How does BIM help in building ?Green Buildings?

Posted by Brian Smith on December 26th, 2017

The concept of creating sustainable designs and building & operating structures that are more eco-friendly are gaining ground as the impact of construction on the environment has seen adverse ecological impact. Although green buildings remain an admirable goal, there are a lot of challenges that need to be addressed. Achieving a balance between long term gains and short term costs impact the choice of building techniques and strategies selected. The concept of BIM (Building Information Modelling) is the “big-bang” for creating a green building.

BIM modelling is the process of digitally creating a 3D representation of a building which is layered with additional project information. Architects and designers prefer using BIM modelling as it helps them save time and labor during the design phase while giving them more room for simulation and studying the cause effect relationship. It even benefits the contractors as it helps them minimize material cost, labor cost and cost of rework.

Designing and operating sustainable green buildings require meticulous resource planning so as to ensure maximum efficiency with minimum impact on the environment. BIM modelling allows architects and engineers to digitally model the different elements of the building such as the shape, structure, heating-cooling, cost, material, time, etc. in real time. The simulation and analysis helps us understand the impact of changes in design on other variables like loads, structure, energy efficiency and the cost. BIM allows architects and engineers to access tools to integrate and analyze parameters like heat gain, ventilation, solar and energy efficiencies in the design.

The key elements in designing a green building are the solar strategies, water strategies, and air flow & ventilation as these has maximum impact on the environment. BIM helps in developing these strategies so as to minimize its ecological effect.

1. Solar Strategies
Solar study is an important aspect in designing a green building. It helps the architects and engineers to understand the solar conditions throughout the day at different times of the year. This information is then used to maximize the use of natural daylight and improve efficiencies in heating and cooling.

2. Building structure, material, performance strategies
BIM produces a cohesive view wherein the design specifications for materials are integrated with real performance parameters such as energy load, light efficiency and so forth. With an insight into the effects of the environment, the architects and engineers can quantify the most effective options before the construction begins. This leads to lesser rework at the site thereby reducing the generation of waste that occurs due to the rework.

3. Energy Efficiency
Air Flow and Ventilation in a building significantly impacts its energy needs. BIM can integrate models with energy analysis tools as per the correct thermal models and local building code requirements. Simulations in design of the building can be carried on BIM so as to achieve the optimum amount of air flow.

Streamlined exchange of building information and analytical data has been possible by integrating BIM as a key tool in the design process. BIM provides unparalleled measure of design precision that is beneficial the environment as well as the building industry. The role of BIM modeling in green buildings stands to transform the entire building industry that is poised for change.