SPECIALIST INSIGHT
retaining the ability to capture and analyse accurate and detailed , building-level intel . Ultimately , this technology will only continue to get more sophisticated .
Performance modelling throughout a building ' s entire lifespan , facilitated by performance digital twins , is essential for predicting building performance and evaluating various future scenarios for achieving net-zero goals . As net-zero targets become standard , failing to utilise advanced scenario analysis can lead to ineffective strategies and financial losses . These dynamic capabilities are crucial , not only as a key decision-making tool during the design phase of new construction or retrofit projects but also throughout the building ' s lifecycle . This ensures that net-zero measures meet expectations and that the building maintains its intended efficiency .
This should strengthen the sector ’ s confidence when it comes to making decisions that support sustainability and climate resilience in the built environment . Decision-makers can base their strategies and investments on strong , reliable , sciencebacked data , rather than relying on spreadsheets and high-level calculations to guide the way .
With climate tech rapidly advancing , what innovations in building materials or design do you believe will be critical in driving the industry toward more sustainable practices ?
Don commented : For us , the main innovation is about shifting to a whole-life approach to building performance at the design stage . We often consider sustainable fabrics and measures to implement when developing a new building , but we also need to think about the rest of that building ’ s lifecycle and design for optimal operational performance from the very beginning of the process .
With that being said , we also need to think carefully about the buildings we already have , and that will continue to be around for a long time to come . For example , historic buildings have very different requirements and constraints compared to , say , a new build . We need to understand how distinct buildings operate and develop tailored strategies which support their unique decarbonisation journeys .
As an industry leader , what do you think are the key barriers to widespread adoption of climate tech solutions , and how can the industry work together to overcome these obstacles ?
For me , the challenge is twofold – the built environment sector needs a better understanding of the art of the possible , and there is a need for upskilling across all built environment stakeholders .
From a practical perspective , property owners are often unaware that a model of their building already exists – or they are simply unable to access it . There is a lack of understanding of the potential that ‘ re-awakening ’ a Sleeping Digital Twin ( that is , an existing 3D design , compliance or BIM model of their building ) holds . By extending the useful life of these models into operation as part of a whole-life performance modelling approach , and integrating real operational data , therein lies an opportunity to transform these underutilised digital assets into live digital twins capable of supporting improved performance outcomes across the whole building lifecycle . But sometimes , it ’ s more practical and efficient to build the model from scratch – which is absolutely possible and something we discuss at length in our guide to creating performance digital twins .
One of the key barriers in adopting this approach is a lack of skills . AEC professionals , in particular , have a role to play in increasing awareness and educating building owners on the benefits of utilising digital models throughout the building lifecycle .
Whilst improving energy modelling practices , and upskilling the workforce to go beyond a compliance only approach by fully embracing the application of building physics and other digital skills can ensure that design teams , owners , tenants and contractors have the data and tools needed to design , construct and manage buildings that meet net-zero targets .
Technology providers like IES will also be faced with greater demand as the decarbonisation agenda and pressure from government , industry , and society continues to mount . Taking a scaled approach – for example , analysing entire city regions as we did in Stirling & Clackmannanshire – will enable us to tackle the challenge at a greater pace . But we must prioritise developing skilled talent to ensure we can deliver this important work . �
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