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Ladybug Tools

Open-source environmental analysis and simulation for building performance

Collection of free, open-source plugins for environmental simulation and analysis. Includes Ladybug for climate analysis, Honeybee for energy and daylighting simulation, Dragonfly for urban-scale analysis, and Butterfly for computational fluid dynamics. Integrates with Grasshopper in Rhino and DynamoBIM in Revit.

Not publicly specified (bootstrap/open-source) raisedEstablishedOpen Source (AGPL-3.0 (Python core))
Founded 2017 · 500,000+ downloads globally. 3rd most downloaded Grasshopper plugin. Documented adoption by HENN Architects, EDS, and major academic institutions (ETH Zurich, MIT, University of Pennsylvania).
Website → ← All Tools
WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Building designers lack integrated tools for early-stage environmental analysis. Traditional workflows separate energy modeling, daylighting, and thermal analysis into disconnected software, delaying feedback and limiting design exploration. Estimators need fast, accessible environmental analysis directly within their CAD environment without expensive third-party licensing.

The Solution

Provides free, open-source plugins within Grasshopper and Revit that integrate environmental analysis directly into the design workflow. Parametric simulation enables instant feedback as designers modify geometry. Leverages validated engines (EnergyPlus, Radiance, OpenFOAM) without requiring separate software licensing.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
Plugin (Grasshopper)Plugin (DynamoBIM/Revit)Web Platform (Pollination)Python Library (Command-line)
Integrations
Rhino 3DGrasshopperRevitDynamoBIMPollinationEnergyPlusRadianceOpenStudioOpenFOAMTherm/Window
Disciplines
Architecture, Mep Engineering, Urban Planning
Workflows
Design & BIM
Project Phases
Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Pre-Design
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure, Institutional, Industrial
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:Building geometry, Weather/climate data, Construction specifications
Optional:BIM models, HVAC system details, Occupancy schedules, Material properties, Daylighting targets
Formats:Rhino/Grasshopper geometry, EnergyPlus Weather files (EPW), IFC models, Excel schedules, DXF, CSV data
Output
What you get
Format:Interactive visualizations, parametric simulation results, and reports
Fields:Annual energy consumption (kWh), Heating/cooling loads (Btu), Daylight autonomy and glare metrics, Thermal comfort analysis (PMV, PPD), Solar radiation maps, Airflow patterns (CFD), Climate analysis graphics, Comparison data across design iterations
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Integrates validated open-source engines: EnergyPlus (energy), Radiance (lighting), OpenFOAM (CFD), Therm (thermal bridging)
Accuracy:Validated through research publications and ASHRAE/IBPSA standards (engines are industry-standard; plugin acts as interface)
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Open-source; user data retention depends on deployment (local installation = user-controlled; Pollination web platform = per Pollination privacy policy)
Training:Not applicable for core plugins (open-source); Pollination platform may use anonymized usage data to improve services (not publicly detailed)
Compliance:AGPL-3.0 license compliance required for derivative works, No formal SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certification documented
API
Integration
Endpoint:GitHub repositories + Python package (PyPI): ladybug-core, honeybee-core, dragonfly-core
Method:REST API available through Pollination platform; Python SDK available for command-line automation
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Early-stage parametric energy performance optimization during schematic design
  • ·Daylighting analysis and facade optimization for natural light maximization
  • ·Thermal comfort studies (indoor and outdoor microclimate analysis)
  • ·Urban-scale climate and solar radiation analysis
  • ·Building LEED/BREEAM certification support (Energy Simulation)
  • ·CFD analysis for wind and airflow patterns around buildings
  • ·Design iteration comparison across multiple climate scenarios
  • ·Integration with BIM workflows for performance-based design
PRICING

Pricing

Free
Core plugins completely free; Pollination platform offers free tier for public projects
Pro
Pollination Pro: $200/month per user (private projects, advanced features)
Enterprise
Pollination Enterprise: Custom pricing with dedicated cloud resources and support
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-04-04
Data Sources (11)
Fields Checked (19)
name, tagline, description, vendor, website, license, isOpenSource, yearFounded, maturityStage, customerBase, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, input-formats, output-structure, algorithm-approach, useCases
Not Found (6)
fundingTotal, privacy-policy-detailed-document, soc2-certification, iso27001-certification, pricing-specific-enterprise-details, api-rate-limits
About this research: This record summarizes the cited sources and fields checked. A research date does not establish hands-on testing. Consult the original sources for current details and limitations.
ALTERNATIVES

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