The cheapest time to fix a building's energy problems is before it is built - and that is exactly what energy simulation makes possible. By modelling how a design will actually perform under real climate and usage conditions, architects and engineers can test decisions on screen instead of finding out the hard way after construction.

This Training Course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy introduces the software, methods and interpretation skills behind building energy simulation, covering envelope, HVAC, lighting and renewable-energy modelling, so participants can use simulation results to inform design, demonstrate code compliance, and genuinely improve building performance.

What You'll Gain

• A solid grounding in the concepts behind building energy simulation and why it matters for design decisions.
• Practical familiarity with leading simulation software such as EnergyPlus, IES VE and eQUEST.
• The ability to model envelope, HVAC, lighting and renewable-energy performance and interpret the results.
• Skills to use simulation for demonstrating compliance with local and international energy codes.
• Confidence to apply energy modelling in real decisions on new builds, retrofits and renovations.

Who Should Attend?

• Architects and engineers designing energy-efficient buildings who need modelling and simulation tools.
• Energy managers and building-performance analysts optimising energy use in existing or planned buildings.
• Sustainability consultants and facility managers applying simulation to ongoing performance improvement.
• Students and researchers deepening their understanding of energy modelling in building science.

Module 1: Why Simulate a Building's Energy Use

• Defining building energy simulation and its role in efficient design.
• The relationship between design decisions, energy performance and sustainability.
• Basic simulation concepts: thermal loads, heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting.

Module 2: The Software Behind the Model

• An overview of leading tools: EnergyPlus, IES VE and eQUEST.
• Interface and core functionality of energy modelling software.
• Matching software capability to the analysis you actually need.

Module 3: The Building Envelope as a Simulation Input

• Key envelope components: walls, windows, roofs and floors.
• How the envelope affects heat transfer and overall consumption.
• Modelling insulation, airtightness and thermal mass accurately.

Module 4: Factoring In Climate and Weather Data

• How local climate conditions shape energy consumption and comfort.
• Incorporating external weather data into a simulation.
• Adjusting models for climate zone and seasonal variation.

Module 5: Modelling HVAC Performance

• Simulating different HVAC system types and their energy use.
• Calculating heating and cooling loads for different building types.
• Modelling control strategies and renewable integration to reduce HVAC energy use.

Module 6: Simulating Lighting and Daylight

• Modelling artificial lighting systems and their contribution to total consumption.
• Daylighting simulation and its role in energy optimisation.
• Assessing the impact of lighting controls within the model.

Module 7: Bringing Renewables into the Model

• Modelling solar PV, solar thermal, wind and geothermal systems.
• Calculating expected energy savings and performance from renewable integration.
• Evaluating the economic case for different renewable combinations using simulation.

Module 8: Codes and Certification Compliance

• International and local energy codes: ASHRAE, IECC, LEED and others.
• Using energy models to demonstrate compliance with building codes.
• Documenting performance for certification and regulatory approval.

Module 9: Reading and Acting on Simulation Results

• Interpreting simulation output to meet regulatory requirements.
• Identifying design changes needed to hit code or certification targets.
• Strategies for pushing performance beyond minimum code requirements.