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Virtual Environment (IESVE)

Integrated building performance analysis for energy, compliance, and sustainability

IESVE is a comprehensive suite of integrated analysis tools for whole-building design optimization. It provides energy modeling, thermal comfort, HVAC, lighting, airflow, and compliance analysis in a single platform using the Apache simulation engine.

Acquired by Apax Partners (Feb 2024); Prior: £19.1M annual revenue raisedMarket Leader
Founded 1994 · Thousands of professionals worldwide; Notable customers: AECOM, Skanska, Turner Construction, DPR, Gensler, major educational institutions (LSE, UC Davis, NYU Abu Dhabi)
Website →← All Tools
WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Architects and engineers waste 5-10 hours weekly coordinating multiple specialized analysis tools (energy, lighting, thermal, CFD) for building design. Switching between platforms causes data loss, introduces calculation errors, and extends design cycles.

The Solution

IESVE unifies all building performance analysis within one integrated platform with Apache engine. Users model once and generate energy, compliance, thermal, lighting, and airflow results simultaneously, enabling rapid design optimization.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
Desktop AppWeb DemoAPI
Integrations
RevitRhinoPollinationSketchUpgbXMLIFC
Disciplines
Architecture, Mep Engineering, Civil Engineering
Workflows
Data & Automation
Project Phases
Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Operations/FM
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Institutional, Mixed-Use
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:Building geometry (CAD/BIM model)
Optional:Project schedule, Material properties database, HVAC system specifications, Occupancy schedules, Renewable energy systems, Climate data
Formats:Revit (RVT), Rhino (3DM), gbXML, IFC, GEM (IESVE native)
Output
What you get
Format:Multi-disciplinary performance reports with interactive visualizations
Fields:Annual energy consumption (kWh), Carbon emissions (kg CO2), Peak loads (kW), Thermal comfort metrics (PPD, PMV), Daylight penetration percentages, CFD flow patterns, Compliance status (LEED, BREEAM, Passivhaus), Cost analysis
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Apache simulation engine (proprietary whole-building energy simulation)
Accuracy:Apache engine recognized as world-leading accuracy for whole-building simulation; Customer case study (SSE Smarter Council Offices) achieved 99.3% model accuracy versus actual data
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Project-based retention (user configuration available; specific duration not publicly specified)
Training:Not publicly specified (contact vendor regarding model training data usage)
Compliance:GDPR compliant, PECR compliant, Registered with UK Information Commissioner Office
API
Integration
Endpoint:https://www.iesve.com/developer
Method:Python API (VE Python API running within IESVE); REST APIs for iCIM, iSCAN, and Apache cloud services
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Early design exploration comparing passive strategies (natural ventilation, solar orientation, high-performance envelope) against baseline
  • ·Thermal comfort and overheating assessment for residential and office spaces to meet Passivhaus or WELL standards
  • ·HVAC load calculation and equipment sizing to optimize first-cost and operating costs
  • ·Daylighting analysis and electric lighting control design to reduce energy consumption 20-30%
  • ·Carbon footprint and embodied energy analysis for LEED, BREEAM, and net-zero certification
  • ·CFD analysis of air quality, stratification, and ventilation effectiveness in critical buildings (hospitals, labs)
  • ·Compliance verification against Title 24, Energy Building Code, and regional energy regulations
PRICING

Pricing

Free
Free 30-day trial; Educational licenses available ($70/year student, $615 for full suite)
Pro
Contact IES for licensing; Training courses from $75/module; IES TaP compliance tools from $120/year
Enterprise
Custom enterprise licenses with on-premises options available through Apax Partners
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-02-01
Data Sources (10)
Fields Checked (17)
problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, yearFounded, maturityStage, customerBase, license, input-formats, output-fields, algorithm-approach, useCases, privacy-location, privacy-compliance
Not Found (8)
fundingTotal-details, specific-api-rateLimit, specific-pricing-pro-tier, soc2-certification-report, data-retention-duration, algorithm-accuracy-percentage, data-training-practices, webhook-support
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.
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