Performance Modeling

Photo: Daderot. License: Public domain

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:

  • daylight simulation

  • hygrothermal modeling

  • thermal comfort modeling

  • 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.

Quick Takes

Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.

  • Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
  • Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
  • You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.

Product Guidance

Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.

  • Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
  • Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
  • You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.

In The News

We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.

Perspective

Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.

  • Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
  • Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
  • You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.

Learning Resources

A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.

    Loading...

  • Dream Materials: What Do You Really Want to Build With?

    Webcast

    Innovations in product manufacturing are creating new options for designers at an ever-increasing pace. But are the new products and materials what we really want? Can we trust their claims?

  • Shoebox Energy Modeling: How to Do Quick, Early Simulations

    Webcast

    Most whole building energy simulations require a mechanical system design, making them unsuitable for early-design modeling. In response, architects and energy modelers are turning to shoebox models, with one or just a few zones.

    Not doing energy modeling yourself? This webcast will familiarize you with concepts that will help you get more out of your energy modeler, whether it is someone on your staff, or an outside consultant.

  • Designing Natural Ventilation: Will the Breeze Follow Your Pointy Arrows?

    Webcast

    While airflow analysis isn't part of most building simulations today, it is part of nearly all low-energy buildings. Unfortunately, many architects aren't well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity because they aren't trained to set up or interpret most airflow models. This webcast will introduce you to new software that enables you to engage more fully with airflow investigations required to validate design strategies.

  • In-House Daylight Modeling: Three Firms Share How They Do It

    Webcast

    Getting consistent results when your artistic medium is the sun and sky can be one of the best design tricks to have up your sleeve—but it's also one of the most difficult to pull off. Is that window bringing in daylight or causing intolerable glare? Do you really know? The three panelists will show how they have used simulation to determine the difference, with overviews of daylighting, glare, and several case studies.

Just For Fun

Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...

  • Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
  • Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
  • You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.