In Conclusion 

Some Thoughts

Now that you have completed the course, it should be obvious that there is no easy way to categorize design tools nor any conclusive recommendation for using a particular tool. Indeed, a number of tools may be applicable in different cases or circumstances. Each and every tool may have merit in terms of it functionality and applicability depending on the assessment task requirements. The identification of these tasks remains the critical factor in tool selection and use.

In many respects the term 'design tool' may be somewhat of a misnomer, as most design tools are used only to assess the design rather than to design.

Currently, there are a multitude of tools available, with tool usage apparently polarised between single vs. integrated approaches. This is expected to progressively change to a more defacto standard in future.

Because case studies illustrate various aspects of energy / environmental modelling and simulation, they are the ideal means to explore the diversity of assessment task requirements of the design tool, illustrating its applicability to solve a particular problem.