Comparative Validation of a Building Energy Model Calibration Methodology with a Focus on Residential Buildings

Energy simulation is essential for building designers and energy analytics to anticipate energy usage and increase energy efficiency.This research aims to investigate and compare the energy consumption predictions produced by two distinct software programs, Design Builder (DB) and Ladybug and Honeybee (LB&HB), within the realm of Building Energy Simulation (BES).Comprehending the capabilities of these tools aids building designers and energy analysts in making informed decisions, and fostering sustainable building practices.Through a thorough evaluation of these programs, the study provides a comprehensive view of their strengths and weaknesses, offering guidance to users for efficient energy utilization in building design and analysis.Standardized input data, such as building construction materials, orientation, HVAC system, occupancy schedules, and weather data, enable a fair comparison.Despite identical inputs for both software, variations in energy consumption predictions arise from simulation models.While both programs usually produce accurate results, significant discrepancies occur in specific cases.DB surpasses LB&HB in accuracy for EUI in kwh/ m 2 results compared to Attia's benchmark.This benchmark serves as a reference for typical residential buildings in Cairo.The building survey is grounded in a thorough evaluation of 1500 apartments located in three distinct regions in Egypt.By comparing the average Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in kwh/m 2 for both software to Attia's benchmark and determining which software is more acceptable, the following results were obtained.The average values along the year for benchmark, DB, and LB&HB are 24.69 kWh/m 2 , 25.59 kWh/m 2 , and 22.26 kWh/m 2 , respectively.When DB is compared to the benchmark over the year, the average percentage difference is approximately +3.51%, while for LB&HB, it is approximately -9.84%.This indicates that, on average, DB had higher accuracy in building energy consumption compared to the benchmark than LB&HB.The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of simulation models and input parameters on results.The study offers valuable insights for designers and analysts, aiding software program selection and highlighting the broader role of building energy simulation in retrofit analysis and optimization.