Google announced today it will partner with building performance analysis company Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) in order to provide building performance and analysis tools to users of Google’s SketchUp 3D modeling tool, according to a company press release.
The two companies have had a relationship for the past two years, during which IES provided a plug-in to the SketchUp platform which linked the four levels of VE analysis software to both the Free and Pro SketchUp platforms.
Integrating IES’ VE analysis software will permit SketchUp users to conduct performance analysis of design iterations across a range of areas such as energy, carbon, water, climate impact, solar and daylight at early design stages for low-energy sustainable buildings. Users will also be able to assess the economics of low/zero carbon technology and renewable energy use.
“It might just be the catalyst to joining up environmental thinking between the architect and engineer,” said Ian Walker, head of Environmental Engineering at Architects’ Broadway Malyan in the press release. “The only successful way to approach sustainable design is through integration across the entire design process.”
Google also recently announced the release of a new PowerMeterAPI, which allows manufacturers of electrical appliances with built-in energy monitoring technology to incorporate their data with the Google PowerMeter, an energy use tool for homeowners and small businesses.
