9. Building Simulation and Models: Closing the Performance Gap

It is not practicable to test every aspect of all the buildings that are built. As we understand the behaviour of buildings from field and laboratory tests, the data can be used to produce generalised assumptions about the way a building, and its component parts will behave. These models simulations are now an integral part of our understanding of the performance of buildings. While the assumptions made in models and simulations can be relatively imprecise when first developed, as their development is advanced the models become more detailed, reliable and intelligent. Researchers are constantly updating and calibrating the sensitivity of their models, using new data from the field and in-use studies to improve the reliability and accuracy with which the models can operate. The construction industry is heavily reliant on the use of models and simulations to perform a variety of design and analysis calculations, for predicting energy consumption and performance of finished buildings, and to demonstrate compliance with regulatory or voluntary performance standards.