The energy simulator uses the EnergyPlus simulation engine, developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides energy-use analysis feedback as the design develops. The bundle also integrates with the AECOsim Compliance Manager, which was released in May as software as a service. Compliance Manager helps automate the information gathering needed to participate in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification process.

The Building Designer product also features a new capability that Bentley calls "hypermodeling," which lets users attach, view and mark up—simultaneously, with a 3D model and in the appropriate locations—2D representations of sections, elevations and plans.

James B. Porter Jr., a retired DuPont vice president and now a consultant for safety, health and environment, and engineering, says he appreciates hypermodels' placement of 2D drawings in a 3D context. "There will always be drawings," he says, "but with hypermodels, it's a more intuitive and easy way to have your valuable information be utilized—especially in operations."