LightStanza
LightStanza is a cloud-based daylight and lighting analysis platform that uses the validated Radiance engine to deliver fast, accurate simulations for LEED, WELL, and EN 17037 compliance. It works with Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD models without requiring simplification or rebuilding.
Built on the US Department of Energy's Radiance engine, LightStanza runs daylight and electric lighting simulations entirely in the cloud. Its proprietary server architecture distributes calculations across multiple machines, returning results faster than desktop Radiance installations. The platform accepts models from Revit (via a dedicated plugin), SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD in their native complexity, so users skip the hours typically spent simplifying geometry and reassigning materials.
One of its strongest draws is the one-click LEED v4 report card, which covers both Option 1 and Option 2 and is approved by the USGBC. LightStanza automatically inserts and operates blinds for Spatial Daylight Autonomy calculations, a step most competitors require users to handle manually. Beyond LEED, the platform supports WELL v2 prerequisites, the European prEN 17037 standard, BREEAM, CHPS, and several other international lighting codes.
The web-based interface keeps every simulation version-stamped and organized in a filterable history, making it straightforward to compare design iterations side by side. Users can explore skylights, translucent glazing, electrochromic glass, and automated shading systems, then share interactive 3D reports with clients who do not need their own license. Founded in 2015 in Boulder, Colorado, LightStanza was created by a standards-committee member specializing in daylight research.
Pricing follows a tiered, usage-based model ranging from a free plan (3 calculations per month) to a Daylight plan that includes annual daylight calculations, LEED scorecards, and glare analysis. Enterprise customers can negotiate unlimited usage with dedicated training and priority support.
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gold-standard Radiance engine validated against CIE 171:2006
- One-click LEED v4 scorecard with automatic blind modeling, unique among competitors
- Cloud-based: no local hardware bottleneck for heavy simulations
- Accepts complex Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD models without simplification
- Free tier available with 3 monthly calculations
- Shareable interactive reports require no license for viewers
- Short learning curve compared to desktop Radiance workflows
Cons
- Requires internet connection for all simulations (no offline mode)
- SketchUp plugin has been deprecated; import now requires manual Collada export
- No native Rhino plugin; users must export to .dae format
- Basic renderings are unavailable on the Free and Daylight plans
- Usage-based tiers can become costly for firms running many projects simultaneously
Key features
Validated Radiance engine: Runs the US DOE Radiance engine validated against CIE 171:2006, producing results cited as the gold standard for daylight accuracy.
One-click LEED v4 report card: Generates a USGBC-approved scorecard covering both Option 1 and Option 2, with automatic blind modeling for Spatial Daylight Autonomy.
Cloud-based computation: Distributes simulations across multiple servers so users can launch calculations and keep working in their design tool without bogging down local hardware.
Direct Revit plugin: Exports Revit models (versions 2021 through 2026) to LightStanza in one click, with two-way sync for iterative design.
Multi-format model import: Accepts Collada (.dae) exports from SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD, plus IFC files, without requiring model simplification.
Annual daylight metrics: Calculates Spatial Daylight Autonomy, Continuous Daylight Autonomy, Annual Sunlight Exposure, Useful Daylight Illuminance, daylight factor, and average illuminance.
Glare analysis: Computes Daylight Glare Probability scores and false-color renderings to identify problem areas before construction.
Multi-standard compliance: Supports LEED v4, WELL v2, prEN 17037, BREEAM, CHPS, and other international lighting standards from a single model.
Product simulation library: Lets users test skylights, translucent glazing, electrochromic glass, automated shading, and custom BSDF files from manufacturers.
Shareable 3D and 2D reports: Generates interactive reports that can be shared with clients and consultants who do not need a LightStanza account.
Pricing
Free
per month
Free
3 calculations/month. Point-in-time daylight calculations and Revit/CAD import included. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Enterprise
Contact sales
Custom pricing. Unrestricted features, personalized training, and priority support. Contact LightStanza for a quote.
Starter (monthly)
per month
$35.00
9 calculations/month. Includes basic renderings. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Core (monthly)
per month
$99.00
18 calculations/month. Adds presentation renderings and branded reports. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Premium (monthly)
per month
$199.00
40 calculations/month. Includes LEED scorecard, annual daylight calculations, and Google Maps integration. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Daylight (monthly)
per month
$287.50
40 calculations/month. Full daylight suite including glare analysis. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Starter (annual)
per year (12 mo)
$315.00
25% discount vs monthly. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Core (annual)
per year (12 mo)
$620.00
47% discount vs monthly. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Premium (annual)
per year (12 mo)
$1,260.00
47% discount vs monthly. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Daylight (annual)
per year (12 mo)
$2,000.00
33% discount vs monthly. Verify on lightstanza.com.
Frequently asked questions
What simulation engine does LightStanza use?
LightStanza uses the US Department of Energy Radiance engine, validated against CIE 171:2006. It automates Radiance's 5-phase method for annual simulations required by LEED v4.
Do I need a plugin to use LightStanza?
No. LightStanza is web-based and works without any plugin. A one-button Revit plugin is available for direct model upload, but it is optional. SketchUp and Rhino models can be imported as Collada (.dae) files.
Which green building standards does LightStanza support?
LightStanza supports LEED v4 (Options 1 and 2), WELL v2, prEN 17037, BREEAM, CHPS, and several other international standards. Raw data can be downloaded for additional compliance analysis.
Can I share results with clients who don't have a LightStanza account?
Yes. Designs, 3D reports, and 2D reports can be shared via a link with view-only or edit access. Recipients do not need their own LightStanza license.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The Free plan includes 3 calculations per month, Revit/CAD/PDF import, and point-in-time daylight calculations at no cost.
Does LightStanza work on Mac?
The web platform works on any operating system with a modern browser, including macOS. The Revit plugin, however, is Windows-only because Revit itself is Windows-only.