BUDAPEST, January 21, 2014 – GRAPHISOFT®, the leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) architectural software developer, has announced the launch of EcoDesigner STAR, the first software that places standard-compliant energy analysis in the heart of the architect’s familiar BIM work environment. EcoDesigner STAR enables architects to design the most energy-efficient buildings, by themselves or working together with engineers or specialist consultants.

Partnering with StruSoft three years ago, the single mission was to revolutionize how sustainable design is carried out in the Building Information Modeling environment. The result of their cooperation was the realization that while “energy” continues to be primarily a concern for engineers, the most important decisions influencing the energy performance of the completed building are made by the architect.

“The combination of the BIM model with hourly energy simulation based on weather conditions and operation profiles creates a virtual reality design environment that adds another dimension to the ArchiCAD Building Information Modeling experience,” said Miklos Sved, EcoDesigner Product Manager, GRAPHISOFT.

EcoDesigner STAR enables architects to use ArchiCAD's building information model (BIM) right out of the box as a building energy model (BEM), resulting in the design of highly energy efficient buildings. Furthermore, EcoDesigner STAR offers standard-compliant energy analysis on the BEM and produces a detailed building energy performance report, all within the familiar ArchiCAD design environment.

EcoDesigner STAR is currently available in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden and South Africa. Please contact your GRAPHISOFT Partner ( www.graphisoft.com/info/where_to_buy) for further product information and purchase details.

EcoDesigner STAR for ArchiCAD 17 offers:

• BIM Geometry and Thermal Property Data Export
• Thermal Bridge Simulation
• Expert Building Systems Settings
• On-Site Renewables
• Building Energy Simulation Using Standard-Compliant Analysis Engine
• Energy Performance of Thermal Blocks
• Building Energy Performance Rating

For more information about EcoDesigner STAR, please visit www.graphisoft.com/archicad/ecodesigner_star/.

About StruSoft

Structural Design Software in Europe AB ( StruSoft) is a Swedish innovative software development company with more than 30 years of experience in specialized software applications for the entire building industry. StruSoft's main software packages FEM-Design, WIN-Statik, PRE-Stress, IMPACT and VIP-Energy have been applied in analysis and design, precast industry, detailing and energy modeling. The software applications have been developed into well proven products, and are now used by more than 10,000 users at more than 1,000 customers in more than 20 countries around the world.

About GRAPHISOFT

GRAPHISOFT® ignited the BIM revolution in 1984 with ArchiCAD®, the industry first BIM software for architects. GRAPHISOFT continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions such as its revolutionary BIM Server™, the world’s first real-time BIM collaboration environment, EcoDesigner™, the world’s first fully BIM-integrated “GREEN” design solution and BIMx®, the world’s leading mobile app for BIM visualization. GRAPHISOFT has been a part of the Nemetschek Group since its acquisition in 2007.