Course Overview

This course provides a practical, simulation‑focused introduction to modelling natural ventilation within the IES Virtual Environment. It shows how to integrate operable windows and actuator controls into dynamic simulations to assess airflow, CO₂ levels, occupant comfort, and overheating risk.

Through step‑by‑step lessons and quizzes, you’ll learn how to create a zonal airflow model that captures bulk air movement driven by wind and buoyancy effects. The course demonstrates how different opening types, profiles, and control strategies influence ventilation effectiveness, comfort outcomes, and energy demand using whole‑building comparative analysis.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to assess the feasibility of natural ventilation solutions and interpret simulation outputs with confidence. Additional bonus lessons cover mixed‑mode and full HVAC ventilation strategies, and how to apply wind pressure coefficients, including bespoke values from CFD studies, to improve modelling accuracy and support more robust design decisions.


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 create, assign and control a variety of natural ventilation opening types

  • How to analyse natural ventilation performance, including impacts on loads and comfort

  • How to compare ventilation strategies using simulation outputs

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction to MacroFlo for Natural Ventilation

    2. Model: Introduction to MacroFlo

    1. Create Openings Part 1: Exposure Types

    2. Test: Create Openings Part 1: Exposure Types

    3. Create Openings Part 2: Opening Category

    4. Test: Create Openings Part 2: Opening Category

    5. Create Openings Part 3: Degree of Opening

    6. Test: Create Openings Part 3: Degree of Opening

    1. Create and Apply Detailed Openings

    2. Test: Create and Apply Detailed Openings

    1. Select and Assign Openings

    2. Test: Select and Assign Openings

    1. Investigate Natural Ventilation Simulation Results

    2. Test: Investigate Natural Ventilation Simulation Results

    3. Model: Completed Ventilation Geometry

    1. Additional Demo: Modeling Natural Ventilation in Buildings

    2. Model: Modeling Natural Ventilation in Buildings

    3. Additional Demo: Enhancing MacroFlo with Bespoke Pressure Data

    4. Notes: Enhancing MacroFlo with Bespoke Pressure Data

About this course

  • Free
  • 19 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]