Performance Modeling
Thanks in part to green building programs like LEED, whole-building energy simulation has become more common. However, it’s not always doing its job.
When modeling is only used late in design, the modeling might have little value beyond keeping score. When using an iterative process of modeling early in design, results of modeling become feedback not only for the current project but also for future projects and design approaches.
Performance modeling is about more than energy. Other kinds of modeling commonly used for high-performing buildings include:
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daylight simulation
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hygrothermal modeling
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thermal comfort modeling
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climate modeling
There is no substitute, though, for understanding how your building works. These resources can help you learn how to integrate modeling strategies into your other processes.
Performance Modeling
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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2030 Culture: Six Selfish Reasons to Commit
Feature Short
2030 Commitment signatories are making progress on climate goals. Along the way, they’re also finding new ways to save time and money.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Tuning Today’s Building Designs to Tomorrow’s Climate
News Analysis
A new modeling tool, WeatherShift, helps designers see how designs today can account for comfort, resilience, and energy needs decades down the line.
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Sefaira Plug-In Integrates Energy Analysis Directly into SketchUp
News Brief
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AIA Releases Guide to Energy Modeling for Architects
News Brief
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Climate Analysis for Architects
Webcast
For a lot of people, computer modeling is synonymous with energy modeling, and climate data is something you just input to your energy model. Kjell Anderson wants you to do energy modeling for your buildings, and he wants you to do it early—as BuildingGreen has advocated—not just for "keeping score" at the end. In this webcast, Anderson will demonstrate tools that are so easy that they can be used on every project regardless of budget or sustainability objectives, typically taking 3 to 5 hours once you have your system down—and almost no time for projects in a city where you have already done an analysis.