🌿 Energy, Sustainability & Building Performance Analysis

IESVE is a suite of linked applications built around one 3D model (ModelIT) with ApacheSim dynamic thermal simulation at its core. It covers heating and cooling loads, HVAC system modelling (ApacheHVAC), daylight and solar, CFD (MicroFlo), overheating, Part L/SBEM and ASHRAE 90.1/LEED workflows. It is widely used by building services engineers and sustainability consultants for detailed design-stage analysis and compliance. VE 2026 was released in September 2026 with packaged workflows for HVAC design, data centres, compliance and BIM-to-BEM.

Vendor

Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd (IES)

Current version

VE 2026 · 2026

First release

1994

Official site

iesve.com/software/virtual-environment

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Enterprise quote — Sold as four packs (Essential, Professional, Expert, Full VE Suite) on request for quote; student licence listed at GBP 50 on the vendor page.

Free tier

Free 'Getting Started' course; discounted student licence (verified on vendor page)

Native formats

.vem.gem.cab

Exchange formats

gbXMLDXFGEMOSM (OpenStreetMap)ShapefileGML

IFC

import: Not verified · export: No

openBIM notes

Geometry usually arrives via gbXML or the Revit/SketchUp plug-ins and Pollination; VE is not a BCF or IDS tool.

Automation & APIs

VE Python API (VEScript)Revit plug-inSketchUp plug-inPollination Rhino/Revit export

Learning curve

High — Basic energy runs are learnable in days, but HVAC, CFD and compliance modules take months of practice.

Typical users

Building services (MEP) engineersSustainability consultantsEnergy assessorsArchitects (early design)

Works with

Autodesk RevitSketchUp (Pro / Studio)Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino)PollinationEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)One Click LCA

Alternatives

DesignBuilderEDSL TasEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)ClimateStudio

Best for: Detailed dynamic simulation and compliance work on commercial buildings where one model must serve loads, HVAC, daylight and certification.

Market notes: Strong presence in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Australia for Part L and LEED/Estidama compliance modelling.

Official training & certification

• VE Accreditation · certification
• IES On-Demand Learning · course
• Free Getting Started course · course
• IES training overview · course

Sources: iesve.com/software/virtual-environment · iesve.com/software/virtual-environment/applications/modelit · iesve.com/training · iesve.com/training/accreditation · Last verified 2026-09-15

DesignBuilder is a graphical front end and modelling environment built on the EnergyPlus engine, with additional Radiance daylighting and CFD modules. Modules cover 3D modelling, simulation, detailed HVAC, cost and carbon, optimisation and scripting. It is popular with consultants and universities because it exposes EnergyPlus without requiring users to write IDF by hand. UK users also apply it for SBEM and DSM Part L compliance, for which DesignBuilder offers dedicated training and exams.

Vendor

DesignBuilder Software Ltd

Current version

DesignBuilder v2025.1 · 2025

First release

2005

Official site

designbuilder.co.uk

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Mixed — Modular licensing: perpetual and subscription options, site/network licences and a free 30-day trial listed on the vendor site.

Free tier

30-day evaluation; educational licences for universities (verified)

Native formats

.dsb

Exchange formats

gbXMLDXFIDF

IFC

import: Not verified · export: No

openBIM notes

BIM geometry is normally imported as gbXML from Revit or Archicad; EnergyPlus IDF can be exported for use in other tools.

Automation & APIs

Scripting module (EMS / Python)Direct EnergyPlus IDF editingParametric and optimisation modules

Learning curve

Medium — Simple models run quickly; detailed HVAC and scripting require EnergyPlus knowledge.

Typical users

Energy modellersMEP engineersArchitectsResearchers and students

Works with

Autodesk RevitGraphisoft ArchicadSketchUp (Pro / Studio)EnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)Pollination

Alternatives

IES Virtual Environment (IESVE)EDSL TasEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)EnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)

Best for: Teams that want EnergyPlus accuracy with a manageable interface, and UK practices doing DSM compliance.

Market notes: Widely used in the UK, Southern Europe, Latin America and academia.

Official training & certification

• DesignBuilder DSM Training and Exams (UK certification) · certification
• DesignBuilder online training packages · course

Sources: designbuilder.co.uk · designbuilder.co.uk/software/product-overview · designbuilder.co.uk/training/dsm-training-and-exams · Last verified 2026-09-15

Sefaira is a concept and schematic design analysis tool: the user models simple massing in SketchUp, tags floors, glazing and shading, and Sefaira runs hour-by-hour annual simulations in the cloud using EnergyPlus and Radiance. Outputs include energy use and carbon, thermal comfort, daylight factor, direct sun exposure, spatial daylight autonomy and HVAC system sizing. Projects are shared in a web platform for peer review. Trimble acquired Sefaira in 2016 and now sells it alongside SketchUp subscriptions.

Vendor

Trimble (SketchUp) (Trimble Inc.)

First release

2012

Official site

sketchup.trimble.com/sefaira

Platforms

WindowsmacOSWeb

Deployment

desktopcloudweb

Pricing model

Subscription

Free tier

Higher-education subscription option listed on vendor page

Native formats

.skp (SketchUp model)

Exchange formats

SketchUp geometry via plug-in

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Not an openBIM tool; geometry comes from SketchUp through the Sefaira plug-in, results live in the cloud web app.

Automation & APIs

SketchUp plug-in

Learning curve

Low — Users familiar with SketchUp can run a first analysis within an hour.

Typical users

ArchitectsConcept designersSustainability consultants in early design

Works with

SketchUp (Pro / Studio)Trimble Connect

Alternatives

Autodesk InsightClimateStudioLadybug Tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Dragonfly, Butterfly)Autodesk Forma

Best for: Architects who want fast comparative analysis of massing, orientation, glazing and shading before an engineer builds a detailed model.

Market notes: Mostly used by architecture practices already standardised on SketchUp.

Official training & certification

• Sefaira product page and learning links · documentation

Sources: sketchup.trimble.com/sefaira · Last verified 2026-09-15

Autodesk Insight generates an energy analytical model from Revit and runs cloud simulation to show energy use intensity, cost and, since the Total Carbon Analysis release, operational and embodied carbon in one dashboard. It uses EnergyPlus for whole-building energy runs and connects to Building Transparency's EC3 database for material carbon factors. It replaced Green Building Studio as Autodesk's cloud energy service and is aimed at architects doing early-stage comparisons rather than engineers doing compliance. Direct verification of the Autodesk product page was blocked during this review, so version details are inferred from the Revit release cycle.

Vendor

Autodesk

Current version

Insight in Revit 2027 · 2026

First release

2016

Official site

autodesk.com/products/insight/overview

Platforms

WindowsWeb

Deployment

desktopcloudweb

Pricing model

Subscription

Free tier

Included with a Revit subscription; education access through Autodesk Education (Revit)

Native formats

.rvt (Revit energy analytical model)

Exchange formats

gbXML

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Insight works on the Revit energy analytical model; openBIM exchange happens through Revit's gbXML and IFC tools, not Insight itself.

Automation & APIs

Revit API and Dynamo (energy analytical model)EC3 connection for embodied carbon data

Learning curve

Low — Easy to run, but interpreting and fixing the energy analytical model needs Revit expertise.

Typical users

Architects using RevitBIM managersSustainability leads in Revit-based firms

Works with

Autodesk RevitAutodesk FormaEC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)Autodesk Construction Cloud (Autodesk Forma)

Alternatives

SefairaOne Click LCALadybug Tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Dragonfly, Butterfly)ClimateStudio

Best for: Revit-based practices that want early carbon and energy feedback without leaving the authoring tool.

Market notes: Adoption follows Revit's market share; most common in North America and Europe.

Official training & certification

• Get started with Insight in Revit (Autodesk Learn collection) · course

Sources: gbs.autodesk.com/GBS · buildingtransparency.org/tools/ec3 · Last verified 2026-09-15

Green Building Studio was a web service that ran DOE-2 (and later EnergyPlus) simulations on gbXML models uploaded from Revit and other tools, returning energy, water and carbon estimates. Autodesk acquired the service in 2008 and later folded its functionality into Insight. The GBS web address now redirects to Autodesk's 'Get started with Insight in Revit' learning collection, confirming the service has been retired. The exact retirement date could not be verified on an Autodesk page during this review.

Vendor

Autodesk

First release

2004

Official site

gbs.autodesk.com/GBS

Platforms

Web

Deployment

cloudweb

Pricing model

Subscription

Exchange formats

gbXMLIDFINP (DOE-2)

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Accepted gbXML uploads from Revit, Vasari and other tools and could return EnergyPlus IDF or DOE-2 files.

Automation & APIs

GBS web service (retired)

Learning curve

Low — Not applicable; retired.

Typical users

Revit users (historical)

Works with

Autodesk Revit

Alternatives

Autodesk InsightSefairaEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)

Successor

Autodesk Insight

Best for: Historical reference only; use Autodesk Insight or a dedicated engine today.

Sources: gbs.autodesk.com/GBS · Last verified 2026-09-15

One Click LCA is a web platform for life-cycle assessment of buildings and infrastructure, whole-life carbon assessment, product carbon footprints and EPD generation. Material quantities are pulled from BIM (Revit, Archicad, IFC, gbXML) or spreadsheets and matched to a large EPD and generic dataset library. It supports compliance with EN 15978 and national methods, plus LEED, BREEAM and RICS-type certification workflows. The company is headquartered in Helsinki and offers a free training academy.

Vendor

One Click LCA Ltd

Current version

2026

First release

2015

Official site

oneclicklca.com

Platforms

Web

Deployment

cloudweb

Pricing model

Subscription — Tiered plans for design and construction, manufacturing and enterprise; quote-based; free academic and researcher licences are listed.

Free tier

Free academic and researcher licences (verified on vendor site)

Exchange formats

IFCgbXMLExcel/CSV

IFC

import: Yes · export: No

openBIM notes

IFC import is a first-class route for quantities; the vendor lists more than 20 BIM and data integrations including Revit and Archicad plug-ins and an API.

Automation & APIs

One Click LCA APIRevit plug-inArchicad plug-inExcel import

Learning curve

Medium — The interface is simple, but correct mapping and scope definition require LCA knowledge.

Typical users

Sustainability consultantsArchitectsStructural engineersManufacturers producing EPDs

Works with

Autodesk RevitGraphisoft ArchicadTekla StructuresSolibri (Starter / Essential / Advanced / Premium)EC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)IES Virtual Environment (IESVE)

Alternatives

Tally (tallyLCA)EC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)

Best for: Regulatory whole-life carbon assessment and green-building certification in Europe and beyond.

Market notes: Widely adopted in the Nordics, UK, France and the wider EU where whole-life carbon reporting is regulated.

Official training & certification

• One Click LCA Academy (free live and on-demand training) · course

Sources: oneclicklca.com · Last verified 2026-09-15

Tally is a Revit add-in that maps Revit materials to LCA datasets and reports embodied impacts for the whole building or for design-option comparisons. It began as a joint project of KieranTimberlake's KT Innovations, thinkstep and Autodesk and is now administered by Building Transparency. Tally 2025 supports Revit 2021 to 2026 and exports quantities to EC3. A rebuilt Tally 2.0, developed with C.Scale, is in beta and uses product-specific EPDs and results that update as you model.

Vendor

Building Transparency

Current version

Tally 2025 (2025.06.24.01); Tally 2.0 in beta · 2025

First release

2014

Official site

choosetally.com

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Subscription — Basic floating licence USD 695 per year and Premium floating licence USD 995 per year listed on choosetally.com; 10-day trial; educational licences on request.

Free tier

10-day trial; educational licences on request (verified)

Native formats

.rvt (Revit model data)

Exchange formats

Revit modelEC3 export

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Revit-only plug-in; quantities can be synchronised to EC3 rather than exchanged through IFC.

Automation & APIs

Revit add-inEC3 synchronisation

Learning curve

Medium — Simple to launch, but material definitions and Revit modelling quality drive the result.

Typical users

Architects using RevitStructural engineersSustainability consultants

Works with

Autodesk RevitEC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)

Alternatives

One Click LCAEC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)Autodesk Insight

Best for: US-centric Revit practices that want LCA without leaving the model.

Market notes: Mainly used in North America.

Official training & certification

• Tally download and documentation · documentation

Sources: choosetally.com · choosetally.com/download · cscale.io/tally · buildingtransparency.org/tools/tally · Last verified 2026-09-15

EC3 is a free, open-access web tool that hosts a digital database of more than 50,000 third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations. Designers and contractors use it to compare products in a category, set carbon budgets per material and evaluate supplier bids during procurement. It integrates with Tally, One Click LCA, cove.tool, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley iTwin and Procore. Building Transparency is developing EC3 2.0 as a modernised version.

Vendor

Building Transparency

Current version

EC3 (EC3 2.0 in development) · 2026

First release

2019

Official site

buildingtransparency.org/tools/ec3

Platforms

Web

Deployment

cloudweb

Pricing model

Free

Free tier

Fully free and open access (verified); API access is priced separately

Exchange formats

EPD data (openEPD)Quantity imports from Tally, One Click LCA, cove.tool, ACC, iTwin, Procore

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Not an IFC tool; it is an EPD database and procurement comparison tool fed by other platforms.

Automation & APIs

EC3 / openEPD APIIntegrations with Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley iTwin, Procore

Learning curve

Low — Account set-up and basic comparison take under an hour.

Typical users

SpecifiersContractors and procurement teamsSustainability consultantsManufacturers

Works with

Tally (tallyLCA)One Click LCAAutodesk Construction Cloud (Autodesk Forma)Bentley iTwin PlatformProcoreAutodesk Insight

Alternatives

One Click LCATally (tallyLCA)

Best for: Selecting lower-carbon products at specification and procurement stage using real EPDs.

Market notes: Referenced in many North American procurement policies and increasingly in Europe.

Official training & certification

• EC3 User Guide and documentation · documentation

Sources: buildingtransparency.org/tools/ec3 · Last verified 2026-09-15

Ladybug Tools is a family of open-source Python libraries and Grasshopper plug-ins for environmental design. Ladybug handles climate data and solar analysis, Honeybee builds energy (EnergyPlus/OpenStudio) and daylight (Radiance) models, Dragonfly scales to urban and district models, and Butterfly wraps OpenFOAM CFD. Everything is parametric inside Rhino/Grasshopper, which makes it the standard choice for research and computational design teams. The libraries are released under the GNU Affero GPL and receive frequent releases (1.10.54 in September 2026).

Vendor

Ladybug Tools LLC / open-source community

Current version

LBT Grasshopper 1.10.54 · 2026

First release

2013

Official site

ladybug.tools

Platforms

WindowsmacOS

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Open source

Free tier

Fully free under the GNU AGPL licence (verified)

Native formats

.hbjson.dfjson

Exchange formats

IDFOSMgbXMLRAD (Radiance)EPW

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Uses its own open JSON schemas (HBJSON, DFJSON); gbXML and OSM/IDF exchange via Honeybee; IFC needs a converter such as Pollination or IfcOpenShell scripts.

Automation & APIs

Python SDK (ladybug, honeybee, dragonfly)Grasshopper componentsCLI

Learning curve

High — Expect weeks to become productive if you are new to Grasshopper and simulation concepts.

Typical users

Computational designersResearchersSustainability consultantsFacade engineers

Works with

Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino)GrasshopperPollinationEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)EnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)Autodesk Revit

Alternatives

ClimateStudioIES Virtual Environment (IESVE)DesignBuilder

Best for: Parametric, scriptable performance analysis where you need full control over the simulation engines at zero licence cost.

Market notes: De facto standard in academia and computational design studios worldwide.

Official training & certification

• Ladybug Tools documentation hub · documentation

Sources: ladybug.tools · github.com/ladybug-tools/lbt-grasshopper/releases/latest · raw.githubusercontent.com/ladybug-tools/ladybug/master/LICENSE · docs.ladybug.tools · Last verified 2026-09-15

Pollination is the commercial layer built by the Ladybug Tools team. Its Revit plug-in extracts rooms, walls and windows into a clean Honeybee model, its Rhino plug-in provides a dedicated energy-model editor, and Pollination Cloud runs recipes (energy, daylight, comfort) at scale. Models can be exported to gbXML, IDF, OSM, IES GEM, eQuest INP, IDA ICE IDM and CBECC formats, so it is used as a BIM-to-BEM translator by IES, DesignBuilder and OpenStudio users. Licensing is a hybrid of concurrent plug-in licences and authorised cloud users.

Vendor

Ladybug Tools LLC

Current version

2026

First release

2021

Official site

pollination.solutions

Platforms

WindowsWeb

Deployment

desktopcloudweb

Pricing model

Subscription — Vendor pricing page lists Grasshopper plug-in free, Rhino plug-in USD 1,375/year, Revit plug-in USD 2,750/year, cloud user seats from USD 275/year, 30-day trial, 90% academic discount.

Free tier

Grasshopper plug-in free; 30-day trial of Rhino and Revit plug-ins (verified)

Native formats

.hbjson.dfjson

Exchange formats

gbXMLIDFOSMGEM (IES VE)INP (eQuest)IDM (IDA ICE)SDDXML (CBECC)

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Pollination is the main bridge from Revit and Rhino to many BEM engines; IFC is not listed among its formats.

Automation & APIs

Pollination Cloud API and CLIGrasshopper recipesRevit and Rhino plug-ins

Learning curve

Medium — Plug-ins are approachable; cloud recipes and the API assume Ladybug Tools familiarity.

Typical users

Energy modellersBIM managers preparing models for analysisComputational designers

Works with

Autodesk RevitRhinoceros 3D (Rhino)GrasshopperLadybug Tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Dragonfly, Butterfly)IES Virtual Environment (IESVE)DesignBuilderEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)

Alternatives

Autodesk InsightIES Virtual Environment (IESVE)

Best for: Turning messy Revit or Rhino geometry into a valid energy model quickly and feeding it to whichever engine the project needs.

Market notes: Adopted by engineering firms that standardise BIM-to-BEM handover; IES lists Pollination as an official import route.

Official training & certification

• Pollination pricing and product overview · documentation

Sources: pollination.solutions · pollination.solutions/pricing · iesve.com/software/virtual-environment/applications/modelit · Last verified 2026-09-15

EnergyPlus is the U.S. Department of Energy's whole-building energy simulation engine, released twice a year (26.1.0 in 2026) for Windows, macOS and Linux. It has no graphical modeller of its own; OpenStudio, maintained by NREL, provides an SDK, a gbXML importer, Measures for scripted model changes and the OSM format that many front ends use. The OpenStudio Application desktop interface is maintained separately by the OpenStudio Coalition. Together they are the calculation core behind DesignBuilder, Honeybee, Pollination, Insight, Sefaira and others.

Vendor

U.S. Department of Energy / National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Current version

EnergyPlus 26.1.0; OpenStudio SDK 3.11.0 · 2026

First release

2001

Official site

energyplus.net

Platforms

WindowsmacOSLinux

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Open source

Free tier

Fully free under BSD-style licences (verified in repository LICENSE files)

Native formats

.idf.epJSON.osm

Exchange formats

gbXML (OpenStudio import)IDFOSMEPW weatherCSV/SQL results

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

No IFC support; BIM geometry reaches EnergyPlus through gbXML into OpenStudio, or via Honeybee/Pollination, DesignBuilder or Insight.

Automation & APIs

EnergyPlus Python API and EMSOpenStudio SDK (Ruby, Python, C++)OpenStudio MeasuresCommand-line workflows

Learning curve

Very high — Reading IDF/OSM and debugging errors takes months; most users work through a front end.

Typical users

Energy modellersResearchersSoftware developers building BEM toolsCode and standards bodies

Works with

Ladybug Tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Dragonfly, Butterfly)PollinationDesignBuilderIES Virtual Environment (IESVE)SefairaAutodesk Insight

Alternatives

IES Virtual Environment (IESVE)EDSL TasDesignBuilder

Best for: Anyone who needs a validated, scriptable engine or wants to understand what the commercial front ends are actually doing.

Market notes: Reference engine for ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G and many national codes; used worldwide.

Official training & certification

• EnergyPlus releases and documentation (GitHub) · documentation
• OpenStudio SDK releases (GitHub) · documentation

Sources: github.com/NREL/EnergyPlus/releases/latest · github.com/NREL/OpenStudio/releases/latest · raw.githubusercontent.com/NREL/EnergyPlus/develop/LICENSE.txt · raw.githubusercontent.com/NREL/OpenStudio/develop/LICENSE.md · Last verified 2026-09-15

ClimateStudio is Solemma's successor to DIVA-for-Rhino. It uses a path-tracing Radiance implementation for very fast daylight, electric lighting and annual glare simulation, and EnergyPlus for multizone energy, natural ventilation and PV. It produces LEED sDA and quality-view reports, AIA 2030 reporting and spatial comfort maps. Because it is a Rhino plug-in it appeals to architects and facade designers who already model in Rhino; Grasshopper components support parametric studies.

Vendor

Solemma LLC

First release

2020

Official site

solemma.com/climatestudio

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Subscription

Free tier

Educational subscriptions available (verified on vendor page)

Native formats

.3dm (Rhino) with ClimateStudio data

Exchange formats

Rhino geometryIDFRAD (Radiance)EPW

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Runs inside Rhino 6/7/8; BIM geometry must be brought into Rhino (e.g. via Rhino.Inside.Revit or IFC import in Rhino).

Automation & APIs

Grasshopper componentsRhino scripting

Learning curve

Medium — Rhino users can run daylight studies in a day; energy models take longer.

Typical users

ArchitectsDaylight and facade consultantsAcademics

Works with

Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino)GrasshopperAutodesk RevitEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)

Alternatives

Ladybug Tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Dragonfly, Butterfly)IES Virtual Environment (IESVE)Sefaira

Best for: Rhino-based teams needing rigorous daylight and glare results quickly, plus early energy studies.

Market notes: Popular in North American and European architecture schools and daylighting consultancies.

Official training & certification

• ClimateStudio user guide · documentation

Sources: solemma.com/climatestudio · climatestudiodocs.com · Last verified 2026-09-15

Tas from EDSL (Milton Keynes, UK) is a dynamic thermal simulation suite composed of Tas Building Designer, Tas Engineering, Tas Systems for HVAC plant and Ambiens 2D CFD. It is an approved DSM tool for UK Building Regulations Part L2 and EPCs and also supports ASHRAE 90.1, LEED, BREEAM, TM52 and TM59 overheating and BB101 school ventilation. Models are built in 3D from DWG plans or imported via gbXML from Revit, and results can be exported to EnergyPlus IDF or DOE-2 INP. EDSL runs an accreditation process and a free e-training portal.

Vendor

Environmental Design Solutions Ltd (EDSL)

Current version

Tas v9.5.7 · 2026

Official site

edsl.net

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Mixed

Free tier

Tas for Students educational licences; free e-training portal (verified)

Native formats

.t3d.tbd.tsd

Exchange formats

gbXMLIDFINP (DOE-2)DWG

IFC

import: Not verified · export: No

openBIM notes

BIM geometry is imported through gbXML (Revit training is offered specifically for this); the vendor pages do not list IFC.

Automation & APIs

Tas COM/.NET APITas Systems component-based plant modelling

Learning curve

High — The 3D modeller and zoning conventions take time; EDSL's e-training is the fastest route.

Typical users

UK building services engineersLow Carbon ConsultantsEnergy assessors

Works with

Autodesk RevitAutodesk AutoCADEnergyPlus and OpenStudio (DOE / NREL)

Alternatives

IES Virtual Environment (IESVE)DesignBuilder

Best for: UK compliance and overheating work where an approved DSM tool is required.

Market notes: Primarily UK, with a US edition (EDSL USA) for ASHRAE and 179D work.

Official training & certification

• EDSL accreditation process and e-training · certification
• EDSL USA learning resources · course

Sources: edsl.net · edsltas.com · Last verified 2026-09-15

WUFI ('Waerme und Feuchte instationaer') simulates coupled heat and moisture transport in multi-layer building components under real weather. WUFI Pro is the one-dimensional assembly tool, WUFI 2D handles junctions and thermal bridges, WUFI Plus does whole-building hygrothermal and energy simulation, and WUFI Passive supports Passive House design and PHIUS certification. It is the standard tool for moisture-risk assessment of facades, roofs and retrofits. WUFI Pro 7.2 was released in March 2026 and Fraunhofer runs regular workshops.

Vendor

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft)

Current version

WUFI Pro 7.2 · 2026

Official site

wufi.de/en

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Subscription — Sold as 1-year or 5-year time-limited licences per product; free WUFI versions are listed for limited use.

Free tier

Free WUFI versions listed on vendor site (verified)

Native formats

.w6p.wpx

Exchange formats

PHPP data (WUFI Passive)gbXML (WUFI Plus)EPW/WAC weather

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Component-level tool; WUFI Plus/Passive can take 3D geometry via gbXML or SketchUp plug-in, but IFC is not supported.

Automation & APIs

Batch runsSketchUp plug-in for WUFI Plus/Passive

Learning curve

Medium — WUFI Pro is learnable in a few days; WUFI Plus and Passive take considerably longer.

Typical users

Building physicistsFacade engineersPassive House designersRetrofit consultants

Works with

SketchUp (Pro / Studio)Autodesk Revit

Alternatives

DesignBuilderIES Virtual Environment (IESVE)

Best for: Moisture-safe envelope design, retrofit risk assessment and Passive House certification modelling.

Market notes: Standard in Germany, Central Europe and North America (PHIUS uses WUFI Passive).

Official training & certification

• Fraunhofer IBP WUFI workshops and video training · course

Sources: wufi.de/en · Last verified 2026-09-15

Ecotect was developed by Square One Research (Andrew Marsh) as a visual, architect-friendly tool for sun-path, shading, solar radiation, daylight, thermal and acoustic studies. Autodesk acquired it in 2008 and sold it as Ecotect Analysis until it was withdrawn in 2015, when its functionality was directed to Revit energy analysis, Vasari and later Insight. It remains historically important because it introduced many architects to performance analysis, and older tutorials and academic papers still reference it. Exact dates could not be re-verified online during this review.

Vendor

Autodesk

Current version

Ecotect Analysis 2011 (last) · 2011

Platforms

Windows

Deployment

desktop

Pricing model

Perpetual licence

Native formats

.eco

Exchange formats

gbXMLDXF3DSIDF

IFC

import: No · export: No

openBIM notes

Exchanged geometry through gbXML and DXF; predates BCF and modern IFC workflows.

Automation & APIs

Ecotect scripting (Lua)

Learning curve

Low — Not applicable; discontinued.

Typical users

Architects and students (historical)

Works with

Autodesk Revit

Alternatives

Autodesk InsightLadybug Tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Dragonfly, Butterfly)ClimateStudioSefaira

Successor

Autodesk Insight

Best for: Historical reference only.

Sources: — · Last verified 2026-09-15