COMPUTER SIMULATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

This article discusses the importance of sustainable architecture, discussing concepts and definitions of this issue, distinguishing Bioarchitecture, Bioclimatic Architecture and Sustainable Architecture. Explains about the advantages and characteristics of a sustainable project, which highlights the energy efficiency of buildings. Indicates design methods and evaluation of the efficiency and environmental quality of buildings as BREEAM, LEED, HQE and Blue Seal, as well as the Brazilian Program of Energy labeling. Explained the resemblance of the different concepts relating to architecture and the use of natural resources, despite the existence of different terms. Compared the methods of assessment and certification of project, which use parameters in common, but adopt different methodologies. And discussed the non-utilisation of computational simulation tools of the energy efficiency of buildings in the daily lives of the architects. It is concluded that independent of the term being used, the important thing is that there is a reflection on the architectural production, parameters to assess the technical performance of buildings, and instruments available to design and demonstrate the efficiency of the use of natural resources. Required if makes exploring the computer simulation as a tool for design, as well as use and operation planning to seek continuous improvement of buildings and the quality of the environment.