Software
The Building Technologies Program has many software tools to help architects and builders, as well as owners, in planning and designing new construction, remodeling, or retrofitting. On this page you'll find information about the Building Energy Software Tools Directory, EnergyPlus, and software that can be used to determine commercial building tax deductions.
Building Energy Software Tools Directory
The Building Energy Software Tools Directory provides information on more than 300 building software tools for evaluating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability in buildings. The energy tools listed in the directory include databases, spreadsheets, component and systems analyses, and whole-building energy performance simulation programs. A short description is provided for each tool along with other information including expertise required, users, audience, input, output, computer platforms, programming language, strengths, weaknesses, technical contact, and availability.
EnergyPlus
EnergyPlus is a building energy simulation program for modeling building heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other energy flows. While it is based on the most popular features and capabilities of BLAST and DOE-2, it includes many innovative simulation capabilities such as time steps of less than an hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-based zone simulation, multi-zone air flow, thermal comfort, and photovoltaic systems.
Qualified Software for Commercial Building Tax Deductions
DOE provides a list of qualified software available for calculating energy and power cost savings that meet federal tax incentive requirements for commercial buildings. In addition to the name and version of the software, the list includes detailed information provided by the software developer.