4 minute read
How BIM can address the global challenge of sustainable development goals
In 2015, all UN member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as part of a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
One of the key technologies that is transforming how we can respond to these goals is Building Information Modelling (BIM).
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The global economy and all essential services (water, energy, sanitation) depend on assets and infrastructure developed by engineers, architects, and other construction professionals. Therefore, making the design, construction and operation of infrastructure more efficient can play a major part in meeting the UN SDGs.
And that’s where consultants can band together to improve how we serve our communities. By integrating BIM into the asset life cycle, the digital tools we use can contribute to reducing pollution through better construction management. Through the implementation of BIM in the consultancy and design phase, projects can avoid delays, local disruptions, cost inflation, and inefficiencies.
How BIM puts the UN SDGs within arms’ reach
BIM contributes to all 17 SDGs to some extent. Below are three examples that highlight how.
• Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
• Goal 9: Industry, innovation, infrastructure
• Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Caption: BIM’s ability to contribute to each SDG. Source: GHD Digital research
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
BIM can be applied to optimise water efficiency through data-driven design and operational decision-making. From bid creation to asset management, BIM can greatly improve efficiency.
For example, by unifying location and asset data into one intelligent platform, information usually collected physically on-site can now be found by interrogating the virtual site, rapidly speeding up the site evaluation, optioneering and site investigation processes.
BIM’s ability to contribute to each SDG. Source: GHD Digital research
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Identifying improvements to infrastructure during the design stage is critical to constant, sustainable improvement.
Implementing BIM in projects improves stakeholder communication through a Common Data Environment (CDE), eliminating information silos and promoting multi-disciplinary collaboration.
A CDE reduces pre-build clashes and makes it more feasible to visualise design issues prior to construction. 3D visualisation means that calculations and models are more accurate and more detailed, resulting in high quality structures that withstand the test of time.
BIM can also reduce costs. This is achieved through choosing more costeffective materials, streamlining the construction workflow, and reducing human errors that lead to project delays and costly repairs.
Across all projects, BIM can realise benefits such as reduced project risk, improved built outcomes, improved asset management, and more efficient and on-time project delivery.
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
A number of cities are taking the initiative with Smart Cities/precincts to integrate physical and digital systems in the built environment to improve efficiency, sustainability, health and wellbeing. This links closely to the increasing focus on the human experience of places and spaces. Inspired, resilient and connected communities of the future will be based on the integration of g the Internet of Things (IoT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cloud computing, and BIM to facilitate city planning, construction and management.
With data linked across all building, infrastructure and transport systems, BIM provides real-time information and analysis of urban services and operations to maximise efficiency. It also:
• Minimises resource consumption
• Reduces environmental impact
• Ensures resource availability for future generations and communities.
The future of BIM in sustainable development
Our built environment influences our lives in many ways, so it has never been more important to plan, design, construct, and operate both conscientiously and sustainably to ensure our communities, livelihoods, and way of life aren't disrupted by climate change. Designing for the needs of the future without compromising the present can well be achieved by prioritising environmental, social, and sustainability goals across all operations.
Implementing BIM processes and technology throughout the full asset lifecycle serves as a critical opportunity to support sustainable construction by minimising the harmful impacts of building on our planet. As consultants, we have a leading role to play in championing sustainability and sustainable approaches in all our work, including embracing new technologies.
In response to these SDGs, we need to bring value to the future of tomorrow by integrating BIM into the asset lifecycle to ameliorate, optimise and drive better outcomes. By co-creating a sustainable future together, we can deliver endless benefits for our environment, our economy, and our community.
