Ekotrope Introduces Unique Green Design Software for Architects and Builders
-New MIT-designed energy and cost-optimization software available on entry-level license and sophisticated project basis, to enable home designers, builders and architects to make rational, timely, green, visual-based construction decisions-Boston, MA – January 26, 2012 – Ekotrope, a developer of software for analyzing, managing and designing energy-efficient buildings, has announced the general availability of its software.
Ekotrope’s software is a practical way to gather green and business intelligence for new construction projects and renovations. The solutions are based on Ekotrope’s energy and cost optimization engine which aggregates a range of construction options and building components. This enables architects, contractors and consumers to sort through thousands of construction options and building options to find the best option to fit their energy and cost goals before construction begins. HomeSEED solutions also enable the research of potential cost savings in retro-fitted home projects and provide trade-off analysis to identify the environmental and financial impact of any design changes. The solution was conceived by Professor Edward F. Crawley, MIT Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He was inspired to develop the software following his failure to find software that would help him to optimize decisions while building his own energy-efficient home.
It is visually driven and easy to use - subscribers simply log on and fill in some simple initial parameters. Ekotrope's algorithms calculate a number of parameters, including breakdowns of financial and environmental benefits for energy-related investments in new builds, as well as identifying energy investment ‘sweet spots’ which would significantly lower out-of pocket costs such as utility bills.
Blake Bisson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ekotrope said: “Growing environmental concerns, tougher government mandates and more widespread and deeper personal convictions have all led to a significant increase in demand for energy-efficient buildings that deliver measurable green advantages while maximizing investments in design and construction. Ekotrope is proof that environmentally-friendly building practices do not have to prove more expensive than standard methods, while allowing architects, builders and project managers to compare the pros and cons of energy conscious builds in a rapid, visual manner.”
Brian Anderson, partner at Anderson Porter Design, said: “Our architectural practice uses cutting edge technologies to give us a competitive edge and deliver breakthrough value for our clients. We are using Ekotrope to provide innovative design for a unique Net-Zero Energy multi-family townhouse development. Ekotrope's capabilities allow us to quickly analyze the energy performance of each building component, from windows to insulation, and understand how each affects the whole system and maximizes cost efficiency and construction effectiveness. It enables us to compare options and understand different energy and cost tradeoffs, making it easier to maintain and achieve our goals for every project.”
Billy Craig, ABX Director, Boston Society of Architects said: “As Ekotrope is due to exhibit at the ArchitectureBoston Expo, we expect the company’s new Ekotrope product to be of great interest to show attendees and our members and I can’t wait to see it in action.”
Event note: Ekotrope will be demonstrating at Building Energy 12, March 6-8 at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center (booth 721), organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA).
About Ekotrope Inc. www.ekotrope.com Ekotrope develops unique software for analyzing, managing and designing energy-efficient buildings, while optimizing energy and cost analysis, adhering to strict regulations and meeting certifications. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, Ekotrope’s optimization engine was designed by MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics Professor Edward F. Crawley, following his search for a solution that would provide practical help in designing an energy efficient home. In 2010, Crawley could not find an existing solution for his architect to easily analyze component tradeoffs to find the best energy and investment combination. He drew on NASA technology and assembled a select group of industry experts to come up with the Ekotrope solution.
Today, Ekotrope’s flagship software, Ekotrope, is trusted by architects, energy analysts, builders, subcontractors and consumers to visualize and compare opportunities to reduce energy costs.Ekotrope is a trademark of Ekotrope Inc.