Current developments with regard to simulation of buildings and their energy requirements and comfort conditions before construction have gained enormous momentum in recent years. Innovative computational models and software solutions enable us to integrate virtual building twins in the building‘s design and operation phase. However, the full potential of building simulation has yet to be fully explored. Building simulation will definitely evolve, but what will be the developments in the coming years? There is research concerning the simulation of the microclimate of cities as well as models using cloud computing, automated BIM simulation workflows, low-cost multifunctional sensors coupled with simulation models, data-driven smart city concepts and developments concerning simulation-based control and regulation for continuous optimization of building operations. In the current issue of „nachhaltige technologien“ we have the pleasure to present some of these exciting developments. One trend can be clearly seen in many of these approaches: future simulation models will definitely coexist with smart technology and IoT sensor technology and the technologies will even converge in future.
In this issue, you will have a look at different innovative simulation methods from the application-oriented point of view – from real-time coupling of simulation and operation using digital building twins to microclimate simulations.