For the first time since 1995, the international Building Simulation conference will be held this year in the United States. Registration is now open for Building Simulation 2017, which takes place in downtown San Francisco, August 7-9.

Building Simulation 2017 will include sessions on research as well as presentations on best practices. Sessions will cover all types of simulation — airflow, light, moisture, acoustics, egress, and energy — at scales from components to buildings to cities. Other activities will include pre-conference software training workshops, optional tours of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Stanford University, and an exhibition of simulation software vendors.

The conference brings together simulation practitioners, building designers, researchers, software developers, and policy makers from around the world. Practitioners will be able to learn how firms around the world use simulation for building design and code compliance and will find out which tools they are using. Researchers, software developers, and practitioners will have the opportunity to exchange ideas about the future of simulation and building science.

 “I’m excited about the blend of research and practice coming together at this conference, and I hope that everyone involved in building performance analysis takes advantage of this special learning opportunity,” said Conference Chair Philip Haves of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

According to organizers, building performance simulation is gaining a unique position at the center of the push for high-performance buildings, zero-energy buildings, and smart cities. Simulation plays a central and increasingly vital role in integrated design and optimized operation. As a design tool, simulation allows designers to make informed decisions when they seek to optimize building performance, in areas such as energy efficiency, comfort, and health and safety. As a research tool, simulation is used in development of new building technologies and techniques. Simulation is also widely used to develop and evaluate policy options, such as building energy codes.

According to keynote speaker Anica Landreneau, director of sustainable design at the architecture firm HOK, “Energy modeling is a no-brainer for HOK, and we believe for our clients. It’s like reading the MPG (miles per gallon) rating before you buy a car. Its basic performance information every building investor should know.”

The International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing and promoting the science of building simulation in order to improve the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of new and existing buildings and urban developments. IBPSA-USA, the U. S. regional affiliate of IBPSA, is the host of Building Simulation 2017. For more information on the event, visit www.buildingsimulation2017.org.