OpenStudio Tool

OpenStudio helps building designers, engineers, and architects make better design decisions based on energy savings (and other metrics) during the building design process.

OpenStudio is a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux) collection of software tools to support whole building energy modeling using EnergyPlus and advanced daylight analysis using Radiance.

OpenStudio is an open source project to facilitate community development, extension, and private sector adoption.

OpenStudio includes graphical interfaces along with a Software Development Kit (SDK).

OpenStudio plugs into Trimble SketchUp to provide geometry inputs and allows import/export to popular CAD formats including gbXML. OpenStudio provides detailed modeling of buildings to the component/system level.

OpenStudio allows for design, alternative selection and evaluation of energy conservation measures. The new OpenStudio graphical applications include the updated SketchUp Plug-in, the stand alone OpenStudio application, the ParametricAnalysisTool, RunManager, and ResultsViewer. The SketchUp Plug-in is an extension to the popular 3D modeling tool that adds OpenStudio context to the SketchUp program. The Plug-in allows users to quickly create geometry and assign space attributes using the built-in functionality of SketchUp including existing drawing tools, integration with Google Earth, Building Maker, and Photo Match.

The OpenStudio application is a graphical energy-modeling tool. It includes visualization and editing of schedules, editing of loads constructions and materials, a drag and drop interface to apply resources to spaces and zones, a visual HVAC and service water heating design tool, and high level results visualization. Radiance can also be integrated into the simulation workflow. This is accomplished by using an annual Radiance simulation to measure daylighting, and then creating an electric lighting usage schedule for EnergyPlus.

OpenStudio also gives the modeler integrated access to data from the Building Component Library. The ParametricAnalysisTool lets users modify a baseline OpenStudio model using OpenStudio measures to produce design alternatives.