Intensive building energy simulation at early design stage

In order to inform the design of a building or a group of buildings in relation to their potential energy efficiency, the main impact will be at the initial concept design stage. Variations and interactions of parameters need to be considered quickly as the design develops. In addition to the variation and interrelation of parameters associated with individual buildings, the design should consider the influence, both from and on, neighbouring buildings and landscape features. This paper describes the development of two modelling processes, based around the established building energy model, HTB2, and the urban scale energy model EEP.  Example case studies from China are given to illustrate the processes.