Using BIM for Energy Analysis

In order to transfer your project from a BIM tool to an energy analysis tool you have to export as an industry standard file format; gbXML (green building XML schema).

This can be read by many energy modelling applications currently on the market. Revit can export this type of file and retains most project specific properties such as location, building envelope, room volumes, and model geometry.

The right tool to conduct the analysis can vary depending on your level of skill, ability to interpret results, time, and project stage.

Three of our favourites are listed below:

Ecotect

Complete building design and environmental analysis tool Ecotect (www.ecotect.com) is a great visual working platform that's easy to use with a full range of simulation and analysis functions including solar, thermal and acoustic analysis as well as ventilation and airflow. Ecotect is a complete building design and environmental analysis tool that covers the full range of simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building design will operate and perform.

IES

Comprising a large range of building environmental analysis, IES (www.iesve.com) is a highly accurate and robust BIM-compatible energy analysis tool. The software can run a large range of building environmental analyses including daylighting, energy usage, thermal performance and more. It also has direct integration with Google SketchUp, Autodesk Revit and gbXML files.

Green Building Studio

Provides feedback on the building's energy usage plus more. Green Building Studio (www.greenbuildingstudio.com) is an online service that allows you to upload a gbXML file that is then analysed for free! This provides feedback on the building's energy usage based on its type and loads and makes suggestions for improvements. This may not be as accurate as the other programs because building detail is limited and currently GBS is restricted to American weather data.

Call us on 03332 409 204 if you have any CAD workflow queries!