An integrated simulation method for building energy performance assessment in urban environments

The microclimate around a building, establishing through the interaction with other buildings or the natural environment, is a significant factor in the building energy consumption. This paper presents a method for the quantitative analysis of building energy performance under any given urban contexts by linking the microclimate model ENVI-met to the building energy simulation (BES) program EnergyPlus. The full microclimatic factors such as solar radiation, long wave radiation, air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed have been considered in the proposed scheme. A case study has been conducted to analyze the effects of different microclimatic factors on the energy balance of an individual building. The method outlined in this paper could be useful for urban planning and building design.

► An integrated simulation method for building energy evaluation in an urban context.
► We link the microclimate model ENVI-met to the building energy software EnergyPlus.
► The full microclimatic factors are included in this coupling scheme.
► Quantifying the effects of outdoor configurations on building energy performance.