BIM for suistainable design and energy efficiency improvements

This graduation thesis focuses on the possibilities of BIM uses for sustainable design and energy efficiency improvements. First, we address possible uses of BIM in general, and continue with aspects of sustainable design in-line with LEED rating systems. In this process we predominantly studied environmental aspects, such as building massing studies and building orientation, sufficient daylight, exposure to the sun, energy efficiency and CO2 emissions. \ud For a selected case study we also developed a building information models (BIM) at different levels of details. In the first step we developed a simplified BIM in Sketchup, which was found useful for conceptual design phase to determine the impact on the location and orientation. Using available plugins we did a shadow analysis and determined sun path along with visibility of the sky. The model was also imported into Velux Daylight Visualizer, in which daylight analysis was made. A detailed building information model using ArchiCAD was created. The model contains information about building envelope, including composite structures and building systems - heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Based on this building information model a detailed semi dynamic energy analysis was performed using the plugin Energy Evaluation. The energy analysis was also calculated with other software programs that were not directly connected with the model, only relevant data was used, these are: Knauf Insulation Energija, TEDI and TOST. Because input data for each program is different, the results may also vary. Thus, a comparison of results between used programs was made