FEATURE
Diarmuid Murphy , Director of Property , Murphy Geospatial
time as many businesses faced a global pandemic and transitioned to digital operations overnight . This acceleration of digital working shone a light on BIM , with teams able to consult with one another using an interactive 3D digital model of a building that integrates physical , functional and lifecycle information .
The built environment is also responsible for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions , with the World Green Building Council estimating that buildings are currently responsible for 39 % of global energy related carbon emissions . This figure is made up of 28 % from operational emissions such as the energy needed to heat , cool and power operations and the remaining 11 % from the embodied carbon in materials and construction – the carbon emissions created when producing materials .
BIM is gaining recognition as one of the tools that can be used to gather and analyse data about existing buildings and associated carbon emissions so strategies can be created to reduce their environmental footprint .
The great digital acceleration
In 2020 , RICS identified the abilities of BIM in the maintenance , remodelling and retrofitting of existing buildings . This happened at the same
BIM and the corresponding digital model is now a valued asset far beyond the construction phase . Advanced scanning technologies , such as 3D laser scanning or LiDAR , accurately captures the existing conditions of older buildings . This data can be integrated into a BIM environment , providing a comprehensive baseline for retrofitting or refurbishment projects . This precise understanding of existing conditions informs accurate , efficient and sustainable renovations .
BIM also provides an assessment of potential energy efficiency measures for older buildings through thermal modelling and simulation . By identifying specific areas to retrofit , engineers can strategically decide where and how to improve the energy efficiency of buildings . Additionally , BIM promotes collaboration and communication among stakeholders by providing access to a shared digital model , leading to better coordination and resource savings . The benefits of BIM when managing older buildings extends beyond energy efficiency measures – it can also be used for the creation of visuals which illustrate additional spaces , space optimisation , maintenance planning and improved disaster resilience .
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