To meet housing needs, the Construction industry needs to build an average of 13,000 buildings every day through 2050. Such mass construction poses a serious threat to the globe’s sustainability and sustenance. But thanks to BIM sustainable construction, we can build sustainably at a low cost.

In this blog post, I will tell you how BIM sustainable construction takes us one step closer to a sustainable future, which fulfills housing needs without compromising future generations’ sustenance.

What is Building information modeling (BIM)?

In its simplest wording, “Building Information Modeling” (BIM) can be defined as the digital replica of a building or any other infrastructure project. The digital simulation helps visualize the project before it is constructed.

Different simulations and scenarios are tested on the digital model, such as collapse tests, strength tests, wind durability, Earthquake resistance, and many more.

BIM is not one software but a collection of different digital tools that are employed depending upon the application. Some of the major BIM tools include ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360, ABAQUS, and ANSIS to name a few.

BIM helps make the detailed information necessary for the smooth execution of the whole project. I have highlighted the additional benefits of BIM in the later section of this blog post.

Why sustainability is important in the construction industry?

The construction industry accounts for over 5-7% of the Global GDP. Additionally, according to statistics from McKinsey, worldwide investment in the construction sector was close to $11 trillion in 2017 and is projected to rise to $14 trillion by 2025.

The construction industry has huge environmental impacts, ranging from the exploitation of natural resources to environmental pollution. As per estimates, the construction industry in the world consumes approximately 40% of the annual global material use. And in total, buildings are responsible for 37% of global energy CO2 emissions.

The existing buildings are associated with high levels of CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The consequences of this are very harsh, such as climate change, global warming, raw material shortages, soil acidification, disease, air pollution, and many more.

Since its start, the building industry has had a substantial impact on the environment and natural resources. Therefore, the time is now to take proactive measures to limit the use of natural resources while simultaneously assuring safe and sustainable practices.

What is sustainable construction?

The construction industry is a mega industry with a huge ecological footprint in the form of greenhouse gas emissions and exploitation of natural resources. Therefore, the construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. To mitigate climate change and ensure responsible natural resource utilization, sustainable construction is recommended.

Sustainable construction can be defined as construction practices that aim to meet present-day needs for housing, working environment, and infrastructure without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable construction may also be defined as building practices that are in line with efficient resource management and ecological principles. It may also be defined as building practices that meet the demands of the expanding population while also protecting the environment.

The concept of sustainable construction goes far beyond the mere installation of energy-efficient lighting, using renewable resources, reducing waste, or choosing eco-friendly bricks. It is rather a philosophy that impacts every aspect of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance phase.

How does BIM aids sustainability in the construction industry?

Sustainability is critical to every industry and the construction industry is no exception. Incorporating sustainability in the construction sector is very essential, as the construction industry has one of the biggest impacts on the planet. One way to do this is by BIM adoption.

Autodesk states that BIM is helping AEC professionals design net-zero buildings, low-emissions transport systems, net-positive products, and resilient infrastructure.

BIM-models incorporate different dynamic factors including environmental, geological, financial, social, and ethical factors. BIM aids sustainability in multifaceted ways including:

• Every phase of construction can be value-engineered and optimized using precise BIM models
• In BIM models changes can be rapidly and accurately adjusted without incurring additional costs or delays.
• Well-established coordination and communication ensure accurate ordering of material and equipment eliminating waste and rework
• Through cutting-edge BIM technology, the ecological footprint can easily be calculated and tracked
• Updated and real-time construction information helps make timely decisions

BIM sustainable construction: A blend of modern technology and sustainability

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable construction are related in multiple ways. As mentioned earlier, BIM can be implemented throughout the project lifecycle of any construction project.

Let me briefly touch on each cycle and analyze how BIM incorporates efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability into each phase.

BIM in the conceptualization or design phase

BIM has already been incorporated by different companies all around the world as a useful construction tool. Its usage starts from the initial conceptualization or the design phase.

In the design phase, BIM helps in making working drawings, rendering, 4D scheduling, quick error identification and fixing, automation of manual processes, quick decision making, improve collaboration between designers, accurate cost estimation, sustainable design improvements, accurate design visualization, and so on.

Hence, BIM allows contractors, engineers, and clients to review everything before even a single penny is spent. BIM tools gives you complete control of the investment.

Building Information Modelling in the construction phase

Building information modeling is equally important in the construction phase. BIM is a huge time-saver, especially when dealing with complicated project design.

BIM technology facilitates automatic quantity reports and valuation. Furthermore, BIM helps in collecting real-time construction information to make timely decisions, prevent fatal construction errors, and enhance production quality and efficiency.

BIM in the operation phase

BIM is already rooted in the design and construction phases. Because of its potential and promises for safe construction, the BIM application can be extended to the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) phases.

BIM offers real-time building information obtained through cameras, sensors, and other gadgets. The real-time information is used to identify errors and keep a track of the building’s performance.

BIM in the maintenance phase

Every construction facility needs periodic maintenance operations. BIM can be used to devise sound maintenance plans to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of maintenance.

Benefits of using BIM in construction

Thanks to BIM sustainable construction, engineers can develop accurate working building models. These models are used to monitor and execute construction while also taking care of environmental standards.

BIM application in the construction industry can yield several advantages, some of the most common benefits are as follows:

• Lower cost
• Greater transparency
• Environmental protection
• High-performance buildings
• Reduction of waste
• Improves communication and collaboration between all stakeholders
• Smart and controlled utilization of resources
• Better project outcomes
• Improved public health
• Climate change mitigation
• Higher accuracy and productivity
• High energy efficiency

Barriers to adopting BIM sustainable construction

If you are thinking, well if BIM is so beneficial, how come not every construction company has already embraced it?

There is no doubt that BIM has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. However, there are a few barriers that hinder the mass adoption of BIM sustainable construction.

Some of the major barriers include cultural resistance, high investment cost, lack of awareness, lack of in-house expertise, technological restraints, lack of standardization, and so on.

Construction professionals around the world need to address their barriers and facilitate the implementation of BIM sustainable construction. Traditional construction practices need to be substituted with more robust construction practices such as BIM-driven construction.

Conclusion

BIM sustainable construction creates a possibility of transforming the construction industry. Construction companies need to realize the importance and potential of BIM. If you run a construction firm, the first thing you need to make sure of is BIM implementation.

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