“Specifying the right materials can be challenging but it is crucial for several reasons. Building materials have a great impact on both capital and operational costs, as well as overall energy and thermal performance. Early-stage analysis tools greatly support the specification process by allowing architects to test and compare material variables for different building elements with incredible speed. By providing insights into the impact of material properties such as glass U-values, roof R-values, insulation and construction type, early-stage analysis tools empower designers to specify the right materials,” states Sumele Aruofor, RIBA Associate, Strategic Manager of Architecture & Sustainability at Trimble, SketchUp, in her article “Considering building performance during conceptual design.”