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Sefaira

Real-time building performance analysis for architects and engineers

Cloud-based and plugin-based platform for early-stage building performance analysis. Provides instant feedback on energy, daylight, water, and carbon metrics using industry-standard EnergyPlus and Radiance simulations.

Acquired by Trimble in 2016 raised 🏢 Established

Founded 2009 • Booth Hansen, LAS, Bridges Ventures, HEWITT, Sol Design + Consulting, and thousands of architecture and design firms

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Why This Tool Exists

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The Problem

Architects and mechanical engineers spend weeks on building performance analysis during design development, delaying design decisions. Traditional energy modeling tools require extensive setup and take days or weeks to run simulations, making it impractical to explore multiple design alternatives in early conceptual phases.

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The Solution

Real-time performance analysis platform that runs full annual energy, daylighting, and carbon simulations in minutes instead of weeks. Integrated plugins for SketchUp and Revit provide instant feedback on design changes, enabling architects and engineers to explore multiple alternatives during conceptual design phases.

How You Use It

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Delivery Method

SaaS Plugin

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Integrations

SketchUp Autodesk Revit Trimble Buildings

Disciplines

Architecture, MEP Engineering

Project Phases

Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development

Project Types

Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Mixed-Use

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

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Input

What it needs

Required: Building geometry (3D model), Use type / building classification, Location / climate zone

Optional: Project schedule, Building systems details, Material specifications, Renewable energy options

Formats: SketchUp models, Revit models, IFC, DWG

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Output

What you get

Format: Real-time performance dashboards and detailed analysis reports

Fields: Energy use intensity (EUI), CO2 emissions (annual and lifetime), Heating and cooling loads by component, Daylight factor and annual daylight autonomy (sDA), Glare analysis (visual comfort), Water consumption and savings, Renewable energy potential, Design alternative comparisons

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Algorithm

How it works

Model: EnergyPlus building simulation engine (U.S. Department of Energy)

Accuracy: EnergyPlus is peer-reviewed by DOE and validated across thousands of projects; Sefaira-specific accuracy metrics not published

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Privacy

How your data is protected

Retention: Project-based retention; specific data deletion timelines not publicly specified

Training: Data used to improve product features; user opt-out options available for enterprise customers

Compliance: Privacy policy on file, Part of Trimble broader compliance framework, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 status not publicly confirmed

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API

Integration

Endpoint: Contact vendor for API access

Method: Not publicly documented

Use Cases

• Early-stage massing studies with real-time energy feedback
• LEED and green building standard compliance analysis
• Solar envelope and passive design optimization
• HVAC system comparison and sizing for mechanical engineers
• Envelope performance (insulation, window selection) alternatives
• Renewable energy feasibility assessment
• Building carbon footprint and net-zero pathway analysis
• Design strategy justification and client presentations

Pricing

Free

Evaluation mode with limited functionality

Pro

$5,000/year annual subscription (unlimited seats and analysis passes)

Enterprise

Three enterprise pricing tiers available (specific details not publicly listed; contact vendor)

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📚 Research Sources & Data Quality Last verified: 2026-02-01

Data Sources (9)

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Verified Data (14)

problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, yearFounded, maturityStage, algorithm-engine, input-output-formats, control-features, useCases, customerBase

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Not Found (7)

api-documentation, specific-enterprise-pricing-details, soc2-iso-compliance-confirmation, data-retention-timeline, rate-limits, detailed-accuracy-metrics, training-data-policy

Our Commitment: We only include verified data from official sources. If information isn't publicly available, we mark it as "Not publicly specified" rather than guessing.