Trial / Demo
The University of Canterbury uses the IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) within its teaching programme, giving students direct experience with the same simulation tools used throughout industry.
The University of Canterbury is committed to preparing the next generation of engineers and building performance professionals with the skills needed to design more sustainable, resilient and energy-efficient buildings. As part of this commitment, the university uses the IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) within its teaching programme, giving students direct experience with the same simulation tools used throughout industry.
Through the IES Academic Liaison Programme, students and academics have access to the full capabilities of IESVE, enabling building performance simulation to be embedded seamlessly into teaching and project work.
“The onboarding process was straightforward, allowing the university to integrate the software into its curriculum with minimal effort while ensuring students could begin developing practical simulation skills from the outset.”
Professor Larry Bellamy, University of Canterbury
IESVE plays an important role in helping students understand how building design decisions influence energy use, occupant comfort and environmental performance. By applying simulation techniques to real-world projects, students develop an evidence-based approach to low-carbon building design and gain valuable experience that will support them throughout their careers.
“Several aspects of the software have proven particularly valuable in teaching. The depth of building energy and internal environmental analysis allows students to explore building performance in detail and better understand the relationship between design choices and operational outcomes. Sunlight and shading analysis capabilities help students investigate the impact of solar exposure and overheating, skills that are becoming increasingly important as designers respond to changing climatic conditions.”
Professor Larry Bellamy, University of Canterbury
The university is also looking to explore the use of IESVE's API functionality, to allow students to investigate innovative applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning within the built environment. This will give students the opportunity to combine advanced computational methods with building performance analysis as part of their academic research.
IES hosts a comprehensive library of training materials, tutorial videos and example models which helps make the learning process accessible to students of varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Even those with no previous exposure to building simulation software are able to develop confidence quickly and produce meaningful analysis within a short period of time.
“What stayed with me wasn't just the software, it was watching students who'd never touched building simulation tools before produce solid analyses within weeks. The support from IES was exceptional throughout, with the team always willing to help and genuinely invested in the success of both our academics and our students. That combination of powerful technology and dedicated support has allowed us to give students hands-on experience with the tools and methodologies used across industry today, helping them develop the confidence and technical skills they'll carry forward into their careers. As the industry continues to focus on decarbonising the built environment, these skills are becoming increasingly important. I would strongly recommend IESVE to any university looking to equip students with the analytical capabilities, practical experience and industry-ready knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving building performance sector.”
Professor Larry Bellamy, University of Canterbury
