ClimateLite
The move to a lower carbon society means that construction companies will have to adopt low carbon design strategies to remain competitive.
Cambridge Architectural Research is part of a team developing ClimateLite – a major new software tool that will steer design teams towards integrated low carbon design from initial design conception. The software will be available from Summer 2011. The project is supported by the RIBA and BERR.
We now have a prototype of the tool. It systematically integrates low carbon design issues in three stages:
Stage 1 – Strategy Wizard
You enter details of the proposed development – site characteristics, building use and influences of the immediate external environment. The software then leads the design team through a structured review of opportunities and constraints for improving your building.
Stage 2 – Sketch Design
Choose from a range of plan forms and construction types and describe orientation, materials, ventilation and daylighting/shading strategies. The software then evaluates the energy and environmental performance of the different design options.
Stage 3 – Carbon Mixer
The software generates the predicted heating, cooling and power requirements and associated footprint of the development. It then helps you to develop plant servicing strategies, further driving down the carbon footprint.
The ClimateLite development team are inviting commercial organizations to test the software and/or sponsor continued development. To register your interest, please contact Jason Palmer.