The Role of BIM in Sustainable Construction

In Pursuit of Sustainable Construction

If we are to achieve more sustainable development, it is important to first understand its meaning. There are said to be more than 200 definitions of sustainable development, but the most common is known as the Brundtland Definition: ‘Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’

A central goal of sustainable construction, of course, is to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. This is made possible through a number of measures, including using renewable and recyclable materials when building new structures, reducing energy consumption and minimising waste throughout all stages of the building lifecycle. It is this last point – reducing waste – where BIM can really add value.

The Role of BIM

As we have already learnt in our Wienerberger BIM blog series, BIM is a process used to design and understand a building in a virtual environment. It uses information-rich 3D models through collaborative working processes to help deliver projects more effectively.

Although BIM is mostly associated with design and preconstruction, it benefits every phase of the project lifecycle. In fact, BIM processes introduce so many efficiencies that employing BIM almost always reduces a building’s whole lifecycle environmental impact.

Here are four key examples:

1. Greater transparency to reduce waste

BIM fosters a more transparent process at the design phase, using advanced analysis to predict a building’s operational performance even before it is built. Designers can use this information to drive the efficiency of the building from the outset, introducing energy efficiency measures at every stage of the lifecycle.

2. Early identification of potential errors or risks

Typical processes will include clash tests, which determine whether any two parts of a building (for example, plumbing and walls) are interfering with one another. It is easy to see the potential to save materials - not to mention time and cost - if clashes are identified during modelling, whilst also creating safer environments for construction workers.

3. Enhanced accuracy

Manufacturers can also use BIM to create more accurate elements off-site – driving a ‘right first time’ culture throughout the project. This ensures thatmaterial consumption and waste is minimised, over-ordering is avoided and the natural resources that would otherwise be used for duplicate process are preserved.

4. Greater building control during operational phase

After a project has been completed, 3D models can be easily shared to ensure that the building can be operated to its maximum energy efficiency potential. Major repairs and replacement programmes can be planned and synchronised, which minimises both the disruption and environmental impact of key operational processes. BIM also enables a digital twin, which is a 3D model designed to accurately reflect the physical project and can be used to test, simulate and maintain.

Driving future-proof businesses

Ultimately, in a fast-paced sector where sustainability has rapidly become more than just a box-ticking exercise, adopting sustainable construction techniques are helping to prepare construction companies (and their clients) for the future.

According to the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the construction industry in OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations contributes 30-40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, use 30% of raw materials, use 25-40% of total energy and contribute 30-40% of solid waste generation. BIM’s value in realising sustainable construction is therefore vital.

Wienerberger is also supporting this objective through our ‘Let’s Build Beyond’ sustainability strategy.

As well as providing products and services that respond to the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and resource scarcity in the built environment, Wienerberger must become a net-zero emission, nature-positive business. We’re building beyond what we know to be possible today, and rethinking how we create value for our customers, our people and our communities. Read our Sustainability Strategy in full.