EnergyPlus is an open-source whole-building energy simulation engine developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office. It is used by engineers, architects and researchers to model building energy performance, including heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, plug/process loads, HVAC systems and water use. Within EXCEL4Housing 4.0, EnergyPlus is relevant to the “Planning and Design” block, especially for energy-efficiency strategies, retrofit planning and performance assessment. It can help learners and professionals compare design alternatives such as improved insulation, glazing, shading, ventilation, HVAC systems and renewable-energy integration. The tool supports the project’s objective of strengthening digital and green skills for sustainable housing by enabling evidence-based decisions for energy-efficient and low-carbon buildings. As it is an advanced simulation engine rather than a simple online tool, it is most suitable for energy modellers, engineers, researchers, VET trainers and advanced students, preferably used with graphical interfaces such as OpenStudio or DesignBuilder.
Keywords
Main theme addressed by the tool
Energy Efficiency
Objectives
EnergyPlus is used to simulate and analyse the energy performance of buildings during design, renovation and operation. Its purpose is to help users estimate heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, HVAC and water use performance, compare energy efficiency strategies, optimise envelope and system choices, and support evidence based decisions for low energy and sustainable housing. It can also be used in training to teach building energy modelling and performance assessment.
Target audience
Architects; engineers; energy modellers; HVAC specialists; building performance consultants; researchers; trainers; advanced students.
Benefits
EnergyPlus helps users improve building energy performance by simulating heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, HVAC and water use, comparing alternative design and retrofit strategies, optimising envelope and system choices, supporting evidence based decisions for low energy housing, and strengthening technical skills in building energy modelling and performance assessment.
Data requirements
Building geometry, location and weather file, envelope materials, windows and shading, occupancy and operation schedules, internal gains, ventilation and infiltration, HVAC systems and simulation settings. Basic knowledge of building physics and energy modelling is recommended.
Learning Profiles addressed
- BIM for Energy & Lifecycle Specialist
- Energy Renovation & Performance Specialist
- HVAC & Renewable Integration Specialist
Examples of application
How to use the tool – Tutorials
EnergyPlus Getting Started manual and official documentation.pdf
Learning materials
EnergyPlus for Beginners YouTube Series: 12-part playlist covering basic EnergyPlus workflows, materials, internal gains, HVAC loads and result analysis. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt8euQ9WuNBcGVJrrWRqlAGmE7HnoQXHc
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt8euQ9WuNBcGVJrrWRqlAGmE7HnoQXHc&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Language
EN
Cost
free
Other information
Relevant for advanced energy modelling workflows and interoperability with tools such as OpenStudio.
