A new web-based tool, Sefaira Systems, combines the U.S. Dept. of Energy's building-energy- modeling simulation program, EnergyPlus, with 3D models to quickly analyze mechanical systems and building-envelope options during a project's early stages.
"Our chief engineers used to calculate all these loads and would crunch through processes and make their best assumptions," says Brian McGuire, director of building-information-modeling services, Edwards and Zuck Consulting Engineers, New York City. McGuire's firm tested London-based Sefaira Inc.'s software before its Jan. 15 release. "Sefaira Systems can make these calculations in real time," he says.