These programs offer feedback on the energy performance of various design scenarios and quantify savings estimates. But it takes time to build models in these tools, not to mention the time to learn yet another software program. Furthermore, these systems ask architects to think like mechanical engineers, usually a losing proposition. The challenge is to design and document energy-related enhancements early enough to make a difference. The schedules that are just so tight.
Time is the constraint.
It's the worst enemy. This is a false color rendering of cumulative irradiance for December 21 on the roof of a proposed building in Japan, taking into account seasonal vegetation. The orange color indicates the best locations for photovoltaic collectors. Inc. Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.