EcoDesigner STAR and Archicad energy evaluation

Description

EcoDesigner STAR is an integrated add-on for Archicad, for licenses under an ARCHIPLUS Software Service Agreement (SSA), that allows architects to perform energy evaluations and building performance simulations, such as Thermal Bridging analysis, directly within their projects.

This article explains how to access the Energy Evaluation tool, the interoperability options with other green building design tools, and where to find additional learning resources.

Instructions

1. Accessing Energy Evaluation

   • Open Archicad and go to Design > Energy Evaluation.
   • Here you can run simulations and access EcoDesigner STAR features, including detailed thermal bridging analysis.

   For a full overview, see the Archicad 29 Online Help – Energy Evaluation.

    

2. Supported interoperability workflows

   Archicad supports the BIM-to-BEM (Building Information Modeling to Building Energy Modeling) workflow.

   • It allows architects to create second-level space boundaries.
   • Supports industry-standard communication formats, including the Green Building XML File (*.GBXML) format.

   To learn more about  supported formats, see:

   • Import/Export File Formats in Archicad

    

3. Learn through videos and tutorials

   Graphisoft provides a series of learning videos about Archicad Energy Evaluation, including workflows, simulations, export options, and interoperability.

   You can watch them on YouTube:

   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - General Modeling Conventions
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Creating a Building Model for Energy Evaluation
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Working with Zones
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Building Energy Model Visualization
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Structures List Display
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Opening List Display
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - The U-value Calculator
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Material Catalog
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Customizing Model Review Colors
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Thermal Property Assignments
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Composite Structures and U-values
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - U-value Override
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Setting Up Glazed and Frame Parameters
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Defining Surface
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Location and Climate Settings
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Setting Up Shading and Shading Devices
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Working with Building Systems
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Green Energy and Building Systems
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Energy Source Factors and Energy Costs
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Grade Level, Soil Type, Surrounding Settings
   • ARCHICAD Energy Evaluation - Working with the Operation Profile