustainable design, or energy management, who want to deepen their understanding of energy modelling and simulation.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of building energy simulation and modelling.
• Gain proficiency in using energy modelling software to simulate building energy performance.
• Assess the energy efficiency of building designs and recommend improvements.
• Apply energy simulation techniques to analyze the impact of different design strategies on energy consumption.
• Interpret simulation results and use them to optimize building performance, reduce energy costs, and achieve sustainability goals.
• Ensure compliance with local and international energy codes and standards.
• Understand how to use energy models in the decision-making process for new building designs, retrofits, and renovations.

• Overview of Energy Simulation and its Importance
  • Define building energy simulation and its role in energy-efficient building design.
  • Understand the relationship between building design, energy performance, and sustainability.
  • Discuss the role of energy modelling in reducing energy consumption and improving building performance.
• Key Concepts in Building Energy Simulation
  • Introduction to basic energy simulation concepts: thermal loads, heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting.
  • Understanding the energy balance in a building.
  • The role of building envelopes, materials, and construction methods in energy performance.
• Energy Modelling Software and Tools
  • Introduction to popular energy modelling software such as EnergyPlus, IESVE, and eQUEST.
  • Overview of the interface and functionality of energy modelling tools.
  • Basic features and capabilities of energy simulation software for building performance analysis.

• Understanding Building Envelope and its Impact on Energy Use
  • Key components of a building envelope: walls, windows, roofs, and floors.
  • How the building envelope affects heat transfer and energy consumption.
  • Importance of insulation, airtightness, and thermal mass in energy efficiency.
• Thermal Simulation in Energy Modelling
  • Using simulation tools to model the thermal performance of building envelopes.
  • Calculating heat gains and losses through walls, windows, and roofs.
  • Understanding heat flow principles and their impact on HVAC systems.
• Impact of Climate on Building Energy Performance
  • How local climate conditions affect energy consumption and thermal comfort.
  • Modeling the impact of external weather data on building performance.
  • Adjusting energy simulations based on climate zone and seasonal variations.

• Energy Modelling of HVAC Systems
  • Overview of HVAC systems and their impact on energy consumption.
  • Modelling the energy use of various HVAC system types: forced air, radiant heating, chilled beams, etc.
  • Simulation of system efficiency and energy recovery in HVAC designs.
• Optimizing HVAC Design for Energy Efficiency
  • Understanding how building design affects HVAC system efficiency.
  • Modelling HVAC control strategies to minimize energy consumption.
  • Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal or geothermal, with HVAC systems.
• HVAC System Load Calculations and Simulation
  • How to calculate and model heating and cooling loads for different building types.
  • Using simulations to evaluate HVAC system performance under different conditions.
  • Identifying opportunities for energy savings through improved HVAC design and operation.

• Energy Use of Lighting Systems
  • Overview of lighting systems and their contribution to overall energy consumption.
  • Different types of lighting systems and their energy performance characteristics.
  • Strategies to reduce lighting energy consumption while maintaining comfort levels.
• Lighting Simulation and Modelling Techniques
  • Introduction to lighting simulation software for building design.
  • Modelling daylighting and artificial lighting for energy optimization.
  • Assessing the impact of lighting control systems on energy efficiency.
• Designing for Daylighting and Natural Light Integration
  • Principles of daylighting and its impact on building energy use.
  • Using energy simulation tools to model daylighting strategies.
  • Optimizing window placement and size to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

• Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources in Buildings
  • Overview of renewable energy sources: solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass.
  • How renewable energy systems can reduce a building’s carbon footprint and energy costs.
  • The role of energy simulation in integrating renewable technologies into building designs.
• Modeling Renewable Energy Systems in Energy Simulations
  • Using simulation software to model the energy production and integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
  • Simulating the performance of solar thermal, wind, and geothermal systems in building energy models.
  • Calculating energy savings and performance of renewable systems.
• Optimizing Energy Efficiency with Renewable Integration
  • Analyzing the optimal combination of renewable energy systems for energy-efficient buildings.
  • Evaluating the economic viability of renewable energy projects using simulation tools.
  • Assessing the long-term savings and environmental benefits of renewable energy integration.

• Building Energy Codes and Standards
  • Overview of international and local energy codes: ASHRAE, IECC, LEED, etc.
  • How building energy codes impact design decisions and energy modelling.
  • Understanding the requirements for compliance and energy performance targets.
• Using Energy Modelling for Compliance and Certification
  • How energy models are used to demonstrate compliance with building energy codes.
  • Certification programs and their relationship to energy modelling (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).
  • Documenting energy performance for regulatory approval and certification.
• Interpreting Simulation Results for Compliance
  • How to interpret and present energy simulation results to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Identifying areas for improvement to meet energy code standards.
  • Strategies for optimizing building energy performance to exceed code requirements.