ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that true conceptual design support requires one to show which design option has a statistically higher chance of impacting the energy performance of the eventually resulting final design. The role of energy modelling in building engineering has co-evolved with the technology. Energy modelling is a key element of the broader discipline called building simulation, a domain that, apart from thermal aspects, also studies lighting, moisture, acoustics, air flow, and indoor air quality. In energy modelling the area of interest is the thermal behaviour of buildings, especially in terms of energy efficiency and thermal comfort. There are many tools available for building energy modelling and analysis. The application of physical laws leads to a set of relations between the variables of the physical model which together constitute the mathematical model. In the engineering of sustainable buildings, energy modelling is closely integrated with the design of energy efficient buildings.
