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. It makes it easier to see the links between form, materials and carbon footprint.

Leaf Cutter Ant connects our 3D model with the Construction Sector's Environmental Calculation Tool (BM) and gives us real-time information on the building's climate impact based on frame selection, building envelope, volume management and heat loss. This allows us to quickly and easily compare different design proposals.

How much of different materials are used is critical to get accurate calculations. Therefore, Leaf Cutter Ant has a design module that automatically calculates the amount of material for different frame proposals based on the overall geometry of the building. At the same time, the energy performance of the building is calculated to ensure that it is climate-smart both in the construction phase and in operation.

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.

The tool was developed together with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, RISE, Tyréns and Warm in the winter with funding from the Swedish Energy Agency.

Want to try Leaf Cutter Ant?
Contact Petra Jenning or Simon Kallioinen.