On May 6, 2025, Al-Hussein Technical University (HTU) in Amman hosted a dynamic and insightful lecture by Eng. Ahmad Hamdan, founder and CEO of Cambridge Engineering Consultants. In a packed classroom filled with aspiring engineers, Hamdan delivered a two-hour session on Energy Modeling—a critical field at the intersection of sustainable design, HVAC engineering, and building performance optimization.
Setting the Stage: Why Energy Modeling?
Hamdan opened the lecture by highlighting the urgency of designing energy-efficient buildings in the face of global climate change, energy resource limitations, and rapid urbanization. He stressed that energy modeling is not just a technical exercise—it’s a strategic tool that empowers engineers to create smarter, greener, and more resilient buildings.
“Without energy modeling, we are guessing. With it, we’re planning.” — Ahmad Hamdan
Lecture Structure: A Deep Dive into Sustainable Simulation
The two-hour lecture was structured into three comprehensive parts:
Part 1: Foundations of Energy Modeling
Students were introduced to the scientific basis and core objectives of energy modeling. Eng. Hamdan explained how predictive simulations are used to calculate a building’s energy use over all 8,760 hours of a year. He broke down key parameters such as building orientation, weather data, HVAC systems, occupancy patterns, and envelope materials.
Part 2: Software Tools and Modeling Workflow
Hamdan guided students through the structured workflow of energy modeling using industry-standard tools like DesignBuilder, HAP, and IES VE. From importing EPW weather files to defining thermal zones and HVAC systems, students saw how a building’s geometry and internal loads translate into energy consumption metrics.
Part 3: Advanced Applications and Real-World Case Study
The final segment explored advanced techniques like parametric modeling, sensitivity analysis, and integration with renewable energy systems. Hamdan showcased a case study of an energy-optimized academic building in Amman, where energy modeling helped achieve an 18% energy use reduction and significant CO₂ savings.
Real-World Relevance
Using a prototype building and real simulations, Hamdan demonstrated how altering simple parameters—such as window glazing or ventilation strategy—could drastically shift energy demand. Students were especially captivated by the Jordan-based case study showing how modeling improved comfort, reduced bills, and helped earn LEED certification.
Student Interaction and Inspiration
The session was not just a lecture—it was a conversation. Hamdan engaged the students with reflective questions like:
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“What inspires you most about the possibilities of energy modeling?”
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“If you had access to DesignBuilder, what kind of project would you simulate?”
This prompted rich discussions and sparked genuine interest among students considering careers in energy modeling, simulation, and green building consultancy.
The Bigger Picture
In closing, Hamdan emphasized how engineers have the power—and responsibility—to lead climate action through smarter design. He also noted that energy modeling is now essential for achieving compliance with LEED, Mostadam, EDGE, and other global certifications.
About the Speaker
Eng. Ahmad Hamdan is a leading figure in sustainable engineering in the region. As founder of Cambridge Engineering Consultants, he has overseen more than 100 major projects and continues to advance building design through BIM, energy audits, and climate-adaptive solutions. He also serves as a part-time Industry Fellow at HTU.
This event marks another successful chapter in HTU’s mission to connect education with industry and empower its students to lead the future of sustainable engineering.
📌 Interested in learning more about Cambridge Engineering Consultants? Visit www.cambridge-cec.com
