Course Overview

This course provides structured, practical guidance on performing and analysing dynamic simulations using the IES Virtual Environment. Designed for users already confident with creating geometry, assigning weather and profiles, and adding solar shading or natural ventilation if needed, it focuses on evaluating building performance through both passive and active Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs).

Using the Apache dynamic simulation engine, you’ll learn how to create and assign constructions, build thermal and system templates, and configure heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water systems. The course covers ASHRAE and CIBSE load calculations, interpretation of load outputs, and optionally using these to auto‑size HVAC systems.

You’ll then run a full dynamic simulation and review key outputs in the VE results visualiser, assessing energy use, cost, and carbon impacts. Strengthen your ability to design low‑energy, performance‑optimised buildings, and explore further VE training to extend your simulations with detailed HVAC integration.

What You'll Learn

This course is certified for 1 CPD hour, with optional bonus learning videos at the end. It covers the following key concepts, tools and workflows.

  • How to build and apply custom constructions, thermal templates, and system templates.

  • How to configure and run ASHRAE and CIBSE Loads for heating and cooling.

  • How to review loads results and use them to auto size HVAC systems.

  • How to run full dynamic simulations using ApacheSim and interpret core outputs.

  • How to evaluate energy, cost, and carbon metrics to inform design decisions.

Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    1. Introduction to ApacheSim

    2. DXF files: Introduction to ApacheSim

    3. Test: Introduction to ApacheSim

    1. Create Constructions

    2. Model: Create Constructions

    3. Test: Create Constructions

    4. Create a New Wall Construction

    5. Model: Create a New Wall Construction

    6. Test: Create a New Wall Construction

    7. Create Other Constructions Types

    8. Model: Create Other Constructions Types

    9. Test: Create Other Constructions Types

    1. Assign Constructions

    2. Model: Assign Constructions

    3. Template File: Assign Constructions

    4. Test: Assign Constructions

    1. Apache Systems Part 1

    2. Test: Apache Systems Part 1

    3. Apache Systems Part 2

    4. Test: Apache Systems Part 2

    5. Model: Apache Systems

    6. Tabular Apache Systems & Templates

    7. Resources: Tabular Apache Systems & Templates

    8. Test: Tabular Apache Systems & Templates

    1. Tabular Building Template Manager Part 1

    2. Test: Tabular Building Template Manager Part 1

    3. Tabular Building Template Manager Part 2

    4. Test: Tabular Building Template Manager Part 2

    5. Tabular Building Template Manager Part 3

    6. Resources: Tabular Building Template Manager Part 3

    7. Test: Tabular Building Template Manager Part 3

    8. Tabular Building Template Manager Part 4

    9. Resources: Tabular Building Template Manager Part 4

    10. Test: Tabular Building Template Manager Part 4

About this course

  • Free
  • 60 lessons
  • 2.5 hours of video content

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do I have access to the course?
    You will have access to this course for 3 months from the date you enrol, giving you plenty of time to complete the training at your own pace. If you would like to continue access after this period, you can simply re-enrol - your course progress and certificate will still be available.
  • Will I receive a certificate?
    Yes – an IES certificate of completion will be available once you have finished the course.
  • Any other questions?
    If you have any further questions, please contact the IES Training team at [email protected]