Good sustainable design requires an understanding of a building's performance before it's built

IES is involved at the forefront of the development of commercially viable building performance analysis software tools that enable true sustainable building design.

The company has just signed a partnership with Autodesk to provide building performance capabilities to the Revit platform for building information modelling (BIM).  In addition, it is involved in the training and examinations for the new simulation side of the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants Register.

Building performance data empowers designers by allowing them to make more informed design decisions through a greater understanding of the complex thermal, light and airflow interrelationships within their design.  Physical, climatic and environmental factors can be taken into account, as can energy use, lighting and materials.  Such comprehensive analysis capabilities minimise risk, ensure higher operational efficiency and optimise building performance.

the IES suite of integrated simulation tools enables architects, engineers, planners and facilities managers to understand exactly how a building will perform and operate right from the earliest stages of the design process all the way through to when it is built and in use.  It generates detailed analysis on every aspect of a buildings performance from energy use to environmental impact and occupant comfort and safety.  In addition, all analysis routes for compliance with Part L 2006 of the England and Wales Building Regulations are offered. 

As all the different building performance applications share a central model, the IES Virtual Environment suite uniquely allows the integrated assessment of different criteria in relation to each other.