Zones

Zones are the core building blocks of an energy model. They represent separate spaces within a building that share similar thermal conditions, like rooms, open areas or levels.

Each zone typically has:

• Its own heating, cooling and ventilation needs

• Defined boundaries like floors, walls, windows and ceilings

• Specific internal conditions such as occupancy, lighting and equipment

In Better Building, zones are used to group spaces for energy analysis. By defining zones accurately, you help the simulation engine understand how heat, air and energy move through the building, which is key to getting meaningful results.

Zone Areas and Volumes

Zone Areas and Volumes are determined as a function of wall and floor thickness. To account for wall and floor thickness to determine a more accurate area and volume within each Zone, you can subtract them from the model.

To account for Zone Areas and Volumes, navigate to 'Modelling', select 'Zones', and locate the 'Zone Areas and Volumes' toggles. Toggle to not account for wall and floor thickness in calculating the Zone Areas and Volumes.

External Wall Position

External Wall Position allows you to determine where the external wall is positioned in your Zone, which affects the calculated enclosed volume. Subject to how the Zones have been drawn, external, centred and internal wall positions are available.

To account for the External Wall Position, navigate to 'Modelling', select 'Zones', and locate the 'External Wall Position'. Then select the preferred External Wall Position.

Internal Top Surfaces

Internal Top Surfaces determine whether a floor or ceiling is assigned when the zones above are outside the thermal line. Internal Top Surfaces can be assigned as a ceiling, using roof materials, or can be assigned as a floor.

To account for the Internal Top Surfaces, navigate to 'Modelling', select 'Zones', and locate the 'Internal Top Surfaces'. Then select the preferred Internal Top Surface.