Software Tools for Architects
Software tools for architects include building information modeling (BIM) software, “shoebox” energy modeling modeling tools, life-cycle assessment software, and more. 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.
Software Tools for Architects
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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How to Use the Right Tools to Design for Climate Change
News Analysis
Weather files that help designers plan for climate change will soon be readily available. ASHRAE design conditions still lag.
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Goodbye, Denial: Free Tools Expose Localized Climate Realities
News Brief
The Climate Explorer and the CMRA translate nerdy climate projections into eye-opening images that should be well worth more than a thousand words in the push for resilient design.
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With Early-Phase Carbon Tool, Designers Learn What Works
News Brief
ZeroGuide, a free tool from NBBJ, is about education as much as it is about modeling. It’s also a gateway to more refined approaches.
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Climate Scientists Called on to Produce Projections for Architects
News Brief
Architects want to design for future weather, but climate scientists aren’t formatting the data with them in mind.
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.
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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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.
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Improved Searching in BuildingGreen Suite
Op-Ed
With new hardware and software from Google, BuildingGreen offers an improved search capability on its website.