Finally: energy analysis that actually helps architects design better buildings.

1. Four Rules of Thumb
That Could Lead You Astray
Rules of Thumb can point you in the wrong direction. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t get
misled.

2. Sefaira for SketchUp
lets you study building
performance in realtime,
as you design.
Here are just a few
examples of how you
can use it …

3. 1. Study building form
Quickly study the impact of building shape through
simple massing studies.
Square
(lowest energy use)
Rectangle
Tower
(highest energy use)

4. Sefaira for SketchUp can
help you maintain a
constant floor area as
you change the massing
Tip: Maintain a constant
glazing amount on each
façade to isolate the
effects of form

5. 2. Investigate Heat Gains
Is heat gain a problem? If so, which
facades are responsible?

6. Cooling is the largest
energy use in this
building. Cooling is driven
by heat flowing into the
building.
Solar gain from the West
façade is the largest
single contributor

7. Reducing West glazing
brings down total energy
use significantly
Now Heating is the
largest energy use

8. 3. Size Shading Devices
Investigate different building and glazing options.

9. Keep an eye on energy
use to see how much
shading is beneficial
Tip: Inset windows can
also be used to shade

10. 4. Explore Façade Design
Just design. Use Sefaira for SketchUp as needed to
help size glazing and shading, or to compare options.

11. You can compare
different designs based
on energy use
Use the energy
breakdown and Heat
Flows charts as a guide
while you design

12. www.sefaira.com/sefaira-for-sketchup