With increasing focus being placed on green initiatives within the construction industry following the UK’s pledge to achieve net zero by 2050, Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be a key tool for construction professionals to utilise in order to promote sustainable construction practices.
A key contribution of BIM in the pursuit of greener buildings is its ability to optimise energy efficiency by simulating a future building’s performance in real world conditions. These simulations produced by BIM in the early stages of a construction project allow construction professionals to access early analysis of a building’s energy consumption and thermal performance on completion. In turn, professional teams have the ability to make informed design changes in order to promote sustainability such as building orientation or the selection of alternative energy saving materials in the early stages of a construction project.
BIM also contributes to green construction practices by facilitating waste reduction. Construction professionals can use BIM to assist with the planning of a construction project, thereby minimising the scope for error or necessary rework during construction, which in turn leads to less materials and time being wasted. Additionally, the detailed material data in BIM models can be used to support the recycling and proper disposal of construction materials used on a project, in turn reducing the volume of material ending up in landfill.
While the government does not make the use of BIM an absolute requirement within the construction sector, it advertises the use of BIM and frequently uses it for government construction projects to aid meeting building sustainability targets. As the sector and the UK as a whole seeks to minimise its environmental impact, BIM should be viewed as an attractive method for professional teams to design, construct, and manage buildings in a more energy efficient and sustainable manner.
This update is for general purpose and guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken before acting on any of the topics covered. No part of this update may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the prior permission of Brecher LLP.
