【Sustainability Walk – Issue 33】The Role of Building Simulation Technology in Energy-Efficient Design

Imagine being able to predict, before a building is even constructed, where sunlight will stream indoors, whether the air conditioning will be too energy-intensive, or if natural ventilation will be sufficient.

As sustainable building design places increasing emphasis on efficiency and precision, technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), daylight simulation, and wind environment simulation have become indispensable tools for energy-efficient design. These simulation tools allow design teams to optimize window openings, shading devices, and HVAC configurations at the drawing stage, preventing future energy waste.

At Sinyi Development, we have applied these technologies to our Jia-Pin project, using simulation tools during the design phase for carbon emission analysis and energy-saving assessments, ensuring the building moves toward a more efficient and low-carbon direction from the very beginning.

What is Building Performance Simulation and what can it do?

Building Performance Simulation (BPS) uses specialized software, integrating building geometry, climate data, occupant behavior, and equipment parameters to predict a building’s performance in terms of energy use, thermal environment, and carbon emissions. Common functions include:

1. Building form analysis – Evaluates how dimensions, shapes, orientation, and window placement affect energy consumption.

2. Building envelope analysis – Assesses the insulation performance of roofs, walls, and windows, and its impact on building energy use.

3. Internal load analysis – Models occupancy, lighting, and equipment schedules to assess how different loads interact and influence energy use.

4. HVAC system analysis – Examines both small-scale and central systems, considering climate conditions, insulation, internal loads, and equipment efficiency to determine their impact on building energy use.

5. Energy-saving potential analysis – Tests single or combined measures to evaluate energy savings and calculate return on investment (ROI).

These results enable designers to make more evidence-based decisions early on and provide a solid foundation for carbon accounting, energy labeling, and green building certifications.

Value for Different Stakeholders in Building Projects

Different roles in a building project apply simulation in different ways:

• Architects use daylight and view simulations to optimize window and shading design.

• MEP engineers focus on HVAC system efficiency and thermal load balancing.

• Sustainability teams use carbon modeling tools to estimate embodied and operational emissions, assessing the benefits of green or low-carbon materials.

Key intervention stages include:

• Concept design – Orientation, daylighting, and wind flow analysis for optimal configurations.

• Schematic design – Energy modeling for building envelope, glazing, and materials.

• Construction documentation – Detailed modeling of HVAC and lighting integration.

The earlier simulations are applied, the more likely they are to prevent design rework, avoid future energy issues, and balance cost-effectiveness with performance.

Sinyi Development Case Study: Jia-Pin Project

For the Jia-Pin project, Sinyi Development integrated BIM modeling during the design phase to create a complete digital geometry of the building. Using the IES VE simulation platform, we conducted both energy and carbon simulations. Analyses of different window-to-wall ratios, Low-E glass options, and wall configurations revealed areas with higher cooling loads, leading us to adjust shading designs and window layouts.

These simulation results not only guided energy-saving strategies but were also integrated into carbon inventory work, forming the basis for forecasting operational-phase electricity-related emissions and improving the accuracy and traceability of carbon data.

By applying this simulation process, we identified potential high-energy-use hotspots in advance and enhanced both design foresight and data management.

Global Trends: From Optional Tool to Regulatory Requirement

Globally, simulation is increasingly embedded into building regulations and rating systems. For example:

• Singapore requires OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) and energy simulations for new buildings, integrating them into the Green Mark rating system.

• Japan’s ZEB Ready certification mandates annual energy simulations meeting specific EUI thresholds.

• Several European countries include simulation results as part of building permit applications to ensure energy targets are met from the design stage.

These trends reflect a shift: simulation is no longer just a design aid—it is becoming a foundational requirement for sustainable buildings.

Conclusion: Using Data to Drive Low-Carbon Design

Building simulation is more than a technological tool—it represents a shift in design philosophy. It allows us to see a building’s environmental impact before a single brick is laid, empowering us to make more sustainable choices from the start.

Sinyi Development will continue to deepen its application of simulation technologies, integrating BIM, carbon accounting, and green material databases to create a more transparent, intelligent, and efficient sustainable design process—ensuring low-carbon outcomes are embedded from the very first design decision.

Source：建築能源模擬分析工具之開發與應用(營建知訊440期)