Selecting the right building performance simulation software is a critical decision that can significantly impact your firm's efficiency and competitiveness. With project deadlines looming and sustainability requirements becoming increasingly complex, you need a platform that simplifies your workflow rather than adding layers of complexity.

Switching software platforms requires careful consideration. New licenses, team training, and data migration can temporarily affect productivity and incur substantial costs. This makes the initial software selection, or a well-planned transition, crucial for long-term success.
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This article aims to provide a quick comparison of three leading building performance simulation platforms for the Australian and New Zealand markets: Better Building, IESVE, and DesignBuilder. Each offers distinct advantages tailored to different needs and workflows.

Better Building represents a modern approach to building performance simulation, offering a cloud-native platform designed to serve as a centralised hub for sustainable design projects. Operating entirely through web browsers, it eliminates installation requirements and IT complexity while ensuring teams always have access to the latest features through automatic updates.

The platform integrates industry-standard EnergyPlus™ and Radiance engines within an intuitive interface designed for accessibility. Continuous testing throughout development helps ensure reliable simulation accuracy and compliance workflows.

‍Key Strengths:
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- Built-in support for ANZ compliance standards (NZ H1, NCC 2022 including J1V3/J1V5/Part J4, Green Star, CIBSE TM59)
- Integrated project management through the "Flows" feature
- No software installation or manual updates required
- Comprehensive training and support included in subscription plans
- Starting price around $49/month with scalable options

‍Best For:

Firms prioritising rapid compliance workflows, team collaboration, and minimal IT overhead, particularly those focused on Australian and New Zealand projects.

IESVE offers a comprehensive desktop suite designed for simulation professionals who require detailed control over building performance analysis. This modular platform provides specialized tools for thermal analysis, HVAC systems, lighting, daylighting, airflow, moisture analysis, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

The software excels at handling complex engineering challenges and research projects requiring deep technical insights. While it can be configured for ANZ compliance, maximising its capabilities requires significant training investment and technical expertise.

‍Key Strengths:

- Extensive module library for specialised analyses
- Granular control over simulation parameters
- Industry-leading depth for complex engineering projects
- Strong reputation in academic and research contexts
- Annual pricing (AU & NZ 2024) from approximately $4,100 (Essential) to $12,800 (Expert). Contect IESVE for more info.

‍Best For:

Engineering firms and research institutions conducting detailed technical analysis across multiple disciplines, with teams possessing deep simulation expertise.

DesignBuilder provides accessible EnergyPlus simulation capabilities through a user-friendly graphical interface. This flexibility enables various analyses including thermal performance, daylighting, comfort studies, cost analysis, carbon assessment, and detailed HVAC/CFD simulations.

Integration with the Radiance daylight engine supports certifications like LEED and Green Star. The software has gained popularity in ANZ markets for NCC J1V3 compliance, offering customisable inputs and outputs for specific regulatory requirements. Its modular pricing structure provides cost-effective entry points into advanced simulation.

‍Key Strengths:
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- User-friendly interface for EnergyPlus engine
- Integrated Radiance daylighting capabilities
- Flexible customisation options
- Moderate learning curve compared to more complex alternatives
- Annual pricing from approximately $2,240 (entry) to $7,400 (top-tier). See DesignBuilder website for more info.

‍Best For:

Firms seeking balance between capability and accessibility, requiring flexibility for various project types without extensive training requirements.

Your optimal platform choice depends on several key factors:

- Project Complexity: Consider whether your typical projects require basic compliance checking or detailed engineering analysis.
- Team Expertise: Assess your team's current skill level and capacity for additional training.
- Geographic Focus: Evaluate how important built-in ANZ compliance features are to your workflow.
- Budget Considerations: Factor in both software costs and the time investment required for implementation and training.
- IT Infrastructure: Consider whether cloud-based or desktop solutions better fit your firm's technical environment.

Each platform serves distinct market segments effectively:

‍- Better Building excels for firms prioritising streamlined compliance workflows and team collaboration, particularly in ANZ markets
- IESVE remains the gold standard for deep technical analysis and complex engineering projects
- DesignBuilder offers a balanced solution for firms needing flexibility without extensive training requirements

The best choice aligns with your firm's specific priorities, project types, and team capabilities. Consider conducting trials of each platform with typical project scenarios before making a final decision. Many vendors offer demonstration sessions or trial periods that can help inform your selection process.

Remember that successful software adoption depends not just on features, but on how well the platform integrates with your existing workflows and supports your team's growth objectives.