Course Overview

This course introduces VE Gaia, the early‑stage design navigator within the IES Virtual Environment, designed to help teams embed building performance and sustainability thinking from the very start of a project. It provides a structured overview of how high‑level design decisions can be explored and evaluated before detailed modelling begins.

Through a clear, step‑by‑step workflow, you’ll learn how VE Gaia supports informed decision‑making around building form, construction materials, embodied and operational carbon, energy and water use, renewables, and climate context. The course demonstrates how these elements are logically sequenced, allowing you to test alternatives, revisit assumptions, and understand trade‑offs early in the design process.

You’ll also see how VE Gaia enables rapid re‑simulation, including the use of future weather scenarios to assess resilience and adaptation strategies. Built‑in note‑taking supports collaboration, helping teams clearly document design intent while maintaining a seamless connection to the analytical power of IESVE.

What You'll Learn

This course covers the following key concepts and tools for this workflow.

  • How VE Gaia supports early stage sustainable design decisions

  • Consideration of form, materials, energy, carbon, water, and renewables

  • How climate and location influence performance outcomes

  • How to test design alternatives and future climate scenarios

  • How VE Gaia connects early decisions with detailed VE analysis

Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    2. Introduction to VE Gaia

    1. Model Geometry and Space Grouping

    2. Model Data

    1. Understand the Climate

    1. Reduce Construction Impacts

    1. Operational Energy and CO2

    1. Assess Site Resource Opportunities

About this course

  • Free
  • 8 lessons
  • 0.5 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]