Cleaner Air Solutions Speeds Design of Custom Solar Photovoltaic Installations, Wins More Business with Autodesk Inventor and Showcase

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — November 8, 2011 — Cleaner Air Solutions, a UK-based leader in the specification, design, supply and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, is successfully using software from Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), to meet rising demand for its products and services in the United Kingdom, one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the world.

Cleaner Air Solutions says Autodesk software has given the company an advantage in designing its customized installations, which can be fitted into locations not previously feasible — including unusual roof types and back gardens — differentiating Cleaner Air Solutions from other solar installation businesses and earning a more devoted customer base.

Digital Prototyping Drives Efficiencies and Business Growth

By signing up for the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program — which provides software to established and emerging clean tech companies in North America, Europe and Japan — Cleaner Air Solutions began using Digital Prototyping software, including Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Showcase software.

The company uses these tools to streamline its process of designing customized arrays of PV panels, clamps and mounting systems capable of fitting whatever space is available, and to then develop compelling, photorealistic renderings to reveal to customers how the proposed installation will be achieved and how it will look.

“Escalating competition levels, coupled with the growing need to develop solutions that are tailored to the precise needs of customers, makes it critical for organizations like ours to use the best available technological tools to do our work efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Andy Craddock, operations manager at Cleaner Air Solutions. “Having access to 3D software like Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Showcase through the Clean Tech Partner Program enables us to develop more innovative products; dramatically reduce project risk and overall project lifecycles; and drive rapid but well-informed decision making.”

The shortened turnaround time for projects has enabled Cleaner Air Solutions to take on more new business, and the company has plans in place to recruit up to 50 new staff members to accommodate its growth.

“Cleaner Air Solutions is using Digital Prototyping to outcompete its rivals in a crowded marketplace,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “With the help of Autodesk 3D mechanical design and visualization software, they can produce better, more differentiated products faster than ever before.”

About the Clean Tech Partner Program

The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program supports the efforts, innovations and environmental advancements of clean technology pioneers, providing world-class software to design, visualize, and simulate their ideas through Digital Prototyping. Clean tech companies in North America, Europe and Japan are invited to apply to receive up to US$150,000* worth of software for only $50. Access to a collection of Autodesk software includes up to five licenses of Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate, AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite, Autodesk Simulation Mechanical, Autodesk Inventor Publisher and Autodesk Vault Professional software. Get more information.

About Cleaner Air Solutions

Cleaner Air Solutions UK Ltd., established in 2004 is regarded as a Centre of Excellence in Specification, Design, Supply and Installation of Photovoltaic Systems and is one of the largest providers of solar PV systems in the UK through 800 businesses. For additional information, visit www.cleanerairsolutions.co.uk.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries -- including the last 16 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects -- use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

*Value is based on up to five commercial licenses of each application.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Inventor, Revit and Showcase are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.