Selection Criteria for Building Performance Simulation Tools : Contrasting Architects and Engineers Needs

This paper summarizes a study undertaken to reveal potential challenges and opportunities for using building performance simulation (BPS) tools. The paper reviews current trends in building simulation and outlines major criteria for BPS tools selection and evaluation based on analyzing user’s needs for tools capabilities and requirement specifications. The research is carried out by means of a literature review and two online surveys. The findings are based on an inter-group comparison between architects and engineers’. The aim is to rank BPS tools selection criteria and compare ten state-of-the-arts BPS tools in the USA market. Five criteria are composed to stack up against theories and practices of BPS. Based on the experience gained during the survey, suggested criteria are critically reviewed and tested. The final results indicate a wide gap between architects and engineers priorities and tools ranking. This gap is discussed and suggestions for improvement of current tools are presented