Planning and designing buildings is not a trivial task, this is because buildings are a microcosms of complexity derived from the interaction of construction materials, services, control systems their occupants and climate. Such as complex system, could be evaluated during its design phase, through a simulation, in order to test the best design.

Simulation is essential for the study of building energy efficiency. Computer simulation programs are effective analytical tools to research the energy consumption of buildings, and to validate the architectural design.

Computer simulation allows designers to create virtual buildings in which explore design alternatives. A simulation involves three basic steps:
•   Problem analysis and model creation
•   Simulation and
•   Analysis of results

Energy consumption, thermal, visual and acoustic  comfort, passive or active solar energy use, internal air quality, environmental impact, and many other aspects could be investigated using a virtual model.

Originated on a demand from Green Building design projects, the computer simulation capability was incorporated by Poch to its engineering disciplines.  LEED® Green Building Rating System Poch requires the energy simulation of buildings as a certification prerequisite. To achieve LEED certification it is necessary to demonstrate improvement of 10% in a proposed building energy performance rating for new buildings, compared with a baseline performance rating according ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1997.

DesignBuilder®

Poch develops energy models using the software DesignBuilder® a revolutionary tool for energy simulation which was developed to be used in all phases of design. It combines simulation software with a powerful 3D modeling tool.

DesignBuilder® is a graphic interface for the EnergyPlus® energy simulation program.  EnergyPlus was developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Illinois, the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, GARD Analytics, Inc., Oklahoma State University and others; this with the support of the  U.S. Department of Energy, the Office of Building Technology, State and Community. EnergyPlus is a registered trademark of the US, Departament of Energy. EnergyPlus is a building energy simulation program for modeling building heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other energy flows.