Eco factor: A plug-in that allows people to analyze a building’s energy performance.
Google SketchUp is a popular software that’s used to create, modify and share 3D models. It’s easier to use it in comparison with other 3D modeling programs, which is why it’s already such a hit. To enhance its features, Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) has launched a plug-in for the program (Google SketchUp) that delivers energy and carbon footprint simulations to inform early stage design decisions.
The plug-in prompts a user to define the building’s location and also help in analyzing a building’s energy performance, carbon dioxide emissions, day lighting, air flow, solar analysis etc. Thus, the plug-in is useful and provides functions that IES previously offered only from robust applications like Revit. The plug-in color codes the SketchUp model, based on which volumes are properly enclosed to avoid errors in volume definitions. The IES toolbar allow SketchUp users to assign important sustainable design information like location, building and room type, construction types and HVAC systems to their SketchUp model and then import it directly into their chosen IES analysis tool, without having to rebuild any geometry.
The Dark Side:
The advancement by IES certainly is commendable. However, presently this technology is only available to a small portion of technical users, which restricts its accessibility to the non-technical users!
Via: Inhabitat
