The Potential and Challenges of Bim in Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Issues such as sustainable living, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and increasing energy usage remain critical in the construction industry, as buildings account for approximately 40% of global energy consumption. The shift towards energy-efficient building designs is essential; however, there is a pressing need to reinforce existing structures rather than demolish them, re-emphasising the concept of energy efficiency. The increasing adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes contributes significantly to the development of predictive design and energy analysis capabilities. This study comprehensively examines the integration of BIM in the existing building stock. Firstly, the information structure used in the assessment of the existing building stock is detailed, including geometric information, semantic information, and energy-related information. The content, criteria, and scope of this information network are explained, and the BIM tools that facilitate the integration and evaluation of this information are compared. Finally, the methodologies of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Information Delivery Manual (IDM), and Model View Definition (MVD), which enable information sharing for energy analysis, are detailed, and their use in energy efficiency analysis is examined. Through a literature review, BIM-integrated energy analysis programs are evaluated, file-sharing processes are examined, and the challenges in this area are identified. The findings emphasise BIM’s crucial role in future energy analyses. They highlight its potential to save time and financial burdens while ensuring precise outcomes.