Contemporary commercial building environment representing computational fluid dynamics, airflow, heat transfer and environmental performance modelling before construction.

Advanced Building Performance Modelling

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Understand how air movement, heat and fluid flow may shape a building, space or environmental system before construction begins.

For architects, engineers, developers and project teams assessing ventilation, thermal behaviour, wind conditions, smoke movement or complex airflow across proposed designs.

Discuss Your CFD Modelling Requirements
 

In Brief

What Is Computational Fluid Dynamics?

Computational Fluid Dynamics, or CFD, is a simulation-based modelling method used to understand how air, heat, smoke and other fluid flows behave within and around buildings, infrastructure and surrounding environments.

Within building-performance analysis, CFD can be used to investigate airflow patterns, ventilation effectiveness, thermal comfort, pressure relationships, smoke movement, façade interactions and the influence of building geometry on local environmental conditions.

CFD is particularly valuable where simplified calculations cannot adequately represent complex spaces or localised conditions. It may support naturally ventilated buildings, atriums, basements, car parks, precincts, façade studies, smoke-control strategies and detailed occupant-comfort investigations before construction begins.

What Can CFD Analyse?

Airflow, ventilation, thermal comfort, smoke movement, pressure differences, façade effects and internal or external environmental conditions.

When Is CFD Used?

It is used where complex geometry, airflow or environmental conditions require more detailed analysis than simplified calculations can provide.

Why Does CFD Matter?

It helps project teams test performance before construction and make more informed decisions about comfort, ventilation, safety and environmental response.

What is Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD 

 

CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics is a simulation method used to understand how air heat and pressure move through and around a building before it is built.

Instead of relying on assumptions or standard values CFD allows you to see how your design will actually perform in real conditions.

This provides a clearer understanding of airflow thermal comfort and system behaviour early in the design process.

 

 

Do I need CFD? 

 

CFD is not required for every project.

However it becomes valuable when building performance cannot be fully understood through standard methods or simplified modelling.

You may benefit from CFD if your project includes:

  • complex building geometry
  • natural ventilation strategies
  • large open or multi level spaces
  • unusual wind exposure or facade design
  • performance risks that are difficult to predict

In these situations CFD provides clarity where standard approaches fall short.

 

 

What can CFD improve? 

 

CFD is commonly used to improve performance in:

  • airflow and ventilation within buildings
  • thermal comfort across internal spaces
  • facade and wind interaction
  • HVAC system efficiency
  • design decisions for complex or non standard projects

By understanding these factors early you can reduce design changes later and improve overall performance outcomes.

 

 

Why CFD matters

 

As buildings become more complex and performance expectations increase understanding how a design actually behaves is becoming essential.

CFD33

 

Compliance alone does not always reflect real world performance.

CFD helps bridge this gap by providing insight into how a building will function once it is built allowing design teams to make more informed decisions earlier.

 

 

How a CFD analysis works

 

A CFD analysis is typically carried out in three stages:

 

1 Pre processing. 
The building geometry is created and key parameters such as airflow conditions materials and boundary conditions are defined.

 

2 Simulation
The model is analysed using computational software to simulate airflow temperature distribution and pressure behaviour.

 

3 Post processing
The results are reviewed and interpreted to identify performance issues and opportunities for improvement.

This process allows designers and engineers to visualise performance before construction begins.

 

 

What do I need for a CFD analysis?

 

To complete a CFD assessment we typically require:

  • architectural drawings or BIM models
  • information about building use and occupancy
  • details of openings facade and materials
  • any specific performance concerns or goals

Our team will guide you through this process and ensure the required inputs are clear from the start.

 

 

Time and cost 

 

The time and cost of a CFD analysis depend on the size and complexity of the project.

Simple studies can often be completed within a few days while more detailed simulations may require additional time.

We recommend submitting your plans for review so we can provide a clear scope and timeframe based on your project.

 

 

Work with Certified Energy

 

With over 17 years of experience in building performance and environmental design our team provides practical CFD insights that support real project outcomes.

We work closely with architects designers and developers to ensure that simulation results translate into buildable solutions.

Screenshot 2026-05-03 at 12.28.11 pm

Design with clarity, before you build.

Understand how air, heat and flow will shape your project
and make better decisions from the start.

 

Talk to our CFD team

 

Frequently Asked Questions

CFD Modelling FAQs

What is CFD modelling?

CFD modelling (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulates how air, heat, smoke and other fluids move through and around buildings.

It is used to understand airflow, ventilation, wind effects, thermal behaviour and environmental performance in complex building conditions.

When is CFD modelling used in building projects?

CFD is used when airflow, temperature distribution, ventilation behaviour or wind impacts are too complex for standard assessment methods or need detailed evidence for design or compliance.

What can CFD modelling assess?

Airflow patterns, wind speed, pressure differences, temperature distribution, ventilation effectiveness, smoke movement and thermal comfort conditions.

Is CFD modelling required for every project?

No. CFD is only used where complexity, performance requirements or compliance pathways require detailed airflow or thermal analysis.

How is CFD modelling different from energy modelling?

Energy modelling focuses on energy use over time, while CFD focuses on localised airflow, heat movement and environmental behaviour within and around spaces.

Can CFD modelling support NCC Performance Solutions?

Yes. CFD can support Performance Solutions where detailed evidence is required to demonstrate compliance with NCC performance requirements.

Can CFD modelling be used for natural ventilation?

Yes. CFD can model airflow through openings, rooms and shared spaces to evaluate cross ventilation, stack effect and mixed-mode ventilation strategies.

Can CFD modelling assess wind comfort around buildings?

Yes. It can assess pedestrian wind comfort, local wind speeds, turbulence effects and how building form influences outdoor environments.

What documents are usually needed for CFD modelling?

Architectural drawings, sections, elevations, 3D geometry (if available), façade details, surrounding context and any mechanical or ventilation assumptions.

When should CFD modelling be started?

Early in design is ideal, before façade, ventilation or massing decisions are locked in, so results can influence the design.

Does CFD modelling provide exact real-world results?

No. CFD provides a simulation based on assumptions and inputs. It is highly valuable for analysis, but not a perfect real-world prediction.

How does CFD modelling fit into building performance?

CFD is part of a broader performance ecosystem connecting airflow, comfort, ventilation, façade design and evidence-based building design decisions.

Project Review

Clarify whether CFD modelling is right for your project

Send the available plans, sections, ventilation strategy, mechanical information and performance requirements for an initial review. Certified Energy can help determine whether computational fluid dynamics modelling is appropriate and define the airflow or environmental performance questions the assessment should address.

Early modelling can help project teams understand ventilation effectiveness, air movement, heat distribution, internal conditions and the interaction between architectural design and mechanical systems before key decisions become fixed.

Last reviewed: June 2026. This page is maintained by Certified Energy as part of its Commercial Performance Knowledge Hub.