Data-driven software platform for stormwater runoff reduction in site design
A cloud-based computational platform that helps architects, engineers, and urban planners reduce stormwater runoff through data-centered analysis rather than fragmented rules of thumb or spreadsheets. The tool integrates open-source geospatial data with building and site performance modeling to support early-stage sustainable design decisions.
Overview
This solution is a cloud-based software platform designed to help architects, engineers, developers, and urban planners reduce stormwater runoff by replacing fragmented rules of thumb and spreadsheets with a centralized, data-driven computational analysis. The platform enables design professionals to evaluate stormwater infiltration and related site performance metrics during early-stage design, supporting more standardized and accurate decisions across projects. By integrating open-source geospatial data with 3D visualization and building performance modeling, the tool allows users to simulate design scenarios and make informed trade-offs between environmental performance and project economics.
The platform supports workflows for green building certifications and municipal sustainability goals, and offers plugins for industry-standard design software to fit into existing professional processes. It serves real estate owners, developers, and municipal leaders who need to assess site-specific environmental impacts and identify opportunities to reduce runoff across building portfolios.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Data-centered computational analysis for stormwater runoff reduction, replacing ad-hoc rules of thumb and spreadsheets
- Integration of open-source geospatial data with site and building performance modeling
- 3D visualization of design scenarios to support early-stage evaluation
- Modeling of stormwater infiltration alongside energy use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation access
- Plugins for industry-standard design tools such as Autodesk Revit and SketchUp to support uninterrupted workflows
- Subscription-based cloud delivery enabling collaborative use across project teams
- Scenario simulation capabilities that allow comparison of design alternatives based on environmental and financial metrics such as return on investment and total cost of ownership
Technology readiness level
The software has been beta tested with civil engineers, and feedback gathered during that process is being incorporated to improve accuracy and usability. General industry feedback from architecture and engineering professionals has been positive regarding the need for and direction of the platform. Future validation efforts include gathering additional input from civil engineers and industry vendors to further refine the software's accuracy and usability before broader deployment.
About PlanIT impact
PlanIT Impact is a cloud-based software-as-a-service company founded in 2014 that provides building performance analysis and sustainable design tools. Its platform integrates 3D visualization with open-source geospatial data to help architects, engineers, developers, and urban planners evaluate building designs early in the process. The software models key metrics such as energy and water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, stormwater infiltration, and transportation access. By offering a subscription-based cloud service, the company enables professionals to simulate different design scenarios, allowing for data-driven decisions that balance environmental performance with financial objectives like return on investment and total cost of ownership. The platform also features plugins for industry-standard software such as Autodesk Revit and SketchUp to support uninterrupted professional workflows.
The tool serves as a resource for real estate owners, developers, and municipal leaders aiming to reach sustainability goals or achieve green building certifications like LEED. By digitizing building strategy and portfolio assessment, PlanIT Impact helps customers identify cost-saving energy opportunities and allocate investments to reduce carbon footprints across entire building portfolios. The company, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized for its role in transforming building industry decision-making, providing a collaborative interface that links site-specific environmental data with project-level design to foster a more sustainable and carbon-neutral built environment. Its solutions have been implemented in various urban development projects to bridge the gap between initial conceptual design and long-term sustainable operations.
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