Comparative analysis of green building software for energy efficiency in campus settings

The construction of high-rise buildings significantly impacts the environment, prompting increased awareness among stakeholders and contractors to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as the green building concept. Assessing green building performance can be achieved through various tools, including EDGE and SEFAIRA software, which differ in their simulation engines and methodologies. EDGE uses a database-driven approach with its proprietary engine, while SEFAIRA relies on real-time modeling and EnergyPlus, providing closer estimates to real-world conditions due to its detailed geometric analysis. This study compares the energy simulation results of three buildings using both tools, identifying significant discrepancies: for a 7,800 m 2 building, SEFAIRA calculated 130 kWh/m 2 /year, while EDGE reported 62.42 kWh/m 2 /year. For a 6,333 m 2 building, SEFAIRA yielded 150 kWh/m 2 /year, compared to EDGE’s 28.5 kWh/m 2 /year. Lastly, for a 9,501 m 2 building, SEFAIRA calculated 125 kWh/m 2 /year, while EDGE reported 31 kWh/m 2 /year. These differences stem from EDGE’s reliance on a database-driven approach and SEFAIRA’s advanced simulation techniques. By integrating primary data collection with simulation, this study identifies potential retrofit solutions to enhance energy efficiency, including Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) reduction and optimized cooling systems. However, the implementation of green building standards in Indonesia still faces challenges, such as high initial and management costs, which hinder broader adoption and the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. • EDGE vs. Sefaira differ in simulations, inputs, and energy use analysis. • EDGE relies on presets, while Sefaira uses real-time data for accuracy. • Building envelope review covers WWR, U-values, and OTTV for efficiency. • Energy-saving methods like VRF, shading, and glazing improve performance. • Findings support green certification and sustainability in tropical climates.