In my previous role as a technical consultant for the UK’s largest accreditation scheme, I had the privilege of using and regularly QA-checking models from all of the approved non-domestic EPC software tools. It is no coincidence that having left that role I have now chosen to use DesignBuilder for my own EPC, Part L and MEES work. I have always found DesignBuilder to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing the rapid and concise input any building from simple two zone shops to the large, complex and fiddly multi story monsters. I am far more productive than if I had stuck with iSBEM, there is no doubt that DesignBuilder is cost effective and it only takes a few EPCs to pay for itself. DesignBuilder’s SBEM and DSM training was blissfully straightforward and very good value, once I started using the software I very quickly picked up the finer points with assistance from the excellent free online video tutorials. If you aren’t fully satisfied with your existing software, I would have no hesitation in recommending DesignBuilder

Our firm has been using DesignBuilder for a number of years now, and have found it reliable and highly productive. It allows us to quickly assess early-stage alternatives whilst its advanced modeling tools mean we can develop the model through detailed design. The flexibility of DesignBuilder’s drawing tools helps us to quickly create new geometry or edit geometry we import from other BIM tools. The data management tools and pre-configured templates help us to create early-stage models very quickly and then easily make changes and update the model as the design evolves. Capabilities such as multi-state electrochromic glass, ventilated and unventilated double skin facades, natural ventilation etc. enable us to assess passive design alternatives with great confidence. Being able to use a single model to do the loads, energy and comfort, daylighting and CFD modeling all in one place saves us lots of time and give us the functionality we need for ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED modeling and reporting. Simulations are quick, either through the software or the cloud simulation service for more complex models. In summary, DesignBuilder makes modeling faster and easier from early-stage through detailed design; the software buys us more valuable time to analyze alternatives so that we can confidently predict the performance of our designs and get the best results for our clients

I have used DesignBuilder extensively both for certification modelling and for design work. Its template system, extensive libraries and custom certification tools – eg. for ASHRAE 90.1 or LEED daylighting – help to speed up time-consuming tasks. The software enables quick analyses of various design alternatives, helping to inform design decisions and find most cost-efficient solutions. What I find particularly useful though, is access to the EnergyPlus Energy Management System combined with custom DesignBuilder extension language. Using this scripting tool, models can be customized beyond standard software capabilities. This provides endless possibilities for creating sophisticated energy models and modelling virtually any real-world system or building element. Moreover, the Helpdesk staff provides professional and quick help – whenever I had become stuck with my models or encountered seemingly irresolvable issues the DesignBuilder team was always able to come up with right answers

I have been using DesignBuilder for non-domestic EPCs and compliance modelling since 2008. Having done many hundreds of models in DesignBuilder, I have been very pleased with the way the software has steadily evolved over the years. I briefly switched to using another UK Level 5 approved tool due to DesignBuilder not having approval for Level 5 DSM assessments at the time (it subsequently released L5 DSM in early 2017) but found it was more expensive and much more difficult to learn than DesignBuilder, and time-consuming to use; even after becoming relatively experienced using it. Switching back to DesignBuilder was therefore an easy choice. With the MEES legislation driving greater volumes of Level 5 DSM and simulation work, it is fantastic to be able to quickly and easily switch between SBEM and DSM modes in the same model to determine which gives the best rating for the MEES client (mostly DSM, but not always!). The service provided by the admin and technical support teams at DesignBuilder has also been first-class, with helpful staff responding quickly. I would thoroughly recommend DesignBuilder, particularly for UK Level 4 SBEM assessors wishing to ‘upgrade’ to Level 5 for DSM and MEES assessments which is a very straightforward process. Thanks to all at DesignBuilder, keep up the good work

I have used DesignBuilder for a number of years because I believe it is the best software package available for designing high performance buildings. It is easy to set up a model in early design. The model provides both an estimate of energy consumption and a 3-D visualization of the project that can be shared with clients. The same model can be continuously updated with more detail as the project evolves. I recently attended the DesignBuilder training in Denver which reinforced just how quick to learn and easy to use DesignBuilder is compared to the other similar tools I’ve tried. I would be happy to recommend DesignBuilder software (and their training) as a way of helping modelers produce accurate results and outputs for loads/sizing and energy analysis. With the ability to also undertake daylighting and CFD analysis from the same model you use for loads and thermal simulations it seems DesignBuilder have all the capabilities most architectural and engineering firms would need in one efficient package