Based on the gold standard open source EnergyPlus simulation engine, DesignBuilder is now the most widely used energy modelling tool in education. University departments prefer DesignBuilder because it is quick and easy to learn, allowing the teaching process to focus on design and simulation issues. At the same time the software offers researchers unparalleled flexibility through access to EnergyPlus and Radiance input files and a range of advanced scripting tools.
We have an active education programme to assist university departments in using the software as part of their teaching process and can offer:
- Substantial educational discounts for universities and research organisations.
- Free student license packages for universities purchasing an educational site license.
- Student personal licences for £50.
- Interactive on-demand training content teaches students all the necessary software fundamentals without any lecturer time or the need for a classroom.
- Freely available teaching materials for use on university courses.
See also our Education testimonials page to read what other university course leaders, researchers and students are saying about DesignBuilder.
Discounts for Educational Establishments
You are entitled to a substantial discount on the listed commercial price if:
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You are purchasing DesignBuilder to be used exclusively for educational purposes within a school, college, university or other educational establishment or
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You are a commercial organisation planning to use the software exclusively for educational events such as training workshops.
Please make sure you are logged in before you access the discount application form. If you do not have a login and password, please register.
- Fill in our Educational discount application form giving contact details of your organisation and your requirements (you must be logged in to the site first).
- Once we approve your application you will be notified by email. The email will include a discount voucher code. (We usually respond within 48 hours).
- Enter the code during the checkout stage of the online order process to obtain your discount.
Discounted Student Personal License
Student personal licenses are provided free to educational institutes when they purchase educational site network licenses. The number of free licenses offered will be equivalent to the highest number of seats purchased on any particular module. Thereafter, these licences can be purchased at highly discounted rates.
In cases where student personal licences are not available through the university, undergraduate and postgraduate students wishing to use DesignBuilder on their own computer can apply to purchase a licence for £50 per year.
In summary, students can obtain a student personal license in one of 3 ways:
- Directly from their university (if the university has a student license package).
- By applying from this website using the student discount form (you must be logged in to the site first).
- From a local DesignBuilder reseller.
When applying for a student license, you must supply the name of your educational establishment, the department, the name of your supervisor and a departmental contact telephone number. You must be in full time education for at least 3 months from the time of application.
Once your application is approved, you will be able to purchase the license on the website. You are able to re-apply for a student personal licence after expiry. Support is limited to the on-line tutorials and training resources on our website. We are not able to provide support through our help desk for students.
If you plan to use DesignBuilder on a computer at your school, college or university you should purchase an educational license instead of a student one.
Note that universities using DesignBuilder for teaching or research must order at least one educational licence to enable the staff to support the students. Staff may not use student licences and student licences may not be installed on university machines.
Please make sure you are logged in to the website before you access the student discount application form. If you do not have a login and password, please register.