Resource search

Search DataDrivenAEC

Type at least two characters to search.

Looking for live projects? Explore open projects or browse the feed.

Open the full search page →

Sefaira

Real-time building performance analysis for architects and engineers

Cloud-based and plugin-based platform for early-stage building performance analysis. Provides instant feedback on energy, daylight, water, and carbon metrics using industry-standard EnergyPlus and Radiance simulations.

Pricing
free tier, $5,000/year annual subscription
Alternatives
Real-Time LCA, CatiaV5 Exporter for AutoCAD, 2050 Materials
Who it's for
Architecture, MEP Engineering
Acquired by Trimble in 2016 raisedEstablished
Founded 2009 · Booth Hansen, LAS, Bridges Ventures, HEWITT, Sol Design + Consulting, and thousands of architecture and design firms
Website → ← All Tools
WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Architects and mechanical engineers spend weeks on building performance analysis during design development, delaying design decisions. Traditional energy modeling tools require extensive setup and take days or weeks to run simulations, making it impractical to explore multiple design alternatives in early conceptual phases.

The Solution

Real-time performance analysis platform that runs full annual energy, daylighting, and carbon simulations in minutes instead of weeks. Integrated plugins for SketchUp and Revit provide instant feedback on design changes, enabling architects and engineers to explore multiple alternatives during conceptual design phases.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
SaaSPlugin
Integrations
SketchUpAutodesk RevitTrimble Buildings
Disciplines
Architecture, Mep Engineering
Workflows
Data & Automation
Project Phases
Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Mixed-Use
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:Building geometry (3D model), Use type / building classification, Location / climate zone
Optional:Project schedule, Building systems details, Material specifications, Renewable energy options
Formats:SketchUp models, Revit models, IFC, DWG
Output
What you get
Format:Real-time performance dashboards and detailed analysis reports
Fields:Energy use intensity (EUI), CO2 emissions (annual and lifetime), Heating and cooling loads by component, Daylight factor and annual daylight autonomy (sDA), Glare analysis (visual comfort), Water consumption and savings, Renewable energy potential, Design alternative comparisons
Algorithm
How it works
Model:EnergyPlus building simulation engine (U.S. Department of Energy)
Accuracy:EnergyPlus is peer-reviewed by DOE and validated across thousands of projects; Sefaira-specific accuracy metrics not published
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Project-based retention; specific data deletion timelines not publicly specified
Training:Data used to improve product features; user opt-out options available for enterprise customers
Compliance:Privacy policy on file, Part of Trimble broader compliance framework, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 status not publicly confirmed
API
Integration
Endpoint:Contact vendor for API access
Method:Not publicly documented
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Early-stage massing studies with real-time energy feedback
  • ·LEED and green building standard compliance analysis
  • ·Solar envelope and passive design optimization
  • ·HVAC system comparison and sizing for mechanical engineers
  • ·Envelope performance (insulation, window selection) alternatives
  • ·Renewable energy feasibility assessment
  • ·Building carbon footprint and net-zero pathway analysis
  • ·Design strategy justification and client presentations
PRICING

Pricing

Free
Evaluation mode with limited functionality
Pro
$5,000/year annual subscription (unlimited seats and analysis passes)
Enterprise
Three enterprise pricing tiers available (specific details not publicly listed; contact vendor)
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-02-01
Data Sources (9)
Fields Checked (14)
problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, yearFounded, maturityStage, algorithm-engine, input-output-formats, control-features, useCases, customerBase
Not Found (7)
api-documentation, specific-enterprise-pricing-details, soc2-iso-compliance-confirmation, data-retention-timeline, rate-limits, detailed-accuracy-metrics, training-data-policy
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

Similar Tools

🌱
Real-Time LCA
Data & Automation

SaaS platform that automates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations by extracting material data directly from BIM models, Excel, or manual entry. Provides real-time carbon footprint tracking, EPD-based material comparisons, and AI-driven recommendations to reduce emissions by up to 30%.

View Details →
🔄
CatiaV5 Exporter for AutoCAD
Data & Automation

AutoCAD plugin that converts 2D/3D drawings to CATIA V5 format (.CATPart/.CATProduct/CGR), preserving geometry, colors, sketches, and wire data for seamless collaboration between AutoCAD and CATIA V5 workflows.

View Details →
🌱
2050 Materials
Data & Automation

Digital information and research platform for the AEC industry to explore, compare and source sustainable building materials with comprehensive sustainability data.

View Details →