DesignBuilder
by DesignBuilder Software Ltd
Last updated Mar 29, 2026 · 1 revision
EnergyPlus-based building simulation with intuitive 3D modeling for HVAC thermal performance, daylighting, CFD, and cost analysis.
Highlights
Capabilities
Media
About This Product
DesignBuilder provides accessible EnergyPlus simulation capabilities through a user-friendly graphical interface. Engineers can perform thermal performance analysis, daylighting studies, comfort evaluations, cost analysis, carbon assessment, and detailed HVAC and CFD simulations. Quick geometry creation tools and data input templates simplify complex HVAC simulation workflows.
Capabilities
How this product is delivered and what's included out of the box.
- Mobile app
- Not available
- Free trial
- Yes
- Free tier
- No
- Public API
- Yes
- Deployment
- On Premise
FSH Score Breakdown
Customer Reviews
Features
Compliance & Safety27features
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Platform & Customization15features
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Estimating & Quoting14features
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Reporting & Analytics13features
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Technician Management3features
Hardware Features2features
Equipment & Asset Management2features
Training & Education2features
Scheduling & Dispatch1feature
Customer Communication1feature
AI & Automation1feature
Certifications & Standards1feature
Integrations 7 across 2 categories
Productivity 4
Industry-Specific 3
Pricing
- Model
- Subscription
- Starting at
- $1,800/mo
- Notes
- Subscription licensing ensures access to latest version. Add-on modules available up to GBP 5,000+. Perpetual licenses were previously available starting at GBP 1,500 with 18% annual maintenance. Pricing is per-seat.
Related Products 4 across 1 category
Alternatives & Competitors
Why these are related — sources 4
- linkedin
“I have not used design builder but feedback is that it get super slow for large models. However IESVE cost is much higher than DB.”
- reddit
“IES VE is the best one I’ve handled but it’s definitely not cheap. Second best is DesignBuilder based on EnergyPlus but also expensive.”
- verdicalgroup.com
“The most commonly used software for LEED submissions include eQUEST, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, DesignBuilder and IES-VE; IES-VE Pro is on the same playing field as Trace 700 and EnergyPlus.”
- s4btradeally.com
“With the help of the experts at Heapy Engineering, we compared several of the most popular programs [eQUEST, Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, DesignBuilder, IES VE], all providing a whole building comparison to a baseline.”
Why these are related — sources 2
- verdicalgroup.com
“The most commonly used software for LEED submissions include eQUEST, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, DesignBuilder and IES-VE; IES-VE Pro is on the same playing field as Trace 700 and EnergyPlus.”
- s4btradeally.com
“With the help of the experts at Heapy Engineering, we compared several of the most popular programs [eQUEST, Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, DesignBuilder, IES VE], all providing a whole building comparison to a baseline.”
Why these are related — sources 2
- verdicalgroup.com
“The most commonly used software for LEED submissions include eQUEST, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, DesignBuilder and IES-VE; IES-VE Pro is on the same playing field as Trace 700 and EnergyPlus.”
- s4btradeally.com
“With the help of the experts at Heapy Engineering, we compared several of the most popular programs [eQUEST, Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, DesignBuilder, IES VE], all providing a whole building comparison to a baseline.”
Why these are related — sources 4
- reddit
“DesignBuilder is an excellent recommendation for your needs, DesignBuilder is built on the EnergyPlus simulation engine but provides a much more user-friendly interface compared to eQUEST's dated system.”
- eng-tips.com
“eQuest and Designbuilder don't seem to be suitable for load calcs (and I rather not hack around)”
- verdicalgroup.com
“The most commonly used software for LEED submissions include eQUEST, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, DesignBuilder and IES-VE; IES-VE Pro is on the same playing field as Trace 700 and EnergyPlus.”
- s4btradeally.com
“With the help of the experts at Heapy Engineering, we compared several of the most popular programs [eQUEST, Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, DesignBuilder, IES VE], all providing a whole building comparison to a baseline.”