Nemetschek Allplan and Stuttgart-based 5S AG have agreed to work together to improve building energy efficiency in the future.
The objective of the agreement is to develop new software solutions to make environmentally- friendly design and construction as simple and efficient as possible.
The cooperation agreement also covers joint sales and marketing activities.
Nemetschek Allplan and 5S AG will develop solutions with which architects and engineers can determine buildings' energy needs and create energy performance certificates - as provided for in DIN V 18599.
This will take the Allplan 3D design software to another level in the integrated process of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
As well as quantities and costs, users will also be able to derive data for evaluating energy efficiency from the virtual building model.
"The world is entering a new age of design and construction.
Increasing costs for raw materials and climate change are forcing us to rethink our approach.
To significantly improve the efficiency of buildings and properties, the principles of sustainable construction must be included early in the design phase.
The cooperation with 5S AG covers this requirement precisely", says Peter Mehlstaubler, Managing Director of Nemetschek Allplan GmbH.
The software is expected to be available and internationally serviceable from early 2009.