As we strive for a more sustainable built environment, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is emerging as a powerful tool for streamlining how we measure and certify a building’s green credentials.
This research explores the synergy between digital modeling and Building Sustainability Assessment (BSA), aiming to identify exactly how BIM can support the rigorous certification methods used to evaluate a building’s environmental impact.
To do this, the authors conducted an extensive literature review covering research from 2009 to 2020, revealing a significant spike in academic interest over the last few years as the industry pushes for more data-driven sustainability solutions.
The findings show that BIM is incredibly effective at handling the quantitative data required for these certifications, particularly when it comes to managing materials and resources. However, a fully automated, “all-in-one” analysis remains out of reach for now; the study points to persistent challenges such as “interoperability” issues between different software and a lack of clear information in some sustainability requirements.
Ultimately, the research concludes that while we aren’t yet at a point of seamless integration, the potential for BIM to revolutionize waste management and material efficiency is vast. The paper serves as both a progress report and a roadmap, urging for more compatible software systems that can turn a building’s digital twin into a true barometer for its long-term sustainability.
Learn more about this paper here: https://doi.org/10.1108/FEBE-08-2021-0038
Reference
Nairne Schamne A, Nagalli A, Soeiro AAV (2022), “Building information modelling and building sustainability assessment: a review”. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, Vol. 2 No. 1 pp. 22–33