The world is just not sustainable at the current rate. And that is why every sector is actively participating in this green revolution. And speaking of involvement, the construction sector is responsible for 37% of carbon emissions (finds UN report – SCIENCE News.20-Oct-2021). This number is scary enough for the AEC industry to significantly contribute to global sustainability through mindful designs.

And to reduce the potential harm from the actions of the AEC industry, they introduced “ Green building. “This framework is an essential guideline in sustainability because it takes a comprehensive look at the potential consequences of reckless construction.

Green building is an energy-efficient construction strategy that results in healthier buildings that have a lower environmental effect and cost less to maintain. This environmentally friendly construction method considers the entire life cycle of a structure, including sitting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, restoration, and destruction. Sustainable design includes green architecture, but it also addresses challenges ranging from the micro (sustainable furniture design) to the macro (sustainable urban planning).

Why is the approach of Green Building a must for the AEC industry?

The Green Building, in design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts and can create positive results. This requires close cooperation of the contractor, architects, engineers, and the client at all project stages. And BIM comes into play.

BIM as a technology (Building Information Modelling) contributes significantly to the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) business. BIM promotes the design, construction, and operating processes by using shared digital representations of building assets as a trustworthy foundation for decision-making. It can model the project in three dimensions (3D), manage the project timeline, and allow construction workers to check and inspect structures throughout their lifespan.

And BIM, as an essential tool in green building, is game-changing. It enables new levels of design precision, benefiting both the environment and the construction sector. Through sustainable, green building design techniques and workflows, a green building developed with BIM services gives a better environment for analysis and decision-making.

Green building via BIM

BIM software like Revit, AutoCAD Architecture and MEP, and Navisworks may provide a whole-building analysis, letting designers understand fuel costs for financial and design decisions. Designers and contractors can use BIM software to simulate energy code compliance. Whole-building assessments incorporate meteorological data, allowing designers to use historical climatic information when developing a calibrated energy model.

We even support the framework of Green design in the construction industry. The discussion between the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (AIA/COTE) and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) indicates the increased emphasis on green or sustainable design.

We hope we have clear the concept of Green Building and green design through BIM. Now let’s briefly understand the contribution of BIM to sustainable construction.

1. Responsiveness during the design phase

The shared model function in BIM software allows everyone involved in the project to access the model easily.

It promotes transparency in the process. It allows them to get real-time data on recommended items and materials.

The transparency provided here allows contractors, engineers, suppliers, and others to advise on the entire design and operation of the structure early on, giving improved sustainability before any money is spent. Only ecologically friendly products and processes are used, and time and money are saved on reworking and rescheduling. Further, The entire team may contribute their experience and expertise to find a long-term BIM solution.

2. Higher Efficiency in the construction phase

Before the invention of BIM, it was challenging to maintain the data about any architectural modification intermittently throughout the construction phase.

But now, it’s not the case anymore, as the 3D models provided by BIM have streamlined real-time data sharing at every process step. It also allows the team to review the workflow and improve if needed.

This improves efficiency by saving time through clash detection and thereby lowering the total risk of human errors or the requirement for rework. This saves resources, reduces waste, and speeds up work, contributing to a smaller environmental imprint.

And once the building is operational, the building owner or manager can carry out maintenance work more efficiently. This optimises the building’s continuing resource use and, as a result, its environmental impact.

The global movement to be more environmentally responsible is overtaking the construction industry, and BIM architecture is the way forward.

3. Stronger command during the production phase

Another substantial benefit of using BIM in green buildings is that with 3D models, a facility’s continuing operations can be significantly optimised.

All stakeholders may prevent the unexpected event with readily available data on upgrades, refurbishments, and renewals.

Further, more construction experts, engineers & architects are leveraging this factor by incorporating long-term, environmentally responsible operational advice and maintenance plans into their final project parameters. This adds value to building owners and enhances overall sustainability

4. Green Building Certification

LEED Certified Sustainable Green Building Design has the potential to become a reality in the building industry thanks to BIM. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is one of the world’s most commonly utilised green building rating systems.

Using BIM technology, AEC professionals bring the sustainable design of a green building to construction. 3D Revit BIM Models provide shop drawings that can be shared with the construction crew.

Conclusion

The architects were aided by BIM modeling how solar techniques, water systems, and the structure’s geometry affect ventilation. The construction was intended to operate with the wind pattern, with ventilation and airflow analysed and evaluated using BIM.

It’s not surprising that BIM technologies like Revit, AutoCAD Architecture and MEP, and Navisworks may considerably improve the simplicity of planning and implementing sustainable practices during the building design process.

Author Bio:

Hanna is the Business Consultant Head at UniquesCadd, a renowned BIM Outsourcing Firm, recognized for providing the best quality customized solutions at affordable rates. Hanna provides valuable insights concerning Architecture Services for Global Clients.