Tools
Tools
Tool Matrix of Top Four Tools
The Salovich Zero+ Team conducted an extensive inventory of existing design tools and online calculators that could potentially bridge energy and water at the building and landscape scales. From this inventory, four tools were chosen for further analysis based on the software ability to evaluate energy and water design strategies and performance goals. Four design tools were determined to have the greatest potential to support the integration of energy and water in the early phases of design. The tools include: Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IES VE); i-Tree Suite; Open Studio; and Green Values Stormwater Toolbox. The “Tool Matrix” below was developed to compare tool capacities.
IES VE Suite: Whether working on a new build or renovation project, IES VE software allows designers to test different design options, identify best passive solutions, compare low-carbon technologies, and draw conclusions on energy use, CO2 emissions, occupant comfort, light levels, airflow, Part L, BREEAM, LEED, EPC ratings, and much more.....
iTree Suite: Urban and community forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. iTree tools help communities of all sizes to quantify the environmental services that trees provide at all scales ranging from individual trees to entire cities.
http://www.itreetools.org/index.php
OpenStudio: OpenStudio is a cross-platform collection of software tools to support whole building energy modeling using EnergyPlus and advanced daylight analysis using Radiance. OpenStudio adds building energy simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus to the SketchUp environment.
Green Values: Green Values includes a web-based tool for quickly comparing the performance, costs, and benefits of Green Infrastructure, or Low Impact Development (LID), to conventional stormwater practices.
Rating Key
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Mouseover any rating to learn more about each software's functionality.
IES VESuite |
iTree Suite |
Open Studio |
Green Values |
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Cost | varies- see website |
free
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free |
free |
IES VESuite |
iTree Suite |
Open Studio |
Green Values |
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File Formats |
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Ease of Use |
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Applications |
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IES VESuite |
iTree Suite |
Open Studio |
Green Values |
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Outputs |
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IES VESuite |
iTree Suite |
Open Studio |
Green Values |
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Modeling |
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Software Relationship |
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