Putting Green BIM in Practice – Optimizing the Application of Building Information Model For Green Building Assessments

Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) and green building assessments are equally important for promoting efficiency, sustainability, and versatility in the design of new buildings. While both concepts aim to improve the management of environmental and sustainability data during building design, they are distinct and overseen by separate disciplines within a design team. Integrating both concepts and maximizing their potential in building design requires aligning data preparation processes and standardizing the business workflow. In this regard, the paper outlines the concept of Green BIM, which seeks to enhance the data management of BIM for green building assessments. The Green BIM concept comprises of several components: (i) standardization of guidelines for preparing data in BIM models for green building assessments, (ii) data conversion engine that translates BIM model data for green building assessments, (iii) assistive plugin that creates a downsized BIM model with just the appropriate amount of green building information in a common file format and (iv) capacity building activities to align practitioners’ understanding of BIM for green building assessments. The application of Green BIM was implemented in the iBEAM Unison platform and has yielded promising results. Therefore, by establishing effective coordination, the concept of Green BIM can be expanded to enhance the effectiveness of BIM in green building assessments.