Software
The IES <Virtual Environment> performance analysis software suite allows architects and engineers to facilitate a sustainable design process by offering quantitative feedback on the environmental performance of different design options. On average, green buildings use 30% less energy than conventional buildings, although through the use of IES software the potential is much higher.
Building mass and form, the climate, natural resource availability, occupancy, materials and services are taken into account to ‘virtually’ test the feasibility of different energy saving strategies and low-carbon/renewable technologies. It also assists in showing regulation, LEED, BREEAM and Green Star compliance, and producing UK Energy Performance Certificates.
The separate <VE> product levels provide options suitable for different design stages and user experience, while the integrated nature of the suite allows the interrelationships between energy use, CO2 emissions, solar, lighting, airflow and system design to be taken into account and analysed.
Users can now uniquely undertake analysis directly from a Google SketchUp™ or Autodesk® Revit® model if desired as IES has created integrated plug-ins to these programs.
Consulting
IES is not just a software company, its international Consulting arm works side-by-side with building design teams to provide detailed simulation analysis and develop innovative design solutions. It has worked on many large projects across the globe for the likes of Wal-Mart & Heathrow T5.
Education
IES acts as an educator in the market, working with students and academic institutions to support teaching of performance analysis as part of sustainable architecture and engineering courses.
It also offers advice, training and accreditation to its clients, enabling their staff to learn about the role of performance analysis in low energy design and become skilled in the use of the software.
IES also supports the US Architecture 2030 Challenge (incorporating tools to help designers meet its carbon reduction targets into its software) and is an active member of the US and UK and Vietnam Green Building Councils.
