Below you will find a list of different free and paid software that allows you to generate information on energy use or thermal performance during the building design phase. If you have any recommendations on tools that should be added, please contact us. You may also want to check out the Building Energy Software Tools directory for more options.
Energy Modelling Tools
The following tools allow architects and engineers to estimate whole building energy use during the design phases.
Cove.Tool
Cove.tool is developing a series of AI plugins to assist architects with design, energy modeling, daylight modeling, HVAC loads, and more. They integrate with a number of different design platforms.
https://cove.tools/
Integration: Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, and more
Paid.
EnergyPlus
EnergyPlus is a whole building energy simulation program that allows users to model energy consumption and water use. It is a simple data-in, data-out program, but there are a number of graphical user interfaces that make it easier to use. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
https://energyplus.net/
Platform: Windows, Mac, Ubuntu
Integration: GUI, CAD/Revit
Free, but interfaces may charge a fee.
eQuest
eQuest is one of the most popular energy simulation tools used in the early phases of design. It's nickname comes from its full name: QUick Energy Simulation Tool, and it is just that – a very quick way to run energy simulations. The software was developed by James J. Hirsch & Associates with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.
http://doe2.com/equest/
Platform: Windows
Integration: None
Free
Green Building Studio by Autodesk
Green Building Studio is a cloud based energy modelling software that allows energy simulations. It can run as a standalone web service, but it is also integrated into Revit through an Autodesk subscription.
https://gbs.autodesk.com/GBS/
Platform: Web Based
Integration: Revit
Paid
IES Virtual Environment
IESVE is a sub-hourly thermal simulation suite that can model new and existing buildings of any size and complexity.
https://www.iesve.com/software/virtual-environment
Platform: Windows
Integration: SketchUp, Revit, Vectorworks
Paid
OpenStudio
Open studio is an open-source "collection of software tools to support whole building energy modeling using EnergyPlus and advanced daylight analysis using Radiance." The project is developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy.
https://www.openstudio.net/
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
Integration: SketchUp
Free
Thermal Comfort Tools
The following tools allow architects to evaluate how certain design moves will affect the thermal comfort of building occupants.
Cardinal Glass Comfort Calculator
Cardinal Gllass Industries hosts a free web-based tool that allows designers to evaluate how different window designs and coatings affect human comfort. In addition, the tool will determine if your window design meets IECC and EnergyStar compliance.
http://www.cardinalcorp.com/technology/applications/comfort-calculator/
Platform: Web Based
Integration: None
Free
CBE Thermal Comfort Toll for ASHRAE 55
The Berkeley Center for the Built Environment provides this free tool for checking compliance with ASHRAE 55, the standard to determining human comfort.
http://comfort.cbe.berkeley.edu/
Platform: Web Based
Integration: None
Free
Payette Glazing and Winter Comfort Tool
Payette has created a free web-based tool that allows designers to evaluate how different exterior wall layouts will affect the comfort of users during the winter months.
https://www.payette.com/glazing-and-winter-comfort-tool/
Platform: Web Based
Integration: None
Free
