Using BIM capabilities to improve existing building energy modelling practices

Purpose - This paper presents a review of the implications Building Information Modelling (BIM) is having on the building energy performance modelling (BEM) and design of buildings. It addresses the issues surrounding exchange of information throughout the design process, and where BIM may be useful in contributing to effective design progression and information availability. Design/methodology/approach - Through review of current design procedures and examination of the concurrency between architectural and thermophysical design modelling, a procedure for in- formation generation relevant to design stakeholders is created, and applied to a high-performance building project currently under development. Findings - The extents of information key to the successful design of a buildings energy performance in relation to its architectural objectives are given, with indication of the Level of Development (LOD) required at each stage of the design process. Practical Implications - BIM offers an extensible medium for parametric information storage, and its implementation in design development suggests the capability for inclusion of building performance data integration. The extent of information required for accurate BEM at stages of a building’s design is defined to assist comprehensive recording of performance information in a BIM environment. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the discussion around the integration of concurrent design procedures and a Common Data Environment (CDE). It presents a framework for the creation and dissemination of information during design, exemplifies this on a real building project and evaluates the barriers experienced in successful implementation.