Envest
First UK software for estimating lifecycle environmental impacts of buildings at the early design stage. This version is for office buildings, and considers the environmental impacts of both the materials used during construction and the energy and resources consumed over the building's life.
Using minimal data entered through simple input screens, Envest allows designers instantly to identify those aspects of the building which have the greatest influence on its overall impact.
All environmental impacts are measured using a single points scale called Ecopoints, allowing designers to make direct comparisons between different designs and specifications. One hundred Ecopoints are equivalent to the environmental impact of the average UK citizen in one year.
Keywords
sustainable design, green buildings, life cycle analysis, environmental impact analysis
Validation/Testing
N/A
Expertise Required
High level of computer literacy not required; architectural background helpful for analysis of buildings.
Users
The software is presently used for internal consultancy by BRE, Envest is due to be launched on the 10th of May 2000.
Audience
Architects, designers, environmental/energy consulting firms, authorities/clients, quantity surveyors, and research universities.
Input
Building geometry, building fabric, structure and services specifications and operational life. The software has pre-selected default values set on a typical office building specifications, these can be edited by the user.
Output
Total life cycle environmental impact of the building in Ecopoints. These are displayed both numerically and in graphic form. The graphs include total life cycle environmental performance of the study building, and environmental impacts comparison between the study building and a previously save building.
Computer Platform
PC-compatible, Windows 95/98/NT, 30 megabytes of hard disk space.
Programming Language
Visual Basic
Strengths
There are a number of ways in which designers can use the tool, which performs a variety of functions. It allows the user to optimise the building form for least environmental impact and informs their choice on main construction materials. It also enables the environmental impacts of construction and building operation to be balanced over the life of the building. The designer can use Envest to make comparisons between different buildings and specifications and graphically illustrate the environmental credentials of various design options to clients. All environmental impacts are measured using a single points scale called Ecopoints, allowing designers to make direct comparisons between different designs and specifications.
Weaknesses
Uses simplified methods. Some of the more exotic services option not covered
Contact
Company: |
BRE |
Address: |
Bucknalls Lane |
Telephone: |
+44 (1923) 664462 |
Facsimile: |
+44 (1923) 6644103 |
E-mail: |
|
Website: |
Availability
�2000, from BRE at above address.