SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 June 2026 - As sustainability requirements and operational performance expectations evolve, building performance modelling is becoming increasingly important across Australia's construction sector. Afogreen Build, an Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) consultancy, has observed growing demand for integrated modelling approaches that help architects and building owners evaluate factors like energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability outcomes. Building Performance Modelling as a Strategic Tool Integrated modelling uses computer-based simulations to predict how a building will perform even before it is constructed. By analysing factors such as energy consumption, indoor comfort, daylight access, airflow, and operational efficiency, it helps project teams understand how design decisions may affect a building's long-term performance. Traditionally, this approach has been used to support compliance with building regulations and sustainability certification frameworks. However, its role is expanding as project teams increasingly seek data-driven insights during the design process. One factor contributing to this trend is the growing focus on measurable operational outcomes. Frameworks such as NABERS Commitment Agreements and Section J Performance Solutions require project teams to demonstrate expected building performance before construction begins. As a result, modelling is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for evaluating whether design targets can realistically be achieved. The approach is already widely adopted across Australia's construction sector. Research indicates that approximately 90% of new residential developments and 85% of non-office commercial projects now incorporate building performance modelling. At the same time, around 53% of standard projects and 49% of premium projects are using modelling primarily for compliance-based assessments. "Modelling is increasingly viewed not just as a compliance requirement, but as a practical tool for evaluating whether design targets can realistically be achieved," shared Erika Yuniarti, Managing Director of Afogreen Build. Integrated Modelling Provides a Broader View of Building Performance Many project teams are also moving beyond assessments that focus on a single performance metric. Integrated modelling evaluates multiple aspects of building performance together, including:

• Energy use
• Thermal comfort
• Daylight access
• Ventilation
• Occupant experience

This approach allows stakeholders to better understand how different building systems and design decisions interact with one another. By identifying potential issues earlier in the design process, project teams can make more informed decisions before significant design resources are committed. This can help reduce design revisions, improve overall efficiency, and provide greater confidence that performance objectives can be achieved once the building is operational. Applications Across Multiple Sectors The growing adoption of building performance modelling can be seen across a variety of project types. Recent projects undertaken by Afogreen Build highlight how simulation-based assessments are helping project teams evaluate performance, improve design outcomes, and support sustainability objectives. a. Large-Scale Hotel Development One project involved the transformation of a former police station site into a two-tower hotel complex with a gross floor area of approximately 25,000 sqm. The development combines a 131-room boutique luxury lifestyle hotel with a 451-room budget-friendly hotel, creating a diverse hospitality offering designed to serve different traveller segments. To support both guest comfort and sustainability objectives, Afogreen Build conducted integrated daylight, glare, and energy modelling throughout the project. Daylight simulations showed that approximately 94% of guest rooms met daylight performance requirements, while glare assessments helped optimise visual comfort within occupied spaces. Energy modelling indicated an overall reduction in energy consumption of 30.2% compared to baseline building performance. The analysis also identified key areas of energy use, providing valuable insights that can support future operational and system optimisation efforts. b. Train Station Project For a train station project, Afogreen Build adopted an integrated modelling approach to evaluate factors such as daylight access, thermal comfort, glare, and natural ventilation across key passenger areas, including the concourse and platforms. The simulations helped project stakeholders better understand how environmental conditions would affect the passenger experience throughout the day. Findings from the study informed façade design strategies, balancing natural daylight with measures to reduce excessive glare and solar heat gain in occupied spaces. The assessments also...