October 22, 2026
This short guidance note explains how the Building for the Future prototype weather files can and cannot be used. The files are prototype datasets for research, testing and feedback only. They are not approved NatHERS weather files and should not be used to inform building design, regulatory compliance, NatHERS assessments or operational energy efficiency assessments.
The files are openly and freely available on the National Computational Infrastructure Data Catalogue until March 2031, with metadata and the technical report provided. Without future funding, the project team will not be able to support use of the files or develop them further. The note also reminds users that projected building performance varies significantly with the climate model and emissions pathway selected, and that more testing and collaboration are needed to develop guidance on their use.
