Energy system simulation in performance-based building design

This paper discusses the requirements and possible solutions for the use of building simulation tools as instrument to support performance-based building design decisions. Use of an existing simulation tool to support a specific building design decision (the selection of energy saving building components) will be demonstrated, difficulties encountered in this use of the tool will be reviewed, and solutions suggested. As a primer for this demonstration performance-based decision-making and its application to the selection of energy saving building components will be discussed. Finally, a research project that implements some of these findings in an operational system will be briefly introduced.