What are the latest BIM technology developments for sustainable design?

1 BIM Levels

BIM is not a single software or tool, but a spectrum of capabilities and standards that vary depending on the level of integration and information exchange among the project stakeholders. The higher the BIM level, the more collaborative and data-driven the process is. The UK government, for example, has mandated BIM Level 2 for all public sector projects since 2016, which requires the use of common data formats and environments, and defined roles and responsibilities. BIM Level 3, also known as BIM 7D, aims to achieve a fully integrated and interoperable digital workflow, with real-time data sharing and analysis across the whole project life cycle, including operations and maintenance.

2 BIM and Green Building Certifications

One of the benefits of BIM is that it can help architects achieve green building certifications, such as LEED, BREEAM, or Green Star, by facilitating the assessment and documentation of the environmental performance of their designs. BIM can also automate the generation of reports and certificates, and integrate with external databases and tools that provide sustainability metrics and benchmarks. For instance, Autodesk Revit, a popular BIM software, has a plugin called Insight that allows users to evaluate and optimize the energy efficiency, daylighting, water consumption, and carbon emissions of their models.

3 BIM and Parametric Design

Parametric design is a method of generating and manipulating forms based on mathematical rules and parameters that define the relationships and behaviors of the elements. Parametric design can enable architects to create complex and organic shapes that respond to the site conditions, climate, and user needs, while also optimizing the material use, structural performance, and energy consumption of the buildings. BIM can support parametric design by providing a platform for creating and testing different design scenarios, and by linking the geometry with the data and analysis tools. For example, Grasshopper, a graphical algorithm editor, can be used to create parametric models that can be exported to BIM software, such as Rhino or ArchiCAD.

4 BIM and Digital Twins

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, such as a building, that is connected to the real-world data and sensors, and can simulate and predict its behavior and performance. Digital twins can help architects and owners monitor and improve the sustainability of their buildings, by providing insights into the energy consumption, carbon footprint, indoor environmental quality, occupant comfort, and maintenance needs. BIM can serve as the basis for creating and updating digital twins, by providing the 3D models and data that represent the physical and functional characteristics of the buildings. For example, Bentley Systems, a BIM software provider, has developed a platform called iTwin that enables users to create and manage digital twins of their infrastructure projects.

5 BIM and Generative Design

Generative design is a process that uses artificial intelligence and computational power to generate and evaluate multiple design options based on predefined goals and constraints. Generative design can help architects explore and discover new and optimal solutions that meet the sustainability requirements and criteria of their projects, while also considering the aesthetic, functional, and structural aspects. BIM can integrate with generative design tools, such as Autodesk Dynamo or Generative Components, to provide the input data and parameters, and to import and refine the output models.

6 BIM and Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, such as storage, processing, software, and analytics, over the internet, rather than on local devices or servers. Cloud computing can enhance the sustainability of BIM, by enabling faster and easier collaboration, data sharing, and access among the project stakeholders, regardless of their location or device. Cloud computing can also reduce the hardware and energy costs and emissions associated with BIM, by shifting the workload from the users' devices to the cloud servers, which can be more efficient and scalable. BIM software vendors, such as Autodesk, Bentley, and Graphisoft, offer cloud-based solutions and services, such as BIM 360, ProjectWise, and BIMcloud, that allow users to create, manage, and store their BIM models and data online.