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Energy model usage in building design: A qualitative assessment

This qualitative study of energy model usage is a response to the poor uptake of models in practice and to the disparity of views which exists as to which type is most appropriate: simplified or detailed. To better understand this situation, past research on this topic has been reviewed and the results from returns of a detailed questionnaire analysed. It is concluded that (i) users perceive simplified models to have greater efficacy than detailed models, by a factor of three. (ii) users of the spectrum of energy models require improved user interfaces, and this issue grows in urgency with increased model complexity (supporting the previous conclusion). Model developers should respond by enhancing interfaces, this will also reduce the effort of utilisation. Examples of current innovative interface developments are presented as tentative exemplars.