Troubleshooting
Scenario generation fails
Common causes:
Conflicting urban rules, for example incompatible height and setback constraints
Irregular site geometry combined with strict alignment rules
Missing required inputs, most often no public boundary defined
How to resolve:
Verify at least one public limit is defined on your site boundary.
Simplify or remove conflicting rules.
Adjust the site boundary or rule constraints.
Unrealistic or unexpected design outputs
Common causes:
Overly permissive or incomplete rule definitions
Typology settings that do not align with your project intent
How to resolve:
Refine your rule constraints.
Adjust the building typologies and their parameters.
Simulation results do not match expectations
Common causes:
Using instant insights, which are fast but lower accuracy, instead of a full simulation
Early-stage assumptions, such as missing material or system details
How to resolve:
Run a full ENVI-met simulation for higher accuracy.
Treat results as directional rather than final.
Thermal comfort results look outdated
If you modify a design after running a simulation, thermal comfort results may no longer reflect the current state of the design. Run a new simulation to refresh them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sustainable Planner?
Sustainable Planner is an early-design environmental simulation tool that helps AEC teams test climate, carbon, urban quality, and regulatory fit before detailed models exist.
Who is it for?
Architects, urban designers, sustainability consultants, engineers, and developer teams involved in concept design and feasibility.
Does it require BIM?
No. It is designed to work in low-information phases before detailed BIM exists.
How is it different from ENVI-met Desktop?
Sustainable Planner is designed for early, fast, business-ready concept validation. ENVI-met Desktop is for deeper, more scientific microclimate analysis. You can export designs from Sustainable Planner as .INX files for use in ENVI-met.
How is it different from Carbon Designer 3D?
Sustainable Planner helps you compare concept directions early. Carbon Designer 3D supports deeper carbon estimation once a concept is worth investigating further.
How accurate are the CO₂ estimations?
Estimations are based on typology and early design assumptions, use global averages, and exclude detailed systems such as MEP. Use them for early comparison between scenarios, and move to Carbon Designer 3D for deeper analysis.
How reliable are the automatically estimated zoning rules?
Rule estimation uses open-source data, primarily OpenStreetMap, which can be outdated or incomplete. Estimates are indicative and should always be validated against local regulations. See How rule estimation works.
Can I use Sustainable Planner for compliance sign-off?
No. It helps guide early decisions and reduce risk, but local regulations and detailed compliance still need proper verification.