EnergyPlus logo - BIM and AEC software

EnergyPlus

Pricing. EnergyPlus is free and open source. See full pricing · Updated November 10, 2026

EnergyPlus is the U.S. Department of Energy open-source whole-building energy simulation engine, distributed free under a modified BSD license with release 26.2.0 installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

EnergyPlus is the physics-based simulation engine behind many compliance and design workflows in North America and beyond. DOE distributes it at no license fee from energyplus.net, with source code and binaries published on GitHub under a modified BSD license that permits redistribution subject to its terms.

Release 26.2.0 was the current tag on the official GitHub repository on 10 November 2026, with assets for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms listed on the release page. Teams often pair EnergyPlus with graphical front ends such as OpenStudio rather than treating the raw engine as a standalone BIM tool.

Because EnergyPlus is engine software, expect to invest in model preparation, weather files, and post-processing. Browse the Sustainability and Simulation hubs for related listings.

Specifications

Pricing

Open source

Platforms

WindowsMacLinux

Used for

Whole-building simulationCompliance modelingResearchOpenStudio workflows

Used by

Energy modelersSustainability consultantsResearchersMEP engineers

Tasks

Run annual simulationsModel HVAC systemsExport resultsIntegrate with OpenStudio

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free to download with permissive open-source licensing
  • Installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux on official releases
  • Widely referenced by compliance and research workflows

Cons

  • No built-in BIM authoring; needs interfaces or custom workflows
  • Steep learning curve for input files and outputs
  • Logo and name use in advertising have licence restrictions

Key features

  • No license fee: EnergyPlus is distributed free from energyplus.net with open-source terms on GitHub.

  • Release 26.2.0: Official GitHub release tag v26.2.0 with multi-platform binaries (verified 10 November 2026).

  • Modified BSD license: Permits use and redistribution, including commercial use, subject to license conditions on the repository.

  • Engine focus: Simulation core intended to pair with interfaces such as OpenStudio for GUI workflows.

  • DOE maintenance: Developed and released through the U.S. Department of Energy energy modeling programme.

Pricing

Open source (no fee)

Free

No license fee; modified BSD license on GitHub. Verify terms on energyplus.net and the repository LICENSE file.

Prices come from each vendor’s public listings and can change. Double-check the current price on the vendor site before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Is EnergyPlus free?

Yes. EnergyPlus is distributed at no charge from energyplus.net under a modified BSD open-source license on the NatLabRockies/EnergyPlus GitHub repository.

What is the current EnergyPlus release?

The official GitHub repository tagged EnergyPlus 26.2.0 as the current release on 10 November 2026 at github.com/NatLabRockies/EnergyPlus/releases/tag/v26.2.0.

Does EnergyPlus run on Mac and Linux?

Release 26.2.0 assets include Windows, macOS, and Linux builds on the official GitHub release page.

EnergyPlus vs OpenStudio: what is the difference?

EnergyPlus is the simulation engine. OpenStudio provides a graphical interface, SDK, and workflow tools that commonly run EnergyPlus behind the scenes. Both have listings on BIM Tools Hub.

Who uses EnergyPlus?

Energy modelers, researchers, and sustainability consultants use EnergyPlus for whole-building energy analysis, often within compliance or decarbonization studies. Confirm local code acceptance with your authority.

Tutorials and learning

Sources

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