A Practical Guide to Building Thermal Modelling
The development of thermal models is now an integral part of the design process, in particular to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations. In addition, project teams are increasingly being asked to commit to future energy use.
Modelling can provide accurate energy consumption data for a set of defined input criteria, but it generally requires that assumptions are made, and this may generate risks for a project. It is important therefore that thermal models are subject to rigorous quality control to mitigate this risk, reduce design errors and provide an audit trail in the event of future disputes or claims.
A Practical Guide to Building Thermal Modelling (BG48/2013) was published by BSRIA in 2013. It was written by Richard Tudor of WSP, with input from industry representatives. It provides an overview of the thermal modelling process with a high-level strategic approach to quality requirements.
It provides practical guidance about the delivery of thermal models based on feedback from practising engineers, focussing on dynamic and compliance modelling rather than computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation.
It covers planning, model construction, model output reporting, filing and archiving. It is primarily aimed at thermal modellers, but also provides guidance for organisations undertaking thermal modelling to improve working practices and help mitigate risks.
The guide is available in print, pdf and eBook format from the BSRIA bookshop.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BSRIA.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building regulations.
- CFD.
- Computational fluid dynamics.
- Computational fluid dynamics in building design: An introduction FB 69.
- Conventions for calculating linear thermal transmittance and temperature factors.
- Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
- Heating degree days.
- Heat transfer.
- Indoor air velocity.
- Integrating CFD into the design process.
- Passive building design.
- The thermal behaviour of spaces enclosed by fabric membranes (Thesis).
- Thermal behaviour of architectural fabric structures.
- Thermal comfort.
- Thermal comfort and wellbeing.
- Thermal dynamic analysis.
- U-values.
Featured articles and news
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.