Search
 

The New Tech Boom: Helping Buildings Go Green?

New product analysis technology is helping developers and designers evaluate sustainable additions, but the programs still need the input of correct information.

By Debra Hazel | Updated on September 12, 2008

The software is designed so that a casual computer user can analyze the energy efficiency of their home–but IES’s energy analysis plug-in to Google SketchUp is just one example of a technology revolution that is slowly helping designers and construction professionals create more sustainable buildings.

Available for free in a form that allows casual users to analyze their homes via a link with Google SketchUp, IES also sells more sophisticated suites for architects and other professionals that can be used with Building Information Modeling–which displays three-dimensional models of a design–to test their buildings as they are being created.

“We’re getting people to move away from simplistic carbon footprint checkers,” says Don McLean–founder and managing director of Glasgow-based Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) Limited, which created the program. The home-oriented version of the program also is useful for a single-factory owner, he notes, giving small business the same advantages as those companies using large design firms.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.