Integrating CityJSON with building performance simulation: A case study of summer indoor overheating in Antwerp

Current Urban Building Energy Modeling (UBEM) approaches typically employ a simplified archetype-based approach, prioritise energy use rather than thermal comfort, and lack clarity on the trade-offs between urban-level and individual building simulations.

This study introduces a comprehensive workflow for translating CityJSON geometries into EnergyPlus input files, comparing two approaches: detailed building-by-building simulations run in isolation versus the same detailed models simulated collectively at urban scale. Implementation across 48 residential buildings in Antwerp, Belgium revealed significant discrepancies in predicted operative temperatures (RMSE=1.82°C), with isolated building simulations producing higher temperature profiles compared to urban-scale simulations. Window-to-wall ratio and wall areas emerged as the most influential factors affecting simulation differences.

Urban scale simulations demonstrate more realistic thermodynamic representation by incorporating inter-building thermal interactions, enhancing overheating assessments.