Fundamentals of Building Performance Simulation, Second Edition pares the theory and practice of a multi-disciplinary field to the essentials for classroom learning and real-world applications. Authored by a veteran educator and researcher, this textbook equips students and emerging and established professionals in engineering and architecture to predict and optimize building energy use. It employs an innovative pedagogical approach, introducing new concepts and skills through previously mastered ones and deepening understanding of familiar themes by means of new material.

Covering topics from indoor airflow to the effects of the weather to HVAC systems, the book’s 25 chapters empower learners to:

• Understand the models and assumptions underlying BPS tools
• Compare models, simulations, and modelling tools and make appropriate selections
• Recognize the effects of modelling choices and input data on simulation predictions

Each subject is introduced without reference to particular simulation tools, while practice problems at the end of each chapter provide hands-on experience with the tools of the reader’s choice. Curated reading lists orient beginners in a vast, cross-disciplinary literature, and the critical thinking skills stressed throughout prepare them to make contributions of their own.

Fundamentals of Building Performance Simulation, Second Edition provides a much-needed resource for new and aspiring members of the building science community.

The textbook will be accompanied by student and instructor digital resources including chapter introduction videos by the author, software and simulation walkthrough videos, weather data, photographs, drawings and measured data to support the culminating trials.

Ian Beausoleil-Morrison is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University where he is the Canada Research Professor in Innovative Energy Systems for Residential Buildings. His research interests include solar housing, seasonal thermal storage, and BPS. Prior to joining Carleton University in 2007, he worked for 16 years at CanmetENERGY (a Canadian government laboratory) where he led a team of researchers developing BPS models and tools to support industry and government programmes. Professor Beausoleil-Morrison was President of IBPSA from 2010 to 2015, Vice-President from 2006 to 2010, and founded IBPSA-Canada and initiated the eSim conference series in 2001. He also cofounded and is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of IBPSA’s Journal of Building Performance Simulation and is a Fellow of IBPSA.

In 2021, IBPSA bestowed upon him its Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of more than three decades of contributions to the research, development, and validation of BPS models and tools, to training, supporting, and educating practitioners and students, and for service to the profession.