Predicting the energy performance of buildings under present and future climate scenarios: lessons learnt

Predicting the energy performance of buildings is important to optimize the energy consumption. Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) is a key tool that is used to predict the environmental performance of buildings. Much work has been done that conforms a gap between predicted and measured energy consumed in buildings due to a range of influencing factors. Understanding the causes of performance gap can help in reducing it between design targets and actual performance. On the other hand, there is a convincing evidence that climate is changing and that we will be facing different climatic scenarios in the future. Buildings should be designed to be able of dealing with future climatic changes using mitigation and adaptation measures. Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) can be used to estimate the energy performance of buildings and their indoor environments based on future climatic scenarios and to assess the different design options. This paper explores the main aspects that need consideration when predicting the energy performance of buildings under future climatic conditions. The research conducts a critical literature review engaging with previous knowledge in the field. It also sheds light on the way of producing future weather files