The climate impact of buildings is largely determined early in the construction process. Our tool for early stage climate calculations is called Leaf Cutter Ant. The tool makes it easier to see the connections between shape, frame solution and climate footprint.

Leaf Cutter Ant is linked to the Building Sector Environmental Calculation Tool (BM) developed by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and contains generic climate data for different building elements. Leaf Cutter Ant provides real-time feedback on the building's climate impact based on material and volume choices so that the architect can quickly and easily compare the climate footprint of different building alternatives at an early stage. Material consumption and price are also integrated into the tool, and an energy key figure is also provided with an indication of the building's energy performance.

Leaf Cutter Ant increases the understanding of the factors that drive the climate footprint, both initially in the design phase and what needs to be monitored during the course of the project. It will help developers and clients in the private and public sector as well as architects and designers.