DesignBuilder

Subscription Engineer & Analyze

EnergyPlus-based building simulation software with a graphical interface for energy, daylighting, HVAC, CFD, and LEED/BREEAM compliance.

3.4 /5 composite score
C2 3/5 reflects Python scripting, a C# API, and EnergyPlus EMS runtime scripting, while C4 4/5 reflects gbXML, IDF, and epJSON workflows. Pricing is published as a subscription, integrations include Revit, ArchiCAD, Grasshopper, MicroStation, and EnergyPlus, and firm-size fit is solo to small-team.
Solid

Rubric Scorecard

How we grade →

Criterion Score Evidence
Value for the price 4/5 Subscription Source →
Agent Friendliness 3/5 API: none
Ease of adoption 3/5 --
Portability & lock-in 4/5 3 file formats
Interoperability 3/5 5 integrations

Pricing

ModelSubscription
Visit DesignBuilder →

How we verified this: we checked DesignBuilder against its live site and an independent source — buildingenergysoftwaretools.com. Nothing on this page is listed from memory. See how we grade. Verified 2026-07-18.

Evidence

File formats

FormatDirectionSupport
gbXML unknown unknown
IDF unknown unknown
epJSON unknown unknown

Integrations

Revit ArchiCAD Grasshopper MicroStation EnergyPlus

Sources

Pricing

Alternatives in Energy Analysis

OpenStudio
Free, open-source EnergyPlus front-end from NREL with a SketchUp plugin, a Measures library for parametric analysis, and Radiance daylighting support.
4.4/5
C.Scale
SaaS whole-life-carbon data platform used by architecture and engineering firms to run rapid embodied, operational, refrigerant, and landscape carbon (LCA) assessments from concept through construction, benchmark portfolios, source low-carbon products via EPDs, and auto-generate AIA 2030 DDx compliance reports. Grew out of EHDD's in-house carbon tool (EPIC) and is separately licensed to power Autodesk Forma's Embodied Carbon Analysis feature.
4.4/5
Ladybug Tools
Free open-source Grasshopper plugins for climate analysis, energy modeling, daylighting, CFD, and urban simulation, with a commercial cloud layer via Pollination.
4.0/5
EnergyPlus
Free, DOE-funded whole-building energy simulation engine with sub-hourly HVAC, lighting, and water modeling -- the engine under most commercial tools on this list.
4.0/5

See all DesignBuilder alternatives → ยท Compare all Energy Analysis tools →

Subscribe to Building Probable

Independent AEC + AI reviews & research, including Energy Analysis coverage -- the companion newsletter to buildingtech.pro.

Subscribe to Building Probable →