The Gibraltar government has enlisted climate tech company IES to create the territory’s first dynamic simulation engine for compliance with local building regulations.
Glasgow-based IES has unveiled a bespoke Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) tool to help building professionals meet Gibraltar’s Part F energy regulations for new buildings and extensions.
The modelling platform was funded through the territory’s Climate Action Fund.
By replacing simplified, monthly-average building design methods with high-resolution, hourly-step simulation, the DSM engine aims to provide local architects, engineers and regulators with the insight to design and approve net-zero energy buildings.
Work on the Gibraltar DSM tool began in September 2024 and moved to development completion this spring.
“The nature of Gibraltar’s dense urban fabric, limited roof area for solar panels, and hot Mediterranean summers makes it extremely difficult to reach net-zero without the insights that dynamic thermal simulation offers”, explained Vincent Murray, associate director at IES.
“Our DSM platform evaluates the interaction of form, facade, thermal mass, smart HVAC and on-site renewables hour-by-hour throughout the year, so design teams can evaluate all aspects of the building design to meet the Part F regulations.
“In practical terms, that’s what makes the difference between an aspirational target and a building that genuinely produces as much energy as it consumes.”
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage at the Gibraltar government added that this partnership will result in “faster approvals, lower operating costs and a built environment that supports – rather than hinders – our climate goals”.
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