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Energy modeling software ranked highly among architects
Integrated Environmental Solutions has announced its Virtual Environment software was rated the most architect-friendly in a recent survey.
The study asked architects, designers, LEED representatives as well as architecture educators and students who expressed an interest in green building and energy performance to rank the most commonly used simulation tools. These included Virtual Environment, Ecotect, Design Builder, Green Building Studio, DOE-2 and Energy Plus.
Participants ranked each of the instruments based on several factors, including quickness of energy analysis, suggestions of suitable climate design strategies as well as accuracy and ability to simulate complex cases. Virtual Environment was the top choice of 85 percent of respondents.
Don McLean, the company's founder and managing director, said the software is intended to make the building design process more "analysis-based and performance-driven…in order to achieve the levels of energy and carbon dioxide reduction" desired by members of the green industry.
Prospective architects who wish to harness similar technology in their careers may enroll in associates, bachelors and masters programs in sustainable management or green architecture and building that can help them stay abreast of emerging trends.
Job prospects for architects - particularly those with green design skills - are expected to grow by 18 percent over the next seven years. In May 2006, professionals in this field were paid median salaries of $64,150 per year. 
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