Software Tools for Architects
Design-stage tools for modeling the appearance and performance of projects are getting better all the time. They’re getting smarter, too, and more user-friendly for people without an engineering degree.
But there is no substitute for understanding how your building works, and being able to squint-test the results from any simulation. Knowing what each tool is good for—and how to leverage its strengths—is one key to effective performance simulation.
The other is knowing what questions to ask so you don’t waste time modeling scenarios that don’t matter.
Software Tools for Architects
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building
Feature Article
Why we will never understand the true impact of our buildings-and how we should try to anyway
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Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
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Energy Modeling For Sustainability
Feature Article
Evolving software for modeling energy dynamics makes it easier for architects and engineers to design green buildings.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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Choosing the Right Hygrothermal Modeling Tool
Product Review
From the free hygIRC software to an expanding suite of WUFI applications, the hygrothermal modeling world has many options to offer.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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New Resilience Tool, RiskFootprint, Gets Nod from USGBC
News Brief
RiskFootprint automates resilience risk assessment, covering sea-level rise, winds, flooding, wildfires, and more.
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The Exponential Growth of Embodied Carbon Accounting
News Analysis
Use of whole-building life-cycle assessment tools like Tally is spiking. Why? -
Embodied Carbon Tools: Assessing the Options
News Analysis
Interest in embodied carbon is growing. Here’s a guide to the tools that can help you measure and reduce these emissions on projects.
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Analyze a Neighborhood with the Touch of a Button
News Brief
Opportunity360 scores neighborhoods on health, affordability, transportation, and more.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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BuildingGreen Launches LEEDuser
Op-Ed
LEEDuser, BuildingGreen's new online resource, provides tips, strategies, and a documentation toolkit for project teams pursuing LEED certification.
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GreenBuildingAdvisor.com to Launch
Op-Ed
BuildingGreen is launching a new Web-based tool for residential green building in January 2009.
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News and Views in Real Time
Op-Ed
BuildingGreen has a new online resource for real-time green building news: BuildingGreen.com LIVE.
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Special BuildingGreen Suite Rate for Interior Designers
Op-Ed
Members of either of the two major associations of interior designers can now receive a special subscription rate to BuildingGreen Suite through an arrangement with BuildingGreen.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building
Feature Article
Why we will never understand the true impact of our buildings-and how we should try to anyway
-
Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
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Shoebox Energy Modeling: How to Do Quick, Early Simulations
Webcast
Most whole building energy simulations require a mechanical system design, making them unsuitable for early-design modeling. In response, architects and energy modelers are turning to shoebox models, with one or just a few zones.
Not doing energy modeling yourself? This webcast will familiarize you with concepts that will help you get more out of your energy modeler, whether it is someone on your staff, or an outside consultant.
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Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment: Promises and Pitfalls
Webcast
Whole-building life-cycle assessment (WBLCA) promises improved performance with reduced environmental impacts. Yet in practice it can bog projects down with confusing or even conflicting priorities, complicated by mountains of data.
BuildingGreen has arranged for four widely respected practitioners to share their LCA expertise, taking you from big-picture questions—Why should I worry about embodied impacts?—to practical details—How can I get good data on my building's concrete mix?