Site

Site Settings define the physical and environmental context for your building model. These inputs help shape how your building interacts with its surroundings, which is key to accurate energy performance simulations.

Climate File

Set Climate Dataset

Better Building sources weather files from Climate.OneBuilding.org, a free-to-access depository derived from several public sources. We also supplement additional weather files from government published sources, such as NIWA, when available.

To set the climate dataset, select from the 'Dataset' dropdown menu. Please note that climate data set availability are specific to workflows.

Set a Custom Location

A Custom Location allows the default project location to be overridden. This is useful for setting preferred local climate data when local typography does not represent the default project location.

Set a Custom Location by entering the 'Location' within the input field. This will then provide an override to the project latitude and longitude coordinates. Please note that custom locations may be limited to the specific workflow you are adopting. For a full Custom Location availability, please refer to Designer Mode.

Ground Surface

Reflectance

Reflectance, in the context of the ground, refers to the fraction of incident solar radiation reflected by the ground surface. This value plays a role in calculations related to solar heat gain, as sunlight that hits the ground can be reflected onto the building and contribute to its heat load. Reflectance values can range from 0 (no reflection) to 1 (total reflection), but typical values for natural ground surfaces are usually less than 0.3.

To account for Reflectance, navigate to 'Modelling', select 'Ground Surface', and locate the 'Reflectance'. Next, select the desired Reflectance.

Temperature Method

The ground temperature plays a role in calculating heat transfer between the building and the ground. This can be important for buildings with basements, ground-source heat pumps, or any other situation where the ground temperature could affect the building's thermal behaviour.

The following Temperature Methods are available:

Fixed Temperature

Assumes a constant temperature across the year.

Weather File

Uses the topmost temperature layer in the EPW weather file.

Monthly Average Drybulb

Calculated from the EPW weather file dry-bulb temperature.

To account for your Temperature Method, navigate to 'Modelling', select 'Ground Surface', and locate the 'Temperature Method'. Next, select the desired Temperature Method.