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About
Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) is a leading provider of AI-assisted building performance simulation software and consultancy services. Its core product, the Virtual Environment (VE), delivers integrated analysis tools for the design, retrofit, and compliance of buildings — covering energy modelling, overheating analysis, daylight/solar studies, HVAC optimisation, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). IES Live extends these capabilities into next-generation real-time building energy and carbon management for operational buildings. Additional tools include iCD, a SketchUp plugin for rapid energy and carbon insights; iSCAN for in-use building performance data visualisation; iVN for feasibility studies of district heating and renewables; and IES TaP for streamlining green building certification workflows. IES supports major sustainability rating frameworks including LEED, BREEAM, NABERS, WELL, ESTIDAMA, and Passivhaus, as well as UK and international energy code compliance. The platform's Python scripting interface and open data architecture make it extensible for custom workflows. IES serves architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, facility managers, and public sector organizations pursuing net-zero targets, decarbonisation strategies, and high-performance building outcomes across sectors including data centres, healthcare, education, hospitality, and commercial real estate.
Key Features
- Integrated Building Performance Analysis: The VE platform provides unified analysis covering energy modelling, thermal comfort, daylight, solar, HVAC, and CFD within a single environment.
- Real-Time Carbon & Energy Management: IES Live connects live operational data to digital twins, enabling continuous monitoring and optimisation of building energy use and carbon output.
- Multi-Standard Compliance Support: Supports LEED, BREEAM, NABERS, WELL, ESTIDAMA, Passivhaus, and local energy codes such as UK Building Regulations and North American energy codes.
- Rapid Concept Modelling with iCD: A SketchUp plugin that enables architects to generate energy and carbon insights at the concept design stage for fast, scalable decision-making.
- Python Scripting & Automation: Extensible via Python scripting and an open API, allowing users to automate simulation workflows, batch process models, and integrate with third-party platforms.
Use Cases
- Energy modelling and compliance analysis for new commercial or residential buildings targeting LEED or BREEAM certification
- Overheating and thermal comfort assessment for UK Part O / CIBSE TM59 compliance in residential developments
- CFD pedestrian wind comfort and microclimate studies for urban masterplanning or large mixed-use developments
- Decarbonisation planning and retrofit optioneering for existing building portfolios targeting net-zero carbon
- Real-time energy and carbon monitoring using IES Live digital twins connected to live BMS data for operational facilities
Pros
- Comprehensive All-in-One Simulation Suite: Covers the full spectrum of building performance analysis — from energy and carbon to daylight, CFD, and HVAC — removing the need for multiple disconnected tools.
- Industry-Recognised Compliance Coverage: Supports the widest range of green building rating systems and energy codes globally, making it suitable for international projects.
- Scalable from Concept to Portfolio: Tools like iCD enable rapid early-stage design insights while VE and IES Live handle detailed simulation and operational monitoring at portfolio scale.
- Backed by Expert Consultancy Services: IES offers in-house consultancy alongside the software, providing support for complex projects including data centres, healthcare, and masterplanning.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: The depth and breadth of the VE platform require significant training investment; IES provides accreditation and courses but onboarding takes time.
- Enterprise-Focused Pricing: Primarily a paid enterprise product; costs can be prohibitive for small studios, though a free trial and student/educator discounts are available.
- Desktop-Centric Workflow: Core simulation capabilities are largely desktop-based, which may limit flexibility for fully cloud-native or remote workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IES VE and who is it for?
IES VE (Virtual Environment) is an integrated building performance simulation platform used by architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, sustainability consultants, and building owners to model and optimise energy use, carbon emissions, thermal comfort, daylight, and more.
Which green building certification schemes does IES support?
IES supports LEED, BREEAM, NABERS/Design for Performance, WELL, ESTIDAMA, Passivhaus, UK Building Regulations, and North American energy codes, among others. The IES TaP tool further helps streamline the certification submission process.
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, IES offers a free trial of the VE software. Discounted licences are also available for students and educators.
Can IES be used for existing buildings, not just new construction?
Yes. IES VE supports retrofit analysis and decarbonisation planning for existing buildings. IES Live and iSCAN also support in-use building performance monitoring by connecting to BMS data and real operational datasets.
Does IES support automation or integration with other tools?
Yes. IES VE includes Python scripting support for workflow automation and batch processing. It also integrates with SketchUp via the iCD plugin, and outputs can be connected to digital twin platforms and BMS systems.
