A review on the optimization methods applied to simulation-based building performance analysis

The built environment is a major contributor to global energy consumption and CO2 emissions, necessitating a focus on building energy efficiency. This study reviews the evolution of optimization techniques in improving building performance, emphasizing computational simulations, machine learning, and multi-objective optimization. Despite their proven benefits, practical application remains limited due to barriers like high computational demands, specialized knowledge, and software integration issues. This review identifies key obstacles and proposes strategies to enhance usability and efficiency. Addressing these challenges requires integrated workflows, industry-academia collaboration, and standardized guidelines. By overcoming these hurdles, the building sector can significantly advance in energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience. This work highlights the importance of bridging the gap between research and practice to fully leverage optimization methods in building design.