In the matter of simulation and buildings: some critical reflections

Abstract

Is there firm evidence suggesting that the deployment of building performance simulation in the design process has actually a significant impact on buildings’ subsequent long-term environmentally relevant performance? More importantly, do we have conclusive evidence for the frequently stated environmental mitigation potential of the building sector, given a number of essential global boundary conditions, including, for instance, population and urbanization growth? The pursuit of these questions could contribute to a more realistic appraisal of the environmentally relevant potential and limitations of both performance simulation deployment and sustainable building practices.