A simulation-based optimization method for the integrative design of the building envelope

An effective design of green buildings requires a process of optimization to meet all the sustainability goals through an integrative design approach. The research focuses on the development of a replicable methodology for the optimization of the building features that affects specifically the energy demand and indoor comfort conditions. Optimal design solutions are found following two steps: minimization of the total energy demand for heating, cooling and lighting coupling TRNSYS®, a dynamic simulation software, and GenOpt®, a Generic optimization program; a post-processing analysis considering thermal and visual comfort aspects. This optimization methodology was conducted on a school classroom case-study.