Calibration of Building Performance Simulations for Zero Carbon Ready Homes: Two Open Access Case Studies Under Controlled Conditions

Christopher Tsang (), Richard Fitton, Xinyi Zhang, Grant Henshaw, Heidi Paola Díaz-Hernández, David Farmer, David Allinson, Anestis Sitmalidis, Mohamed Dgali, Ljubomir Jankovic and William Swan
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Christopher Tsang: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Richard Fitton: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Xinyi Zhang: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Grant Henshaw: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Heidi Paola Díaz-Hernández: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
David Farmer: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
David Allinson: Building Energy Research Group (BERG), School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
Anestis Sitmalidis: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Mohamed Dgali: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
Ljubomir Jankovic: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
William Swan: Energy House Labs, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-22

Abstract: This study provides a detailed dataset from two modern homes constructed inside an environmentally controlled chamber. These data are used to carefully calibrate a dynamic thermal simulation model of these homes. The calibrated models show good agreement with measurements taken under controlled conditions. The two case study homes, “The Future Home” and “eHome2”, were constructed within the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0, and high-quality data were collected over eight days. The calibration process involved updating U-values, air permeability rates, and modelling refinements, such as roof ventilation, ground temperatures, and sub-floor void exchange rates, set as boundary conditions. Results demonstrated a high level of accuracy, with performance gaps in whole-house heat transfer coefficient reduced to 0.5% for “The Future Home” and 0.6% for “eHome2”, falling within aggregate heat loss test uncertainty ranges by a significant amount. The study highlights the improved accuracy of calibrated dynamic thermal simulation models, compared to results from the steady-state Standard Assessment Procedure model. By providing openly accessible calibrated models and a clearly defined methodology, this research presents valuable resources for future building performance modelling studies. The findings support the UK’s transition to dynamic modelling approaches proposed in the recently introduced Home Energy Model approach, contributing to improved prediction of energy efficiency and aligning with goals for zero carbon ready and sustainable housing development.

Keywords: model calibration; performance gap; open-source data; energy modelling; sustainable housing; domestic housing; net zero; Future Homes Standard (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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