Computational optimization for Zero Energy Buildings Design: Interview results with twenty-eight International experts

This paper summarizes a study that was undertaken to reveal potential challenges and opportunities for integrating optimisation tools in Net/Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) Design. The paper reviews current trends in simulation-based Building Performance Optimisation (BPO) and outlines major criteria for optimisation tools selection and evaluation. This is based on analyzing users’ needs for tools capabilities and requirement specifications. The review is carried out by means of interviews with 28 optimisation experts. The findings are based on an intergroup comparison between experts. The aim is to assess the gaps and needs for integrating BPO tools in NZEB Design. The findings indicate existing limitations including model uncertainty, computation time, difficulty of implementation and steep learning curve. Future directions anticipated or needed for improvement of current tools are presented