# Better Building

> Better Building is a cloud-based building performance simulation platform for engineers and architects. It combines energy, daylight, moisture, carbon, and HVAC modelling into one browser-based tool, automating building code compliance and sustainability assessments. It runs EnergyPlus for energy simulations and Radiance for daylight simulations.

Better Building is not a design tool (like Revit, SketchUp, or Rhino). It is a simulation and compliance platform. Users import CAD drawings, define thermal zones, configure building envelope and HVAC systems, run simulations against specific building codes or rating tools, and generate compliance reports. The entire workflow runs in a web browser with no software installation required. Updates are automatic.

The platform is mission-driven, focused on simplifying the path to net-zero buildings. It bakes best-practice compliance workflows into the software and stays ahead of regulatory change, so users can focus on design optimisation rather than wrestling with compliance mechanics. The team combines expertise in building science, mechanical engineering, and software development.

Better Building supports buildings from small residential (under 350 m²) up to large commercial (100,000+ m²) depending on the subscription plan. It operates across three regional instances: Global (app.betterbuilding.io), Australia (au.betterbuilding.io), and New Zealand (nz.betterbuilding.io).

Users include engineering consultancies and architecture firms such as Aurecon, Beca, Jacobs, Cundall, Meinhardt, KBR, EMF Griffiths, Envirotecture, Fluid Engineering Consultancy, and Hip V. Hype.

The platform automates compliance checking against these building codes, standards, and rating tools: ASHRAE 90.1-2019 (Section 11 prescriptive, Energy Cost Budget, and Appendix G Performance Rating Method), National Construction Code (NCC 2022, Australia, including J1V3, J1V5, and Part J4), H1 Energy Efficiency (New Zealand Building Code, both Acceptable and Performance Solution pathways), Green Star (Australia and New Zealand), NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System), LEED (via ASHRAE 90.1 baseline configuration), WELL (daylight compliance), BREEAM, ASHRAE 55 (thermal comfort, PMV and Adaptive Comfort), ASHRAE 160 (moisture control), CIBSE TM59 (overheating assessment), ISO 13788 (hygrothermal performance), DA07 (condensation management, New Zealand), and EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 (carbon assessment system boundaries).

Competitors in the building performance simulation space include IESVE (a comprehensive desktop suite with deep technical analysis, annual pricing from approximately $4,100 to $12,800 AUD) and DesignBuilder (a desktop EnergyPlus front-end with Radiance integration, annual pricing from approximately $2,240 to $7,400). Better Building differentiates through its fully cloud-based delivery, built-in ANZ compliance automation, integrated project management, lower price point (from $29/month), and minimal IT overhead.

## Simulation Workflows

- [Energy Modelling](https://betterbuilding.io/energy): Whole-building energy simulation powered by EnergyPlus. Users import and calibrate CAD floor plans via a built-in drawing interface, define and colour-code thermal zones, stack levels and define roof structures, apply tags for consistency across the model, add site or local shading elements for solar access testing, include solar PV systems for renewable contribution analysis, define walls, glazing, floors, doors, and skylights at global or zone-specific levels, customise lighting, equipment, and HVAC occupancy profiles, and run fast EnergyPlus simulations with 3D geometry comparisons and export-ready reports. Outputs include thermal loads, emissions, and thermal comfort results. A typical first model can be built in about 10 minutes.
- [Daylight Modelling](https://betterbuilding.io/daylight): Daylight Factor (DF) and Climate-Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM) simulations powered by the open-source Radiance engine. Features include flexible grid configuration (working plane heights, grid sizes, margins), detailed surface reflectance settings for walls, ceilings, floors, and shading, customisable sky models (CIE uniform, overcast), external shading analysis (overhangs, fins), purpose-specific zone assignment (living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, corridors, offices, auditoriums), automated reporting with visual data and summary tables, and integration with rating tools including Green Star, LEED, WELL, and NCC. Metrics supported include Daylight Factor, Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). Assessment can be done at zone or whole-building level.
- [Moisture Analysis](https://betterbuilding.io/moisture): Hygrothermal simulation using the Heat and Moisture Transfer (HAMT) method to model transient heat and moisture behaviour in building envelopes over time. Features include layered construction inputs (build wall or roof assemblies layer-by-layer specifying thickness, material, and orientation), internal and external condition definition (temperature and relative humidity), material library with pre-loaded thermal and moisture properties (or custom materials), vapour control analysis (vapour barriers and control layers), automatic dew point and condensation tracking, mould growth potential indicators based on relative humidity and temperature thresholds, climate file compatibility for realistic seasonal conditions, and detailed moisture profile graphs, temperature gradients, and risk reports. Run periods can be set up to 3 years. Compliant with DA07, ASHRAE 160, and ISO 13788 requirements.
- [Carbon Assessment](https://betterbuilding.io/carbon): Upfront (embodied) and operational life cycle carbon assessment. Users define carbon profiles for building systems (walls, floors, roofs, glazing) in under 10 minutes. The platform uses embedded product databases including BRANZ CO₂NSTRUCT (V2.0), EPiC (Environmental Performance in Construction), Building Transparency (EC3), and ICE (Inventory of Carbon and Energy). Features include customisable system boundaries across lifecycle stages A1-A3 (product), A4-A5 (construction), B4 (in-use replacement), and C2 (end-of-life transport), automated material quantity calculation from the building model, visual identification of carbon hotspots and carbon-intensive materials, and element-level or whole-building assessment. Practical completion year and operational period (e.g. 60 years) are configurable. Compliant with EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
- [Advanced HVAC](https://betterbuilding.io/advanced-hvac): Detailed HVAC modelling powered by EnergyPlus. Features include a template library with predefined configurations (Ideal Loads, VRF, Fan Coil Unit, Packaged VAV, Packaged Air Handling Unit, Heat Recovery Ventilation, and more), component-level customisation of coils, fans, heat exchangers, supply air flow ratios, and capacity control methods, zone-level HVAC assignment to reflect operational zoning strategies, flexible system boundary definition for mechanical zones, supply and return paths, and equipment boundaries, load profile integration for heating, cooling, ventilation, and occupancy, unmet hours analysis with visualisations of heating and cooling comfort gaps, zone-level load breakdowns for heating and cooling demand patterns, and design day review outputs for system sizing. The platform supports modular component-specific sizing algorithms and multiple design day performance monitoring. Available on Plus and Premium plans.
- [Flows](https://betterbuilding.io/flow): Integrated project management built into the modelling platform. Features include project goal setting, timeline and milestone definition, team role assignment for accountability, progress tracking across tasks, document storage and sharing (no emails needed), work reviews and feedback collection, and report generation for project performance. Flows keeps project management co-located with the simulation work rather than in a separate tool. Available on Plus (limited) and Premium (full) plans.

## Plans and Pricing

- [Plans](https://betterbuilding.io/plans): Four subscription tiers, all browser-based with pay-as-you-go monthly or annual pricing. Annual billing gives two months free. All plans include a 14-day free trial. Credits are used for reports and supercomputing. Lite ($29/month or $290/year): 1 user, up to 350 m² (3,767 ft²), thermal bridging, dew point, upfront carbon simulations, energy and daylight compliance sims, 10 designs per project, 15 thermal zones per model, limited on-demand courses, no project management, 5-day support response. Classic ($79/month or $790/year): 3 users, up to 1,000 m² (10,764 ft²), adds moisture simulations, thermal comfort, carbon sims, unlimited designs and zones, limited on-demand courses, limited project management, 3-day support response. Plus ($199/month or $1,990/year): 5 users, up to 15,000 m² (161,459 ft²), adds overheating (CIBSE TM59, mean radiant temperature), airflow network simulations, unlimited on-demand courses, full project management, 1-day support response. Premium ($329/month or $3,290/year): 8 users, up to 100,000 m² (1,076,391 ft²), adds design day calculations, advanced HVAC templates, HVAC sizing, unlimited admin features, multi-region support, unlimited on-demand courses, full project management, 1-day support response.

## Consulting and Project Support

- [Project Support and Consulting](https://betterbuilding.io/project-support): The Better Building team offers rapid modelling services starting from $395 + GST, delivered in 24-48 hours directly into the client's account. Services include energy modelling (ASHRAE 90.1, NCC J1V3, H1 compliance, Green Star, LEED), daylight modelling (LEED, Green Star, BREEAM, DF, sDA, ASE, UDI), moisture modelling (1D and 2D hygrothermal for wall, roof, and floor systems), thermal bridging (Psi-value junction assessments for high-performance design), and overheating assessments (CIBSE TM59, PMV, mean radiant temperature). Contact support@betterbuilding.io for enquiries.

## Documentation and Support

- [Documentation](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/): AI-searchable knowledge base hosted on GitBook. Covers all workflows (energy efficiency, daylight, moisture, dew point, carbon, design day, designer mode, tools and plugins), advanced HVAC (including EnergyPlus sizing calculations), and platform administration.
- [AI Search](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/support-and-training/ai-search): AI-driven search across the full documentation knowledge base.
- [On-Demand Courses](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/support-and-training/on-demand-courses): Self-paced training modules for new and experienced users. Topics include themes, advanced HVAC features, designing for embodied carbon, designing for natural light (G7VM1 DQLS and HC5), NCC 2022 changes, H1 energy efficiency (schedule to verification, multi-unit dwellings), and more. Access varies by plan (limited on Lite and Classic, unlimited on Plus and Premium).
- [Support Tickets](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/support-and-training/support-tickets): In-platform support system. Response times range from 1 business day (Plus and Premium) to 5 business days (Lite).
- [Testing and Verification](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/support-and-training/other-support/testing-and-verification): Information on how simulations are continually tested and verified. Published case studies cover advanced HVAC testing, EnergyPlus 22.2.0 verification, daylight modelling (planning to rating tools), life cycle carbon assessment testing, and H1 energy efficiency verification.
- [FAQs](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/support-and-training/other-support/faqs): Updated biweekly.
- [News and Updates](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/sign-up-and-plans/news-and-updates/2026/ashrae-90.1-2019-compliance-tools-are-here.-and-yes-we-know-others-exist.): Platform announcements including ASHRAE 90.1 launch, dashboard introductions, HVAC distributions and multiplication features, and heat transfer simulator tools.

## Integrations and Tools

Better Building supports integration with external 3D modelling tools via plugins. Documented integrations include the OpenStudio SketchUp Plug-in and the Pollination Rhino Plug-in. The platform also includes built-in tools such as a heat transfer simulator and a unit convertor (betterbuilding.io/convertor). CAD drawings can be imported directly for floor plan calibration and zoning.

## ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Compliance

- [ASHRAE 90.1 Section 11 and Appendix G 2019](https://betterbuilding.io/ashrae-90-1-section-11-and-appendix-g-2019): Launched January 2026. The key differentiator is the ability to run both Section 11 (Energy Cost Budget) and Appendix G (Performance Rating Method) compliance paths simultaneously from a single model. This eliminates the traditional "pick and pray" approach where choosing the wrong compliance path upfront can waste weeks of work. Features include automated baseline generation for both pathways, parallel processing of both compliance routes, flexible baseline override system for local codes or certification requirements, comprehensive reporting for compliance officials and certifiers, and real-time performance feedback for design optimisation beyond minimum compliance.

## Company

- [About Us](https://betterbuilding.io/about-us): Better Building is a mission-driven team focused on simplifying the path to net-zero buildings. The team combines building science, mechanical engineering, and software development expertise. Core aims include driving better building envelope design and construction, keeping professionals ahead of regulatory change, delivering practical tools that integrate into project teams, and encouraging adoption of better materials, techniques, and technologies.
- [Client Testimonials](https://betterbuilding.io/clients-testimonials): Testimonials from firms using the platform.
- [Book a Demo](https://betterbuilding.io/book-a-demo): Free 20-minute demo with the team.
- [Sign Up](https://docs.betterbuilding.io/sign-up-and-plans/sign-up): Start a 14-day free trial.
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterbuildingsoftware/): Company updates and announcements.

## Optional

- [Terms and Conditions](https://betterbuilding.io/platform-terms-conditions)
- [Compare with IESVE and DesignBuilder](https://betterbuilding.io/compare-better-building-with-iesve-and-designbuilder): Detailed feature and pricing comparison of Better Building, IESVE, and DesignBuilder for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Covers cloud vs desktop delivery, compliance automation, training requirements, IT overhead, and pricing at each tier.
- [Is Your Free Software Costing You More Than You Think](https://betterbuilding.io/is-you-free-software-costing-you-more-than-you-think): Article on the hidden costs of free building simulation tools versus purpose-built platforms.
- [Unit Convertor](https://betterbuilding.io/convertor): Built-in unit conversion tool.