Building performance analysis at the design stage: A study into the challenges of BIM and BEM integration in the Swedish AEC industry

Despite previous research, the integration between building information models (BIM) and building energy models (BEM) remains fraught with challenges, due to many limitations regarding competencies, processes, technology and others.

This paper will present the first findings of a research project that aims to support energy efficient building design by addressing some of the hurdles that still prevent seamless use of BIM and building energy models throughout the building life cycle. Specifically, it will look at the use of static energy calculations in the early/conceptual design stage, normative methods and dynamic energy calculations during technical design, and digital twins to monitor building performance at the operational stage. The research will cover all design phases i.e., early design phase (EDP), technical design and energy management phase and is relevant for both new buildings and building refurbishments. At EDP, the project develops and tests automation of static energy predictions within BIM in several cases studies in real AEC practices. At more advanced design phases, the same case studies are analyzed with a focus on improved BIM to BEM interoperability within openBIM. This leads to improved work processes and a demonstration of best practices. At post-occupancy operational phases, asset management and building performance monitoring, the development of digital twins contributes to refine knowledge about the performance gap between what is predicted during design, what is built and how the building is operated in reality.

The paper will present the research objectives and methodology, which revolves around case studies with industry partners. It will discuss underlying premises regarding data availability and needs for building performance information. Expected results include the development and testing of simplified static methods to predict energy use and peak loads at EDP within BIM. Results of the static-dynamic energy calculations and operational energy monitored will be compared. At later phases, improved processes and workflows will be developed for normative analysis and optimization tasks in the technical design phase of buildings and subsequent evaluation in real-life projects. For the energy management phase, highlights on best practices for implementing DT to improve data exchange, capture and use throughout the project’s entire life cycle will be provided.

The research is embedded in the IEA Annex 91 on openBIM to BEM and situated in the building design and engineering practice of the Nordic country of Sweden.