A computational workflow to analyze simplified metrics of environmental building performance in a northern climate

The research presented expands the knowledge on the use of simplified metrics for environmental building performance analysis, addressing recent urban neighborhoods in the northern climate of Tallinn, Estonia. It also introduces a computational workflow performing building data acquisition, geometry preparation, calculations, simulations and results collection through automation. Several metrics present a strong correlation. For instance, the area-to-perimeter ratio and sky exposure factor when correlated with energy use have R2 values of 0.96 and 0.90, respectively. Thus, they can be used to compare schematic design solutions instead of laborious simulations, enabling designers to improve the sustainability of buildings and cities. Detailed results, a new metric and their reciprocal influence are presented and discussed.