Building Information Modeling, commonly known as BIM, is a process used to create and manage detailed and accurate virtual replicas of designs. At the heart of this methodology is an extensively detailed 3D model. This model mirrors the future reality of the project in terms of its architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) elements. As a cloud-based process, BIM allows multiple stakeholders to access and analyse all the available data in correlation to each other. In this manner, it pushes the boundaries of design and construction and enables early problem identification for design and building performance optimisation. It also uses the data provided in the modelling phase to create standardised construction drawings and documents such as construction schedules and energy reports.
BIM for Sustainability
‘Sustainable approaches’ to building planning, design, construction, and maintenance consider the current and long-term impacts of the building’s lifespan on the environment and its users. BIM helps optimise and maximise sustainability potential at each of these stages.
Sustainability and Planning
Site and context optimisation requires thorough understanding and analysis. Through ‘Reality Capture’ and real-world information, BIM simulates accurate base 3D data. The information collected and digitised vastly improves the surveying, documentation, and mapping processes. With an accurate data set in place, BIM also aids Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Environmental Impact Assessment evaluates and analyses critical factors such as the potential for soil erosion and habitat destruction to identify and predict possible negative environmental impacts of a project. Bringing together topographic, geographic, and climatic information, BIM allows multiple experts and stakeholders to access valuable information and collaborate on problem-solving in the planning stage – reducing the project’s overall impact on the environment and improving its efficiency.
Sustainability and Designing
BIM’s contribution to improving and optimising building design for sustainability is commendable. An example of a seemingly simple modification with massive potential impact is window layout optimisation. Analysing solar exposure and wind patterns, BIM can simulate alternate window layouts to maximise the use of natural, renewable resources readily available on site. Depending on the context and requirements, changing window locations can optimise ventilation and increase or decrease heat without losing natural light.
While such a change can drastically improve a building’s energy usage over the years, BIM aids energy optimisation in more ways. Considering the building’s envelope and orientation, HVAC system, lighting, etc., BIM helps the team identify areas for energy performance improvement and even assesses the possibilities for including renewable energy systems such as solar panels. Undergoing this process and creating design iterations that better suit the environment reduces the building’s carbon footprint and saves costs in the long run.
Sustainability and Construction
With the site’s potential honed and the design optimised, the next step is minimising the impact of the actual construction process. Given that the construction industry is one of the largest polluters, it is imperative to consider any tool available to reduce its negative impact and improve sustainability. This is where BIM comes in.
Simulations checking for clashes or interference between two or more building components (called ‘clash tests’) and other such functions help foresee potential problems that would otherwise arise during construction. These reduce risks, save time, lower costs, and improve confidence in the safety of the construction process.
Sustainability and Maintenance
To maximise BIM’s capabilities, teams must provide and update data throughout the construction stage. At the end, the 3D model containing data from the beginning of the process will act as a point of reference for all maintenance operations. Energy usage and other environmental metrics can also be identified and analysed. Any possibilities for improvement can, therefore, be acted upon promptly. BIM also enables a ‘digital twin’, which allows real-time tracking of the building’s performance and changes over time. This data can help minimise disruption and environmental impact when conducting repairs or remodelling.
While BIM clearly has a role in the sustainability movement, integrating BIM into all practises will take time, effort, and a willingness to adopt newer processes. However, with technology advancing at the rate it is, BIM is already seeing new collaborations and features to improve its utility, especially in the realm of sustainability. AI-based approaches like machine learning can sharpen BIM’s preexisting analysis and optimisation features. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies can also support the visualisation of the design process and improve accuracy during the actual construction and maintenance phases. Needless to say, the possibilities are endless, and BIM is well on its way to carving its sustainable niche in the world of AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction).
References:
(No date) BIM (building information modeling). Available at: https://www.metaphoradigital.com/bim-modeling-data-management.
Balu, V. (2023) How BIM can help achieve sustainable buildings, LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-bim-can-help-achieve-sustainable-buildings-vignesh-balu/.
BIM benefits: Why use bim? (2024) Autodesk. Available at: https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/aec/bim/benefits-of-bim.
(2023) BIM and sustainable site analysis: Optimizing Site Selection and Environmental Impact Assessment, LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bim-sustainable-site-analysis-optimizing-selection-environmental/.
Novatr (no date) How can sustainable building design be improved with Bim?, Novatr. Available at: https://www.novatr.com/blog/bim-sustainable-design.
