Investigation into BIM & Energy Analysis for More Environmental & Efficient Designs

Investigation into Building Information Modelling & Energy Analysis for More Environmental & Efficient Designs.

James Cannon

MSc Energy Management

Institute of Technology, Sligo Supervisor of research:

Mr. Peter Scanlon

A thesis submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Energy Management. Submitted to the Higher Education and Training Awards Council

September 2011

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Declaration I declare that this thesis is entirely my own work, except where otherwise stated and has not been previously submitted to any Institute or University.

Signed:

_________________ James Cannon Student Number S00095562 02 September 2011

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank a number of people in supporting and advising me throughout this research.

Firstly, a big thanks to my supervisor Mr. Peter Scanlon, for all his guidance, direction and showing me methods to understand research in a more professional manner. Peter has shown a more professional approach to research throughout the course and it has benefited the way I think and analyse my research. This will be a great asset for future works in carrying out professional reports or research.

Thanks to IT Sligo and all my lectures and classmates in the Energy Management course. The course in distance learning mode has been great and would advise it to anyone, the flexibility that is given and access to information is next to none. The midterm meetings with the lectures and site visit to various plants and companies were good for contact and gives a relaxed approach to the course and easier to understand.

To all the respondents in the survey, professionals for the questionnaire, and the interviewees in research of this area, I thank you for your time, knowledge and advice in making this piece more valid and informative to the thinking involved with this topic.

I would like to thank my three boys, Danny, Eoghan and Ryan. The joy you bring to me makes me realise and know how lucky I am every day.

Big thanks to my family and especially my mother for her constant support throughout my academic and professional career.

Finally, to my wonderful partner Cathy, who has supported everything that I have undertaken. She has advised and reassured me that has encouraged me throughout the course and this thesis.

I would like to dedicate this piece of work to my partner Cathy and my three wonderful boys.

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ABSTRACT Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a system in which the project is represented by a 3D model in computer software, which has a data base of information for every element in the project, from every profession. It allows project collaboration and interoperability which all bodies involved, both add information from their field and also avail of the system for answers to their queries. Energy Analysis is a process that can be carried out using BIM to obtain results that can ensure design is effective in efficiency for the lifecycle cost of the building.

Two questionnaires and interviews were compiled to enquire the perception of the system at the hands of people using it in the real world. One, a general survey sent out through the professional networking site LinkedIn, where the survey was posted in groups associated with BIM & Energy Analysis. The other was a focused professional one aimed at analysing the results from various professions in the Irish market. The interviews were carried out by researchers in the area of BIM. BIM & Energy Analysis will be the perfect way in a continued design process to adequately ensure projects adhere to maximum efficiency and be environmentally conscious. But currently the process is in an early stage on route to a complete inclusive design package that will be common practice in all developed countries around the world.

This advancement in technology is proving successful in countries that have adapted the process into design to obtain the benefits. Other countries have to follow including Ireland as they will have to address these issues as part of not only the building industry, but as a plan to reducing energy consumption and fulfilments to mandates set out in EU Directives.

Keywords: Building Information Modelling (BIM), Energy Analysis, Efficiency, Lifecycle Costs.

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GLOSSARY

AEC

Architect Engineering and Contractors

BEPAC

Building Environmental Performance Analysis Club

BBC

British Broadcasting Corporation

BIM

Building Information Modelling

BLC

Building Life Cycle

BRE

Building Research Establishment

CAD

Computer Aided Design

CIBSE

Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers

CIC

Computer Integrated Construction

DBO

Design Build Operate

DDS

Data Design Systems

EU

European Union

FM

Facilities Management / Facility Manager

GDLA

Government Department and Local Authorities

GSA

General Services Administration

ID

Integrated Design

IDM

Information Delivery Manual

IFC

Industry Foundation Classes

IPD

Integrated Project Design

IS

Information Systems

KPI

Key Performance Indicators

LOD

Level of Detail

MEP

Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing

M&E

Mechanical & Electrical

O&M

Operation and Maintenance

PPP

Public Private Partnership

RFI

Request for Information

SFI

Science Foundation Ireland

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Table of Contents

Title Page

..................................................................................................................... i

Declaration ........................................................................................................................ii Acknowledgements ..........................................................................................................iii Abstract ........................................................................................................................... iv Glossary ............................................................................................................................. v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................. ix List of Tables .................................................................................................................... x 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Research Question...................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Scope of the Research ................................................................................................ 3 1.4 Objective of the Research .......................................................................................... 4 1.5 Organisation of the Thesis ........................................................................................ 5 1.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 7 2.0 Literature Review....................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 8 2.2 The Environment ....................................................................................................... 8 2.2.1 Energy Performance Legislation ......................................................................... 13 2.2.2 Energy Consumption in Ireland .......................................................................... 14 2.2.3 Ireland’s Energy Regulation ................................................................................ 16

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2.3 What is BIM ............................................................................................................. 16 2.4 The History and Developments of BIM ................................................................. 21 2.5 BIM & Lean Construction ...................................................................................... 23 2.6 The Benefits of BIM and Energy Analysis............................................................. 26 2.6.1 BIM ......................................................................................................................... 26 2.6.2 Energy Analysis ..................................................................................................... 27 2.7 Clash Detective – Big Saver through BIM ............................................................. 28 2.8 How Does BIM Incorporate Energy Analysis ....................................................... 30 2.9 Interoperability in BIM ........................................................................................... 31 2.10 Is BIM Value for Money ........................................................................................ 32 2.11 BIM for Retrofitting .............................................................................................. 35 2.12 Facility Management & Life Cycle Costs ........................................................... 36 3.0 Research Methodology ............................................................................................ 38 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 38 3.2 Rationale for Research ............................................................................................ 39 3.3 Survey Questionnaire ............................................................................................. 42 3.4 Sampling, Considerations and Data ....................................................................... 46 4.0 Case Study: The Office of Public Works (OPW) ................................................. 48 4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 48 4.2 Background............................................................................................................... 50 4.3 Simulation from the Analysis ................................................................................. 51 4.4 Performance of Building ......................................................................................... 52 4.4.1 Thermal ................................................................................................................. 52

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4.4.2 Airflow.................................................................................................................... 54 4.4.3 Lighting .................................................................................................................. 55 4.5 Energy Consumption & CO2 Emissions ................................................................ 57 4.6 Summary .................................................................................................................. 58 5.0 Results and Discussion ............................................................................................ 60 5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 60 5.2 The Survey ................................................................................................................ 60 5.3 Survey Results & Analysis ..................................................................................... 61 5.4 Survey Summary ..................................................................................................... 78 5.5 Professional Questionnaire...................................................................................... 80 5.6 Interviews .................................................................................................................. 83 6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................... 85 6.1 Limitations ................................................................................................................ 86 6.2 Conclusion Considerations ...................................................................................... 88 6.3 Recommendations ................................................................................................... 89 6.4 Concluding Remarks .............................................................................................. 92 7.0 Bibliography ............................................................................................................. 94 Appendix A - Summary of the 14 Toyota Way Principles Appendix B – BIM Project Planner Appendix C – Elements of the Research Process Appendix D – Letters of Invitation for Survey Appendix E – Survey Questions Appendix F – Professional Questions & Answers Appendix G – Interview Questions & Answer

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1: Total Final Consumption by Fuel 1990 to 2009 ......................................... 9 Figure 2.2: Total Final Consumption by Sector 1990 to 2009 ................................... 10 Figure 2.3: Primary Fuel Mix for Electricity Generation 1990 to 2009 ................... 15 Figure 2.4: BIM & Participating Bodies ..................................................................... 17 Figure 2.5: Different Layers of Design ......................................................................... 19 Figure 2.6: The International Timeline of the BIM Journey ..................................... 22 Figure 2.7: User Interface for Detailing Work Packages to Weekly Plan ............... 25 Figure 2.8: Integration of BIM and Performance Analysis Software. ..................... 30 Figure 3.1: Relationship between Epistemology, Theoretical Perspectives, Methodology and Research Methods. ................................................. 40 Figure 3.2: Layout of Considerations when Planning to Collect Data for Research...................................................................... 41 Figure 3.3: Respondents over the duration of the Survey ......................................... 43 Figure 3.4: Design Layout of Survey ........................................................................... 45 Figure 4.1: Model of the Office of Public Works, Headquarters............................... 48 Figure 4.2: OPW Completed Project ........................................................................... 49 Figure 4.3: OPW Virtual Project.................................................................................. 49 Figure 4.4: Construction Stage ..................................................................................... 50 Figure 4.5: The Areas Involving Energy Analysis ...................................................... 50 Figure 4.6: Four Examples of Simulation Analysis Used .......................................... 51 Figure 4.7: Original and Updated Models, (Benchmark and Enhanced) ................. 52 Figure 4.8: Shows Winter & Summer Temperature Airflows................................... 54 Figure 4.9: Summer & Winter Daylight Performance .............................................. 55 Figure 4.10: Summer & Winter Daylight throughout the Day.................................. 56 Figure 4.11: Energy Consumption & CO2 Breakdown ............................................. 57 Figure 5.1: What is your profession? ........................................................................... 62 Figure 5.2: Respondents Graded by Organisational Size ......................................... 64 Figure 5.3: Stacked Bar Chart Showing Results ........................................................ 66 Figure 5.4: Closed Choices ............................................................................................ 71 Figure 5.5: Accuracy Figures of BIM Energy Analysis/Consumption ..................... 72 Figure 5.6: Respondents Choices of Transfer Data Problems .................................. 75 ix

LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1: Primary Energy Related CO2 by Sector.................................................... 15 Table 2.2: Dimension Values of BIM ........................................................................... 20 Table 2.3: Costs and Time Savings via BIM in the Hilton Aquarium Project ......... 32 Table 2.4: BIM Economics: Savings and Return on Investment (ROI) .................. 33 Table 3.1: Fundamental difference between quantitative and qualitative research strategies. ............................................................ 40 Table 3.2: The Number of Respondents throughout the Survey ............................... 44 Table 4.1: Calculations from Original & Redesign Models ....................................... 53 Table 5.1: Nationality figures of Respondents ............................................................. 62 Table 5.2: Nationality completed figures of Respondents .......................................... 63 Table 5.3: Majority Figures for BIM Implementation ............................................... 65 Table 5.4: Difference in Response Rate........................................................................ 66 Table 5.5: Results of Recommendations for BIM & Energy Analysis ...................... 67 Table 5.6: BIM Majority in Favour of Research Knowledge .................................... 69 Table 5.7: Semi Closed Question of Accuracy Considerations .................................. 71 Table 5.8: Efficiency Estimations from Respondents ................................................. 74 Table 5.9: Results of BIM & Energy Analysis for Directive Policing ....................... 75 Table 5.10: BIM & Energy Analysis in Educational Courses .................................... 76 Table 5.11: Fear of Transition from Traditional to BIM ........................................... 76 Table 5.12: Laws Needed to Govern BIM.................................................................... 77

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

In this thesis, an investigation into the usage, knowledge and value of using design software applications in Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be made for the use and encouragement of energy analysis of buildings. This achievement in technology has seen planning of projects utilise their natural environment to its full potential in the most acceptable and cost effective manner in recent years, similar example will be discussed in a case study later on.

The flexibility for use by various bodies such as architects, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) consultants, energy and environmental consultants is a collaborative way of working together. This type of planning has numerous benefits that are evident in both cost and time to a normal project excluding the energy analysis of a building. These benefits will be discussed in the next chapter.

This thesis will endeavour to show the relevance of this technology and the influences it may have in curtailing the highest sector of energy consumption in buildings as reported from studies to be approximately 40% globally (IEA, 2008, p.10), and this is also evident in European Union (EU) from the Directive 2010/32/EU paragraph 3 (European Parliament Directive 2010/31/EU).

Building Regulations and Standards with energy consumption levels have been reduced for Climate Change and Green House Gases (GHG) reduction. The United States of America are one of bigger energy consumer in buildings; a good example is from the following statics from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

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“According to the USGBC and the U.S. Census Bureau, buildings in the United States consume 30% of the world’s total energy and 60% of the world’s electricity annually for only 4.5% of the world’s population.” (Green BIM, p.27)

Projects are using design applications to establish the implications associated from various bodies in building projects and also the energy usage for a building. A detailed list of the implications incurred through design will be discussed in the next chapter.

BIM and Energy considerations are effectively known as Green BIM. This also aids the life cycle of the building, known as the Building Life Cycle (BLC), which is a way of estimating the lifespan of a building. This is associated with facilities management that look after the building, and operating systems.

The layout of this thesis is adopted from guidelines set out by the Institute of Technology Sligo and also, using “Guide to the Successful Thesis and Dissertation”, a handbook for Students and Faculty, fifth edition, by James E. Mauch.

1.1

Background

The research into the topic of BIM and Energy Analysis came from the author’s interest while doing a Masters in Energy Management at the Institute of Technology, Sligo. The area is a developing one of concern that will have a big impact on the way in which buildings are designed, built and operated. Not only in the future building stock, but in retrofitting existing buildings to maximise their full potential and to also minimise their impact on the environment.

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The author having a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, and gaining the experience of working on building and civil engineering projects since graduating in 2001, and through the experience of traditional methods and recent advance in education combined has also further reinforce this research.

These new technologies and growing claims of a reduction in problems during the construction stage due to early clash detection is an estimated large savings in itself, and an example of this will be shown in the next chapter in a sample case study. Through detections in virtual design and solutions in redesign the cost savings are made before the construction begins. This will also be discussed in the same example mentioned.

1.2

Research Question

In this research there are restrictions and limitations to which the author can only accommodate to strive and achieve the analysis of the available resources and time allowing.

The research question chosen for this research is: “Is Building Information Modeling and Energy Analysis the way forward in designing and building more efficient and economical projects to combat both environmental and economical challenges?�

1.3

Scope of the Research

This research is both exploratory and descriptive and applies a web based survey questionnaire to obtain quantitative data on the attitudes from people involved with BIM 3

and Energy Analysis in everyday designing, detailing and analysis of projects. A professional questionnaire will be carried out to establish the views and thoughts of BIM advancements in technologies. Also two interviews will be carried out with researchers in similar fields of this topic. The main focus of this research is to establish that BIM & Energy Analysis is more valuable compared to traditional methods of design in relation to savings that are both economical and environmental in various areas.

This is the aim of the research, with a look at the barriers and limitations that are ahead of such advancement in this technology. Some current projects in Ireland such as the new children’s hospital are using BIM for design, and this will be discussed later on through a professional questionnaire with the project architect.

1.4

Objective of the Research

The objectives of the research are: To examine studies in the literature relating to the topic both nationally and internationally within sectors of the environment, energy and building divisions.

To gain an understanding of BIM and particularly in association with Energy Analysis and the developments of these new advancements in technology.

To establish whether the Irish Government will adopt such technologies into practice for a greater control in design, similar to other Governments and see what can be done to implement such technologies.

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To develop questionnaires to identify the attitudes of the researchers, professionals and people using these technologies in practice, and how if they are accepted. A look into current research in this area will be done also by an interview process.

To establish the relevance of BIM and Energy consumption as an area of great concern.

These objectives will be achieved by reviewing the literature on BIM and Energy Analysis along with relevant documentation from both, legislative and environmental issues concerning the topic. A survey compiled for this research will be evaluated and review for specific analysis, also a professional questionnaire and two interviews will also be review for expert views on this research to obtain a blended research of both quantitative and qualitative data via triangulation.

1.5

Organisation of the Thesis

The thesis is structured in the following chapters:

Chapter 1

Introduction

In this chapter the topic of research is introduced to the reader, with the background, scope and research analysis approach are also outlined by the author.

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Chapter 2

Literature Review

This literature review chapter is compiled from previous research carried out in similar fields. It will be based on various publications, books, journal articles and reports that inform the reader of BIM developments and technologies. The author will set out the evolution of BIM and Energy Analysis to present day methods in the development, and also a look what the future holds.

Chapter 3

Research Methodology

The following chapter will provide details of the questionnaire design, sampling and the target population that it is aimed towards for feedback. The online survey method for research for respondents will also be discussed. A further analysis with a professional questionnaire and interview process will look to reinforce or contradict the online survey and obtain a blended analysis.

Chapter 4

Case Study Analysis

In this chapter a look at a particular case study is reviewed and analyzed. The new Head Office for the OPW in Trim, Co Meath had employed BIM design to ensure that the project achieved the full value of its potential available in the most efficient manner with environmental considerations. A brief analysis of the case study and how it relevance to this research from an Irish view will conclude this chapter.

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Chapter 5

Results and Discussion

This chapter reviews the data gathered from the survey questionnaire and interviews taken by respondents set out by the author. A number of Charts and Tables are compiled and detailed showing the results in a more legible format for the reader. The results are discussed to establish and identify the views of the respondents in relation to the difficulties, solutions and limitations associated with BIM and Energy Analysis. The professional questionnaire is also analysed to confirm or dismiss trends from research already carried out in Literature Review chapter, or previous work.

Chapter 6

Conclusion and Recommendations

In this chapter the conclusions are drawn from the research of both primary and secondary information and recommendations are made including areas for further research of the topic and possible developments in this area.

1.6

Summary

This introductory chapter gives a brief insight into the understanding of how BIM & Energy Analysis operates and is associated with all the various bodies involved, and how it might affect issues of the environment. The research will include a brief introduction and summary in each chapter to inform the reader.

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2.0

2.1

LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

In this chapter a look at BIM and Energy Analysis is taken and what is the driving force behind the need for these technologies and also in line with environmental issues. The information is compiled from previous research carried out in similar fields. It will be based on various publications, books, articles from journals and reports that inform the reader of BIM developments, technologies and importance. This chapter will also address the research question and some of the objectives set out in the first chapter.

2.2

The Environment

The environment has many challenging issues with GHG’s and the effects of climate change affecting the most vulnerable communities in the world, the battle to advert these damaging areas may be too late for some. As governments strive to meet mandates set up by governing bodies and put in place adequate penalties to police these targets and reduce emissions under EU instruction (European Parliament Directive 2010/31/EU).

The building sector is the largest user of energy in the world with the main source coming from fossil fuels. Ireland has seen similar trends, and has a high consumption of fossil fuels. In a report, ‘Energy in Ireland 1990 – 2009 (2010 Report)’, carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI), this organisation was also known as the Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) previously, shows the relevant information. In

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figure 2.1 ‘Total Final Consumption by Fuel 1990 – 2009, from the report, shows the final consumption of oil fell by 0.5% in 2008 and 11% in 2009, with oil accounting for approximately 64% and 62% of the final energy consumption (SEAI, 2009 & SEAI, 2010). The graph shows an increase in oil consumption in a similar pattern to the ‘Celtic Tiger’ era of the building boom in Ireland from the early nineties. This is further reinforced by another decrease in final energy consumption by 8.9% in 2009, in line with the beginning of the recession. (SEAI, 2010)

Figure 2.1: Total Final Consumption by Fuel 1990 to 2009 (sourced from, SEAI, Energy in Ireland, 1990 – 2009, 2010 Report) In another report by the SEAI, ‘Energy in Ireland - Key Statics 2009’, it states the amount of energy that each sector in Ireland has consumed over the last number of years. In figure 2.2 ‘Total Final Consumption by Sector 1990 – 2009, the Transport final energy use increase by 178% over the 1990 – 2008 period. Transport fell for the first time in 2008 by 1.3%. (SEAI, Key Statics 2009) This figure had a further drop in 2009, taking the value of increase from 1990 – 2009 is 151% (SEAI, 2010).

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Fig 2.2: Total Final Consumption by Sector 1990 to 2009 (sourced from, SEAI, Energy in Ireland, 1990 – 2009, 2010 Report) The focus of energy choice, use and consumption levels, especially in buildings will be highly ranked on targeted figures to be reduced to ensure the goals in each European country’s mandate are met, to adhere to EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings (recast), which will be discussed in this chapter.

Climate Change is an ongoing battle and continues to be a main focus of concern due to the changing world we live in with high levels of fossil fuel consumption and emissions resulting from them. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have published numerous statements and reports on the seriousness of the impacts relating to Climate Change. A recent statement in the, ‘IPCC statement on the melting of Himalayan glaciers’ Geneva, 20 January 2010, takes the following from the Synthesis Report and stated.

“Widespread mass losses from glaciers and reductions in snow cover over recent decades are projected to accelerate throughout the 21st century, reducing water availability, hydropower potential, and changing seasonality of flows in regions supplied by meltwater from major mountain ranges”

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The Synthesis report is the concluding document of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007. Another climate change estimated due to population growth and accompanying energy consumption are expected to increase the global temperatures to between 2 and 5.8º C over the next century according to the IPCC report issued in 2001. (Kemp 2005, p. 2) Other studies using simulated, predicative and evaluation means have highlight the effects of Climate Change on different areas. These reports cover the impact that Climate Change is going to have on society in the future, showing the devastation to the global economy and on human life. Examining the results in a report ‘Costs of climate change - The effects of rising temperatures on health and productivity in Germany’, the scenario is based for the period 2071 – 2100. This research document on the changes in heat effects, using analysis from experimental studies has estimated heat induced casualties by a factor of 3. This report also states; “Heat related hospitalization costs increase 6-fold not including the cost of ambulant treatment. Heat also reduces the work performance resulting in an estimated output loss of between 0.1% and 0.5% of GDP”(Hübler, Klepper et al.

2008) This estimation in Germany is only 60 years from now, and reveals bleak future if levels of emissions continue to destroy the environment.

The Irish change could be in a similar way to the ‘potato famine of 1845’, where 1.5 million people died as a result (Ristaino 2002). In a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (McGrath et al, 2005) it estimates a mean monthly rise between 1.25°C and 1.5°C.This is carried out through estimations and simulations for the future between 2021 – 2060.

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There are two theories for global warming and whether the climatic changes that are responsible for dramatic differences in weather conditions, are all contributed naturally or have been suffered due to the anthropogenic (human) influences. The only basis of fact for this argument is that the coincidence as man has evolved over time through the various stages of developments and to present day using astronomical amounts of energy, and especially fossil fuels, so has the depletion of the environment in tandem.

This would be, that before mankind of today existed came the different ages in the world that caused severe climatic eras such as the Ice Ages and interglacial periods (when the ice retreated). The last Ice Age in Ireland was 15,000 years ago when it started to melt, and took approximately 1,000 years, for the ice in Ireland to have eventually melted.

(Geological Survey Ireland)

It is the view of the author that Ireland as a country needs to follow by example their neighbouring country the United Kingdom who have taken the lead and agreed a target in GHG reduction of 60% by 2050. (Smith 2006, p. 8) The targets that Ireland committed to under the Kyoto Protocol agreement are to be met (EPA, 2011), but projections show that Ireland will not meet EU 2020. Kyoto targets for Ireland was to limit its GHG’s to be no more than 13% above 1990 levels in 2008 2012. (Ireland’s Pathway to Kyoto Compliance, 2006) The report, ‘Greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2010 to 2020’ was released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the 14th April, 2011. (EPA, 2011) The Director General of the EPA commented on the figures in a statement saying that Ireland will meet Kyoto Protocol commitment, but added that this was due to the direct result of the current economic downturn caused by the recession. This was further reinforced by adding that Ireland could not rely on a recession to meet future targets, and 12

stated that as a country more reductions in planned levels needs to be taken to meet 2016 targets. (EPA, 2011) “Now is the time to make further planned reductions to ensure Ireland does not breach its target in 2016 as projected.” (EPA, 2011)

2.2.1

Energy Performance Legislation

The future of energy consumption in buildings is going to see some radical changes in both its use and sources of energy according to the Directive 2010/31/EU and the current environmental trends previously mentioned. The European Union (EU) has set out in the “Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings (recast)” the aim of reducing energy consumption. It also has stated that an increased usage of renewable energy sources will be an important key element in a more cleaner and economical environment, by reducing greenhouse gases, ensuring security of supply and also creating job opportunities with all communities and especially in rural areas. (European Parliament Directive 2010/31/EU) In this directive there are a lot of goals to be met in order to reduce energy consumption in buildings by 20% by the end of the year 2020. These statements and recommendation has similar goals that could be an opportunity for BIM to be involved as it is a near definition of what BIM exactly does, which will be defined in this chapter. Using software applications such as BIM may assist the need required by the EU member states for the goals and changes that are set out in the Directive 2010/31/EU to be adhered to and implement in a structured program for results.

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Penalties for any breach have not yet been formed by any member state to date. The date by which member states will have to submit these penalties is the 9th January 2013.

(European Parliament Directive 2010/31/EU) As a result of the EU Directive 2010/31/EU, requiring an increase in energy efficiency and reduction in energy consumption by 20% with these targets to be met by 31 December 2020, it provides an opportunity for BIM & Energy Analysis to aid compliance. (European Parliament Directive 2010/31/EU)

2.2.2

Energy Consumption in Ireland.

One of the aims that energy and environmental issues drive is the impact that it contributes to the overall costs that the tax payer will ultimately have to pay through penalties if targets are not met, from mandates that are set out in EU Directives such as Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Ireland has seen a rise in its consumption levels since the early 1990’s up until 2001 and a decrease to a fluctuation of levelling off up to 2008. In figure 2.3, the amounts of different fuel sources that were used over this period for electricity generation, with natural gas consumption growing and oil levels were decreasing. A clear drop is seen in 2009 that are a close resemblance to the drop in oil that year. The rising cost in oil has through the diminishing quantities over time has made this change inevitable.

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Figure 2.3: Primary Fuel Mix for Electricity Generation 1990 to 2009 (sourced from, SEAI, Energy in Ireland, 1990 – 2009, 2010 Report) The fastest growing form of energy product consumed globally was electricity. The world electricity consumption had grown at an average of 4% annually over the past 30 years prior to 2007, while total final energy grew at an average of 2%.(de Ia Rue du Can and Price 2008, p. 1388) This figure shows the value for the world, and is including undeveloped countries that had seen little to no such developments in this period, and the rise was contributed to developed countries.

A BIM system could measure the energy consumption and carbon footprint of a building to be used for the introduction of a ‘Property Carbon Tax’. Ireland intends on bringing in this tax and is estimated to come 2013 (Pope 2010). In Table 2.1 the impact of CO2 emissions from the residential sector in Ireland, for nearly 20 years.

Table 2.1 Primary Energy Related CO2 by Sector (sourced from, SEAI, Energy in Ireland, Key Statics 2009) 15

2.2.3

Irelands Energy Regulations

Currently the Irish regulations must be in compliance with Building Regulations Part L and the production of a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate on construction, sale or rental requires the use of an overall energy calculation methodology for all buildings.

In the case of dwellings this is called the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) and the Non Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure (NEAP) for all other buildings (environ.ie).

More complex buildings generally require detailed analysis of building features to demonstrate compliance with all aspects of the building regulations including parts J and L relating to energy. The client, architect, engineer and builder will decide on the most appropriate methods for each building while demonstrating compliance with all legal requirements including BER (environ.ie).

2.3

What is BIM?

Depending on the view of the individual, BIM can be defined in many different ways. It has been known to the professional bodies such as Architectural, Engineering & Construction (AEC) as the model, the system and the technology of this new development of thinking and delivering a clearer vision of the completed project in its early design stage. It is ruling out problems normally incurred during the construction stage through ‘clash detection’ in the virtual model, that were too late in traditional methods, proving to answer a lot of questions now in design that were only discovered during the construction stage. Figure 2.4 shows the major participants involved in a typical BIM construction project.

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Figure 2.4: BIM & Participating Bodies (sourced BuildingSMART2010a) BIM has been in existence for over 40 years which will be discussed later and is getting more momentum behind the system with the growth in green building, with the extent of savings through different aspects that all account to the main savings of cost.

“BIM is defined as the creation and use of coordinated, consistent, computable information about a building project in design—parametric information used for design decision making, production of high-quality construction documents, prediction of building performance, cost estimating, and construction planning.”(Krygiel 2008, p. 27)

In explaining what BIM has to offer, it is effectively all the information that a building project needs in terms of construction and more. It can produce all necessary drawings to ensure clarity and clearer visions. The specifications of all elements involved in the

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project are also available for analysis and reviewing for construction in terms of data.

These are available to anyone that needs to confirm the correct standards of elements are being followed. Scheduling for the project is also a key resource of this development, and is the fourth dimension in this level of design. Another way to understand BIM is that software is the interface to a building information model, rich information content is its body and soul (IHS 2011).

On examining research and case studies similar to ones discussed later in this chapter, BIM represents a unique system that can be planned and executed to the design set out, within time and on budget. BIM can be shown to do many analyses on the project and have a controlled account of all elements that have not been measureable under traditional methods, but have exceeded costs and time. An example of this is documented in, ‘Interim Report – Survey of Cost Performance of Building Work, under GDLA Agreement and Conditions of Contract, for The Society of Chartered Surveyors’, (Brownlee, 2005). This report gives an example of how costs were exceeded in the past and in the summary within the report the following is stated; “Following enquiry to State bodies and private quantity surveying practices, data on 130 projects covering a wide range of building types and with a combined value of €¾ billion was received. After adjustment to bring all projects to a common basis, the final cost was found to exceed Accepted Tenders by average 2½% and to exceed Budget Estimates by average 4%.” (Brownlee 2005, p.1) The report goes on to elucidate a raison d’être for this effect on costs, and for projects being ‘unpredictable’. This is not so for BIM as it is a predictable and planned system, resolving problems through clash detection, and reduction of RFI’s (Request for Information) with no hidden areas for the project to be exploited. The avenue for ‘extras’

18

or ‘delays’ (both terms of adding additional works to a project) due to no information about a particular aspect or element of a project will be a thing of the past, and ultimately will reflect in the tender cost and project cost being the same figure. This will remove the ‘unpredictable’ excuses from projects and cost over-runs in reports of similar nature to this one.

“They were often unpredictable, but in a small proportion of cases might have been foreseen or minimised.” (Brownlee 2005) The software package allows the designer to work on different areas in the same project that are all unique to their design. These can then be incorporated to ensure compatibility with each other as they would be in reality. This system allows a great depth of detail to be put into each aspect that is required. The more detail put into the project the less queries about any aspect. Examples of the various areas that can be detailed and incorporated together are in Figure 2.5, showing areas from site layout during the construction stage to landscape on project completion.

Figure 2.5: Different Layers of Design (sourced from Green BIM p.29) 19

In the 3D model design in BIM, showing all physical elements in a scaled and real form eliminates the misjudgement of error straight away. This also helps the client confirm the vision imagined, and allows intervention for changes at an early stage in design and is also cost effective, unlike during the construction stage.

Traditional methods in design and detailing are given in 2D (2 dimensional) drawings.

The designer puts as much detail as possible for controlled measures to be followed from various bodies involved to obtain the vision. This is where clashes of elements may occur due to separate designs for different systems and layouts. In BIM a problem of a clash can be detected during design and cost effective in solution, of redesign. Clash detection will be discussed in this chapter to show relevance to this topic.

Two dimensional (2D) drawing or sketch has been around for centuries and is still the basis of communication today if someone is explaining their view in a visual detail, and is common practice in any onsite meeting between various bodies and contractors. In the Table 2.2 a brief detail of the various D’s involved in BIM are explained.

2D Drawing for general communication of details, commonly known as traditional.

3D Drawings and visual models for identical representation of project throughout.

4D Time, is used in planning a project for work, to assign a time to stages & duties 5D Cost, is commonly for pricing, and estimating, and used by Quantity Surveying.

6D Lifecycle/Facility Management giving the building operational control over its lifespan.

Table 2.2: Dimension Values of BIM

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The various numbers associated with the dimension of BIM mentioned in Table 2.2 are the most common used, but 7D & 8D are also hidden dimension, but are not recognised in a similar capacity.

2.4

The History and Developments of BIM

BIM has been around for over forty years according to buildingSMART International who is a neutral and non profit organisation supporting open BIM through the life cycle (buildingSMART 2010a). It can be seen on Figure 2.6 when buildingSMART International and United Kingdom (UK) were established, in 1995 and 1996 respectively. Around the same period, 1998 the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Building Environment Performance Analysis Club (BEPAC) collaborated to produce a manual, ‘Building energy and environmental modelling (CIBSE 1998). This manual has an in-depth amount of information that may have been a benchmark for research of projects in similar capacity such as BIM and Energy Analysis.

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Figure 2.6: The International Timeline of the BIM Journey (sourced from: buildingSMART 2010a) In Figure 2.6 the timeline of the International BIM developments over the past forty years are shown. In the early stages of this development the various advancements in technology from drawing created in 2D and 3D on computers in 1987 to nearly half the US industry using BIM according to a survey by McGraw-Hill in 2009.

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A number of countries and government have shown their involvement with BIM over the years, with the US, UK, Finland, Norway and Singapore having different approach to adopting this in either the public sector or in digital planning processes. This is where Ireland should research the reasons why these have made the change in doing so and assess the potential of opportunities from this technology.

Projects in the UK, such as Terminal 5 (T5) in Heathrow airport, that have used BIM have saved money. The savings were made through exceptional structured information sharing. T5 cost £4.3 billion, but was initially estimated to cost £4.5 billion (BBC) and in using this system in T5, an estimated savings of 5% was achieved, having an estimated value of £210 million (building.co.uk). This project used both the 3D model and 4D construction planning as the part of the project (buildingSMART 2010b). 4D will be discussed in the next section in detail to show how it works with the 3D model effectively in the construction planner during the construction stage.

2.5

BIM & Lean Construction

In answering the research question, there are a number of areas in providing valid information from BIM. Looking at BIM as the way in designing projects, and ensuring efficiency with the focus to environmental issues, must also ensure efficiency in the construction stage. This is known as Lean Construction, and the practice is to build what is needed or required, when it is needed and required. This concept is adopted from the Toyota Theory that has been developed in 14 principles. These can be seen in Appendix A and shows a summary of the principles and the different sections that the various principles are defined under. The connection that these principles have with BIM and 23

Lean construction that stand out initially, are Principles 3 and 7. Principle 3, ‘Use “pull” system to avoid overproduction’, in a summary is a production process of, ‘what they want, when they want it, and in the amount they want’, and the basic principle of just-intime. In Principle 7, ‘Use visual control so no problems are hidden’. This is a clear representation of what BIM stands for, in visualising the project as it will exist in reality.

In the author’s opinion, Lean construction is the maximum efficient means in doing the tasks set out. In this system of using BIM, the focus is concentrated on the co-ordination and time. Time in BIM is known as the fourth dimension (4D). This allows the project manager to use this information in the system to plan logistics and sub-contractors trades involved in the project to work in harmony. In Figure 2.7 the BIM model is seen in 3D with various systems involved in a project, and also attached to some elements are the time allocation. This is sometimes delivered on a large touch screen on site for task leaders to get a better understanding of their objective and timescale. (Sacks et al. 2010, p.649) This system also has the specific duties colour coded to each task leader or foreman.

In a report by Arayici (2011) a look at what can be achieved by implementing BIM along with Lean principles is documented. This was identified by using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, finding the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which are used to carry out quantitative and qualitative assessment of projects.

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Figure 2.7: User Interface for Detailing Work Packages to Weekly Plan. (sourced from: Sacks et al. 2010, p.649) There is also another more detailed planner available to understand the schedule of works to be carried out. This shows the different trades where and what exactly they are suppose to be doing at a particular time. This also shows what is planned ahead; see Appendix B for the sample detailed plan, and the various trades working in a synchronised layout (Sacks et al. 2010, p.650).

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2.6

The Benefits of BIM and Energy Analysis 2.6.1

BIM

The initial benefits that BIM gives to a project and its client, is the 3D visualisation of the finished product prior to any real work taking place. This allows them to adopt a collective understanding and an early feel for the reality that is to come. An example of this can be seen later in the case study showing before and after representations.

Clash detection is estimated to be a big saver and will be discussed in the next section.

Planning work in a construction planner as previously discussed in the last section, by means of time using 4D, and explaining it in a unquestionable clear representation, such as seen in Figure 2.7.

Return on Investment, which will be discussed in the Eli Lilly case study.

Prefabrication of elements that is required in projects that are defined in the model.

The costing of a project, is easier for quantifying elements, in both the model, but also with the data supplied in the model, as part of the ‘I’ in BIM. BIM offers all the bodies involved the collaborative way of utilising each other’s time and queries in the design stage to maximise input for the project.

The models data can be used for various analyses, and has the advantage of reusing this data both efficiently and effectively when needed.

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2.6.2

Energy Analysis

Energy Analysis has been and is available in software packages without BIM. Examples of these would be; TRNSYS, ESP, DOE-2 and BLAST. These energy analysis methods require a big manual input. But in BIM the information from the model is used and converted into a usable file and analysed through various simulations required (Laine & Karola 2007).

Some software packages carryout the analysis and then run checks in the design to assess areas for improvement to increase the projects efficiency. This is done in a process of “Virtual Prototyping”, which would, design – test – improve – redesign, until a desired performance is obtained. This will be shown in the case study in chapter 4 (OPW).

Finished model with any adjustments made during the construction will effectively give the client a perfect 3D as built model of the project. This would aid the Facilities Manager (FM) with any of the many systems for its Operation and Maintenance (O&M).

The following is a quotation that gives an overview estimation of the benefits that are not so in a quantifiable sum to the project finically but a value to the environment. ”BIM represents a paradigm change that will have far-reaching benefits, not only for those in the building industry but for society at large, as better buildings are built that consume less energy and require less labor and capital resources”.

(Eastman et al., 2008) This value in a quantifiable sum is to be estimated in the reduction of energy consumption and thus emission that are responsible for our carbon footprint. Using BIM and Energy Analysis could be the initiative of setting up a carbon footprint measurement

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of buildings, to include a carbon tax that will heighten the awareness in the concept and design stage.

2.7

Clash Detection - Big Saver through BIM

Clash detection is a big money saver claim in BIM, and an example of this can be seen later towards the end of this chapter in a case study. The software program flags where elements and systems are conflicting and won’t work in reality. There is a number of areas due to this detection, and accounts for costs that are indirectly saved in the project.

The following is a list of items that is compiled from the author’s research and knowledge that is associated with detections savings; The physical elements being constructed to a certain stage and the realisation that the elements involved will not work in harmony as envisaged.

•

The construction has to stop – downtime.

•

Redesign of systems and elements to rectify the problems and ensure adequate solution for situation – redesign.

•

Eliminate ‘Request for Information’ (RFI) due to problems or unclear and unknown information, and rectification of errors – no RFI’s.

•

Reduction of meetings, for clarification of details – less meetings.

Taking examples of regular 2D traditional construction drawings, and MEP consultants schematics that will have elements shown in line format going from one item to another.

This would have a note or legend list accompanying this to identify the element, detailing everything that is required for its construction and not to clutter the drawing.

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This is a common mistake showing, for example, the pipe work of flow and return to various areas, such as apartments. Using lines to detail these kinds of elements on drawings does not bring the scale factor relation to show what space that they are occupying. This does not include the required spacing between pipe work, or the thickness of insulation on the pipes.

This could be discovered during the construction stage and a conflict of elements may leads to redesign and position of items may have to be moved to accommodate the required specification set out for the building.

This is where time becomes the main issue and redesign is where networks could see a change in systems. This effectively will result in a higher cost than initially envisaged.

Respectively a contingency cost will be used in this case and probably could be accounted for in pricing projects. But if problems such as these were spotted in the design stage in a realistic model, extra or additional costs can be minimised or avoided entirely. An example of estimated costs will be discussed later in this chapter in a case study the ‘Hilton Aquarium Project.

Ironically, traditional drawings from architects and designers come mainly in a scaled factorial representation detailed layout, except in the case of MEP drawings. An explanation for this would be, not cluttering up the drawing with all the various services associated with a project. Elements of MEP are mainly detailed in line format with an attached notation giving detailed information about size, type and purpose. The irony of traditional methods of detailing drawings for clarity and not cluttering them could have revealed more for detailing if observation to systems integration was shown.

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2.8

How Does BIM Incorporate Energy Analysis

Currently to incorporate the analysis and simulation of different scenarios of the project the working file has to be exported into software that can carry out these tasks to the highest standard. There are a number of packages that transfer files for analysis and in Figure 2.8 a schematic is shown.

Figure 2.8: Integration of BIM and Performance Analysis Software. (sourced from, Azhar 2009, p.4) The different types of files that are used in transferring data for analysis are shown in green. These files are gbXML, IFC, ifcXML, and ecoXML. A gbXML file is known as Green Building XML, and is an export function within most BIM applications that is for exporting the relevant data in a model to carry out energy analysis and evaluate the buildings performance. (Dzambazova 2009, p.234) 30

2.9

Interoperability in BIM

As a definition in BIM it is known as the following; “Interoperability is the ability to exchange data between applications, which smoothes workflows and sometimes facilitates their automation.”(Eastman C. 2011)

This is a very important part of the whole process, and to be able to transfer files to and from various software packages, smoothly make it problem free. Some problems that are encountered is the loss of some details and information between applications, and thus causing failure in the process. This was an element of concern in the survey that will be discussed in the ‘Results & Discussion’ chapter. Ongoing research is trying to develop the perfect remedy, to rectify these problems, but the key to this success is a compatible network that works in harmony with each other. The following statement is taken from a report (buildingSMART 2010a) to show the cost of such low interoperability in the UK. “The true cost of the lack of interoperability in the UK has not – and probably could not – be accurately measured but estimates suggest that the scale of waste due to a lack of shared structured information for owner operators in the UK amounts to £100 million a year.”

The suggested solution of using a central BIM for collaborative working offers a practical way forward, but fears of using this technology too soon is a recipe for disaster (buildingSMART 2010a).

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2.10

Is BIM Value for Money?

The feedback from case studies that have used BIM and Energy Analysis packages all tend to be with a positive response. An example discussed earlier, T5 in Heathrow Airport having savings of 5% is more evidence of ROI. In a report by buildingSMART ‘Investing in BIM competence’ shows 6 case studies including T5 all to have made a savings. The only loss estimated in some of these projects is by adopting BIM not at the concept stage and have calculated losses for this delay. Accepting that most of these case studies are pro BIM a little bias in there reporting is to be expected and taken into account when reviewing. In searching for objective information to counteract these claims was unsuccessful and nothing but positive reviews for BIM were reported.

Table 2.3: Costs and Time Savings via BIM in the Hilton Aqarium Project, Atlanta. (sourced from: Azhar 2008, p.6)

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It is virtually impossible to measure something that has never happened and an estimate is given to achieve a quantifiable sum to measure against investment of system. This is shown in Table 2.3 that has an estimation of the savings made through clashes avoided and time saved.

Table 2.4: BIM Economics: Savings and Return on Investment (ROI). (sourced from: Azhar 2008, p.7)

Table 2.4 shows 10 different projects, with the cost of BIM and the overall savings. The ROI ranges 140 – 39900% which shows the investment of $5,000, getting nearly a $2 million savings. Unknown details of projects such as this one is hard to accept, and can only speculate on reasons (Azhar 2008). The general consensus is that the savings is there to be made, and without doubt initially it will be slow and may have teething problems adjusting just like the implementation of any new process or program. In the case study at the end of this chapter ‘Eli Lilly’ has expressed similar finding that will be discussed further in that section. This will definitely be the case in the first and even the second project, undertaking such technology that have a complete new different style and structure compared to traditional methods that a company and its project team are used of using. Future projects will have the advantage of having the process adopted and 33

the knowledge gained from previous ones. This will further help a company’s project team tweak anything in the process to suit them in a more effective and efficient manner through the implementation of this technology. The other issue to examine is that initially a higher cost, similar in most organisations and circumstances will be associated with the initial project, and should be evaluated.

Another example of this would be a project of a Bio Tech Manufacturing Facility in Kinsale, Co. Cork. The company is Eli Lilly a global pharmaceutical producer that was established in 1876, and has over 38,000 employees worldwide. (Lilly, 2011) The project after implementing the program came in under budget and before the scheduled completion date. The cost of the implementing the program was high in any terms, of $2 million. The estimated savings that Eli Lilly had on the project is between $4.3 & $11.2 million. (Sawyer 2011a) As a pharmaceutical manufacturer the company had not only an objective with the economical and efficiency focuses for the project from design and construction, but also the Facility Management (FM) and continuous maintenance procedures. After the project was completed the facilities maintenance model and plan were in place and ready at handover (Sawyer 2011b). In the research of the savings it does not disclose if this is part of the overall sum in eliminating the preparation of an independent maintenance model.

In the report (Sawyer 2011a), Mr. Bruce Beck, Eli Lilly’s director of global facilities delivery said the success of the project was because of the continual construction quality assurance and the collection of accurate and complete facility management data during construction.

34

Also in another report by (Sawyer 2011b), the constant awareness of ongoing problems being fixed from both the scheduled and frequent inspections as they arose is another similar comparison to Principle 5 from the Toyota Theory, ‘stopping to fix a problem, to get quality right the first time. By final handover there were no outstanding items to be addressed.

2.11

BIM for Retrofitting

BIM is an ideal opportunity in retrofitting a building. In most cases the retrofit will involve energy efficient elements and techniques. Just like a normal BIM model exported for energy analysis similar can be done. A few limitations will be obvious such as orientation which is fixed and structure may be limited to original design. Retrofit does not have the benefit of cost effective virtual alteration such as orientation to achieve different solutions.

Buildings opting for retrofit in Ireland are assumed to be before any advancement in building regulations with recommendations on energy efficiency. Taking this into account, the retrofit option could only make the buildings more efficient and positive for the ROI. Ireland currently has a national retrofit programme that is part of the Government Infrastructural Investments 2010-2016 (O’Rourke 2010).

On top of these estimated savings by using BIM, the different types of retrofit to which the building is suited may be selected to achieve the required upgrade.

Additional benefits to the project similar to a new build such as a FM model of the building and also BLC of the project would be taken into account when designing the retrofit upgrade.

35

Retrofitting opportunities are just another way in which energy consumption can be reduced to a more economical usage for buildings. Given that the building regulations really only came into effect in the early 1990’s and even then that standard was very low in relation to present day building regulations (environ.ie).

2.12

Facility Management & Building Life Cycle Costs

The data collected and compiled throughout the duration of a project is not only a process of keeping records, but will also aid the Facility Manager (FM) in running the building in its Operating and Maintenance (O & M) procedures, as previously discussed earlier. Also discussed earlier were the benefits in the Eli Lilly case study of a pharmaceutical plant having the data model prepared in line with completion of the work.

The model will aid the FM in carrying out analysis on any modification or upgrades to be evaluated for cost effectiveness. The data can be used for assessing any remodelling or additions to the building (Ashcraft 2008).

Depending on the BIM model and how rich it is in terms of information, it may be able to link data from manufacturers, construction and communications into the model. This will allow the FM to do previously mentioned duties, but will also enable future purchases using predictive data.

The Building Life Cycle (BLC) Costs are very important from a client’s perspective and vital in the design stage, as a decision this could have a serious implication on the cost throughout the BLC. This is also important to a project that is a Design Build & Operate (DBO) or a Public Private Partnership (PPP) where the contractor will operate the project after completion. The analysis and simulations of different environments are 36

crucial to project and sizing various systems involved, in terms of efficiency, cost and running cost to evaluate and estimate future trends. As previously discussed estimations of specific carbon taxes per building are inevitable, and sustainability will be promoted.

In designing and optimising the building envelope this could reduce the size of the mechanical and electrical (M&E) required (CIBSE 1998).

The BLC of a project is an important part in terms of cost to the owner. The fear is that with the amount of work going into design through BIM and simulations for efficient systems and plant, it may never be used again once the building is commissioned (Corry 2011). The futuristic aim for clients who embark on using building designs through BIM will also strive for the design criteria within it to be maintained during the BLC. Achieving these aims can be done through the production and use of Operational Building Information Models (OBIM's). This will aid using the building energy simulations in design as a benchmark against building performance (Corry 2011). The use of a Building Management System (BMS) could track system performances and be set up as the governing control and monitory system, (O'Sullivan 2004). The possibility of saving between 10 – 40% in commercial buildings may be achieved by closely monitoring and supervising energy usage and data from the processes (Ahmed, et al.

2010).

As mentioned by Ahmed (2010, p.466-467) collecting data and analysing it and making ongoing adjustments, effectively forms a continuous commissioning process. Also, discussed are wireless sensors that are “easy to integrate� for performance data collection, and shows systems and technologies that are used to monitor and integrate together. These systems and technologies include Database Management Systems (DBMS), Decision Support Systems (DDS) and Data Warehouse (DW).

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3.0

3.1

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Introduction

The research carried out for this thesis is a compilation of published papers, books, articles, all of previous research, and also case studies, a purpose built survey, and a professional questionnaire, along with interviews of researchers in this area. The survey was compiled using a website called ‘Survey Monkey’, and a link was generated from this website. This was used as part of an invitation to participants. The participants for the survey were invited through groups associated with BIM and Energy from the professional network website ‘LinkedIn’.

The professional questionnaire was aim at people with a substantial knowledge in this area of research, to give a more qualitative analysis.

The main case study in chapter 4, is taken from the OPW (Office of Public Works) Head Quarters that used BIM for the project and also for the Environmental analysis, this is discussed in detail in chapter 4, and the findings and analysis from it.

Two interviews were carried out, one over the telephone and one in person. The interviewees were both a PhD researcher and a PhD student researcher.

Using all these areas of research, the main focus was to keep the research question to the forefront at all times and to keep a tighter guide to reveal the analysis set out for obtaining this information.

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3.2

Rationale for Research

To gather a further knowledge and ensure that the research carried out is adequate for this level, a look into the meaning of the research required was embarked upon.

Today there are many forms of access to information in all areas, and this is the true for products, practices and organisations. One main form of this would be the information to be found on the internet, but the analysis of this information is to establish what is adequate and what inadequate information for use is in academic research.

Using such guidance as ‘Doing Research In The Real World’ by Gray (2004) and also ‘Business Research Methods’ by Bryman and Bell (2003) aided the research process.

Research for information is categorised towards two considerations at this level of academic research, and these are epistemological and ontological issues.

“Ontology is the study of being, that is, the nature of existence. While ontology embodies understanding what is, epistemology tries to understand what it means to know. Epistemology provides a philosophical background for deciding what kinds of knowledge are legitimate and adequate.” (Grey 2004) Two things to remember when carrying out research is ‘knowing what is to be answered’, and ‘knowing what is adequate information to answer that query’.

Taking information on board and also understanding that epistemological issues concerns towards a question are, what is (or should be) regarded as acceptable knowledge in a discipline (Bryman 2003). The research carried out for this thesis was both quantitative and qualitative in a new synthesis (Dawson, Fisher et al. 2006). In Table 3.1, taken from Bryman (2003) outlines the difference between both quantitative and qualitative research in terms of three specific areas.

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Principle orientation to the role of theory in relation to research.

Epistemological orientation Ontological orientation

Quantitative

Qualitative

Deductive; testing of theory

Inductive; generation of theory

Natural science model, in particular positivism Objectivism

Interpretivism Constructionism

Table 3.1: Fundamental difference between quantitative and qualitative research strategies. (sourced from: Bryman 2003) In Figure 3.1 the-inter linking relationship leading to the correct path to a successful research is shown. Another added diagram can be seen in Appendix C which shows the ‘Elements of the Research Process. (Saunders et al, 1998, cited in Gray 2004)

Figure 3.1: Relationship between Epistemology, Theoretical Perspectives, Methodology and Research Methods. (Crotty 1998, cited in Gray 2004) 40

Also, in Figure 3.2, the layout of research to consider at an early stage to confirm the approach to be taken, and ensure adequate information is available for the research. This layout shows similar paths to the research for this study. Both primary and secondary data was used. Focus of the primary data was dependent on a survey and professional questionnaire and interviews, which give both a quantitative and qualitative method via triangulation. The primary data research was targeted towards BIM knowledge based population. The secondary data was aimed towards published papers and sources, with the exception of some non technical data, that also aided the research question.

Figure 3.2: Layout of Considerations when Planning to Collect Data for Research. (sourced from: Action Research Resources)

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3.3

Survey Questionnaire

The survey was compiled with a specific target audience in mind to obtain the most professional and knowledge aware response for this topic. To do this the author decided to use a network site called ‘LinkedIn’. LinkedIn network website is aimed at professionals that are able to make contacts with each other in similar fields, and exchange knowledge, ideas and opportunities within groups of specific areas. (LinkedIn) This is the largest professional networking website with over 100 million members and is gaining more and more strength with its growing membership. (LinkedIn) Through these groups a link was posted to the Survey Monkey website to direct anyone from the groups to participate in the questionnaire that was called ‘BIM and Energy Analysis’.

The first post on LinkedIn for the invitation to the survey was made on the 6th July 2011, and had the title of the survey as the heading, this then goes into an introduction by the author to firstly introduce oneself and then further explain the purpose of the survey to the latter. The author further invited the respondents to use an email address that was provided to send on any additional comments of both advice and criticism that they feel is needed. This email address was also used to direct any of the respondents that required information from the survey in terms of feedback to further boost the response numbers and to email their requests. Both the letter of invitation and re-invitation are in Appendix D.

42

Respondents 29

28 20

18

7 0

1 0

1

Tue 02 Aug

1

Thur 28 July Fri 29 July

Wed 27 July

Tue 26 July

Sun 24 July Mon 25 July

Sat 23 July

0 1

Sat 30 July

4 Sun 31 July Mon 01 Aug

4 4 1

0 Thur 21 July Fri 22 July

Fri 15 July

Wed 13July Thur 14 July

Tue 12 July

Sun 10 July Mon 11 July

Sat 09 July

Fri 08 July

4 0

Tue 19 July

2

0

Wed 20 July

4 Thur 07 July

12

10

Sat 16 July

7

8

Sun 17 July Mon 18 July

9

Figure 3.3: Respondents over the duration of the Survey.

The survey was initially to be posted for a month to acquire adequate feedback. The number of respondents over the initial few days began to decrease bar a small number of responses. It was the intention of the author with a timeframe in mind to reignite the topic after a week or ten days to freshen the surveys awareness. In doing so, the author decided to update the groups with progress and further encourage more group members to participate in the survey.

Unfortunately the survey was launched towards the end of the first week, and can be seen in Figure 3.3 showing the initial impact on the second day of 29 number respondents and then running into the weekend. The survey details are tabulated in Table 3.2 to show the daily numbers to the survey. Following the second invitation, the survey had a good return from the groups on LinkedIn. This additional update reminded members and also new ones to the request of the questionnaire. After the initial period of four weeks enough feedback was obtained in the view of the author.

43

Thur 07 July

7

Sat 16 July

0

Mon 25 July

4

Fri 08 July

29

Sun 17 July

0

Tue 26 July

4

Sat 09 July

4

Mon 18 July

7

Wed 27 July

0

Sun 10 July

0

Tue 19 July

20

Thur 28 July

1

Mon 11 July

9

Wed 20 July

28

Fri 29 July

1

Tue 12 July

18

Thur 21 July

12

Sat 30 July

0

Wed 13 July

8

Fri 22 July

4

Sun 31 July

1

Thur 14 July

10

Sat 23 July

1

Mon 01 Aug

0

Fri 15 July

2

Sun 24 July

4

Tue 02 Aug

1

Table 3.2: The Number of Respondents throughout the Survey It was the authors view to minimise the amount of questions in the survey after reviewing a previous survey comments about other surveys on LinkedIn for a student in the UK also doing a dissertation in a similar area, titled ‘How BIM-ready are you?’.

Using reviews such as these directed the questionnaire to be more exclusive and direct (LinkedIn A). The professional questionnaire was embarked upon to counter balance this and reinforce findings, in a more qualitative value.

Keeping surveys short is also evident and recommended in (Oppenheim, A. 1996) ‘Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and attitude measurement’.

The questionnaire was an anonymity based and allows the respondent the freedom to have their unique view and opinion without prejudice.

The survey also had a non

compulsory instruction, and encouraged respondents to answer the areas of their knowledge base, and omit any question that was unsuited to them. This is the argument 44

of the author that the questions therefore answered are all answered with a knowledge base of the particular question asked. The downside to such a waiver of questions allows respondents to browse through the survey without answering any questions if wished.

The analysis of the data will eliminate any responses that are only of the inquisitive nature, and without any benefit to the research, and therefore become void in the technical analysis of the data. The survey questions posted on the LinkedIn networking website is in Appendix E.

(1)

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

Figure 3.4: Design Layout of Survey 45

The layout of the questionnaire design was to encourage the respondents to complete the whole survey with an easy approach element involved. Figure 3.4 shows the six pages of the survey as they would appear in page order to the respondents from the link to Survey Monkey website. The trend is visible showing the number of questions expanding in number and in depth as the respondent completes the previous page. The theory behind this survey design is coaxing the answers willingly from the respondents and without frustrating anyone and gain completion without loss some way through. Arguably, from feedback and further analysis by the author a few changes could have been made to make a more successful survey, and hence a more fruitful return. These will be further discussed in the next chapter on ‘Results and Discussion’. The survey captured the response of 175 total attempted, with 74 completing the survey making a completion rate of 42.3%.

3.4

Sampling, Considerations and Data.

There are three sampling methods that are the major types used in survey sampling procedures in most researches. They are ‘probability sampling’ and ‘non-probability sampling’ or ‘judgement selection’. (Ngulube 2005) The target population were all assumed to have knowledge of the research undertaken.

As previously mentioned ‘LinkedIn’ was the platform to tap into groups associated with BIM and Energy Management.

The survey was open to both male and female and only information on any involvement with BIM was required in accordance with the research set out.

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Other considerations included the attitudes of respondents both from an Irish context and global one, and also differentiate responses with climatic environments involved. The limitations of the research have to be taken into account, for example such as, assessing bias from promoters of products involved with BIM. Analysis and feedback for the survey will be review and evaluated in the chapter titled Results and Discussion in detail.

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4.0 CASE STUDY: THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS (OPW)

4.1

Introduction

The author decided on a case study that was associated with the Irish climatic environment and one that could be related to similar projects. The Office of Public Works (OPW) built a new Headquarters (HQ) in Trim, Co. Meath in 2010. Figure 4.1 shows a model representation of the new HQ.

Figure 4.1: Model of the Office of Public Works, Headquarters. (sourced from: www.opw.ie) As a growing concern to Mr. Conor Clarke the Facilities Manager (FM) of the OPW, operational costs to premises around Ireland in their organisation were becoming exceedingly high, due to current economic factors. These include the rise in cost of fuels such as oil and gas, two of the main sources of energy in buildings in Ireland, and that are main source of producing electricity (SEAI 2011b).

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Another main reason for the study was to use the surrounding environmental factors in the most economically way viable without any dramatic change to the building. The initial study was to run simulations on the proposed design to evaluate the result of the environment on the building.

The case study undertaken is from the elements of a BIM model that has been then used to evaluate the energy analysis of the building. This was done through a virtual environment and analyses using various elements of conditions associated with the location, such as weather, lighting, daylight, and site conditions.

Using the research question as a guide to establishing the significance of such designs in BIM and Energy Analysis, it is important that accuracy is the key element in estimating buildings operational systems to eliminate either under or over design. Both of these scenarios will cost more in the long run, so getting it right first time is crucial. (Realistic Constraints in Design)

Figure 4.2: OPW Completed Project. (sourced from: www.meathchronicle.ie)

Figure 4.3: OPW Virtual Project (sourced from: www.noeldempsey.ie)

The comparisons shown in Figures 4.2 and 4.3 from slightly different angles still maintain the same features. This is an example of what the client would be given to portray the vision of the proposed building, and allow changes to be adapted at the concept stage which is cost effective in any project.

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Another view of the project during the construction stage is seen in Figure 4.4, which is also useful for contractors planning

any

temporary

works

and

positioning of items such as cranes and offices, and work out deliveries to site for maximum effect in planning and logistics.

Figure 4.4: Construction Stage (sourced from: www.opw.ie)

4.2

Background

The company that carried out the study were VEsol, which stands for Virtual Environment Solutions. They were part of the IES group, Integrated Environmental Solutions that was established in Glasgow in 1994. VEsol were a Dublin based engineering firm that has provided similar services of simulation to the Irish Construction Industry in the past. Figure 4.5 shows the various areas of analysis and simulations that are used to evaluates the processes and determine values to check designs. These processes show the designer the available opportunities to the project, and if changes are needed to maximise sources in the building, for example daylight, shading and other aspects or elements.

Figure 4.5: The Areas Involving Energy Analysis 50

4.3

Simulation from the Analysis

Various simulations were carried out on the model, using real data, which is the real weather and site conditions data for the location of the project. This is done in a process of “Virtual Prototyping”, which would, design – test – improve – redesign, until a desired performance is obtained. The simulations shown in Figure 4.6 include the following; 1. External Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis 2. Dynamic Thermal Analysis 3. Internal CFD Analysis 4. Lighting Analysis (1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Figure 4.6: Four Examples of Simulation Analysis Used 51

4.4

Performance of Building

The model was also used to carry out different performances of the building. These were; Thermal, Airflow and Lighting.

4.4.1

Thermal

The initial model taken from design was tested and shortcomings were identified, such as overheating problems. After some redesign, changes were made to improve the internal thermal environment and the model was tested again. The model alterations were significant in reaching the required solutions. Figure 4.7, shows the original model on the left and the updated model on the right. Visibly seen is the new atrium that enables cross flow ventilation. The facade to glazing ratio was improved and that can also be seen. Many more amendments to the building design were made with great success to the overall outcome.

Figure 4.7: Original and Updated Models, (Benchmark and Enhanced)

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The original design is known as the Benchmark and the redesign is the Enhanced model.

The calculations can be seen in Table 4.1 that show the redesign of the model has reduced energy consumption and hence CO2 emissions. The red represent not compliant, and the green represents compliant.

Table 4.1: Calculations from Original & Redesign Models 53

4.4.2

Airflow

Using the results from the thermal analysis the final configuration of the building was established. This was then validated using CFD, and the airflow movements within the model were predicted. Figure 4.8 show the airflow performance in winter and summer, but this is done for various stages throughout the year for complete analysis.

Figure 4.8: Shows Winter & Summer Temperature Airflows 54

4.4.3

Lighting

Summer and winter performances with a sunny sky and the distribution of daylight are shown in Figure 4.9 and 4.10, and this is also done for the annual analysis.

Figure 4.9: Summer & Winter Daylight Performance

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Figure 4.10: Summer & Winter Daylight throughout the Day

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4.5

Energy Consumption & CO2 Emissions

The results from rom analysis are compared with notional (fully air conditioned building) levels and the difference in consumption and breakdown is recorded for verification of the successful study,, shown in Figure 4.11.

4.11 The building for comparison was a “Typical Air Conditioned tioned Prestige Building (Type 4): Econ 19. Figures quoted for notional building relate to type 4 – air conditioned prestige without a dedicated computer room.

Figure igure 4.11: 4.11 Energy Consumption & CO2 Breakdown 57

4.6

Summary

In any study with energy, the bottom line of how much can be saved in various situations and what is the estimated ROI. But with increasing costs in fuels and electricity, any alternative method of utilising natural energy sources is more than welcome and now a bigger savings, as previously mentioned rises in fuel prices.

The model image and the completed project shown earlier is a detailed look at the benefit that BIM gives to the client for visualising the project.

The annual energy consumption will be 185kWh/m²/year compared to 359kWh/m²/year predicted using the notional model. The 185 is made up of 113 gas and 72 electricity, and the 359 is made up of 202 gas and 157 electricity. This is an energy savings of 59.4% annually.

The CO2 emissions from the notional model are 30.1 KgC/kWh, and the actual emissions are 15.5 KgC/kWh, having a savings of 48.5%.

After IES completed the analysis the results showed the building design needed alterations and amendments to succeed in availing of the beneficial characteristics of the locations environment.

All figures, pictures and technical data were taken from the ‘OPW Building Simulation Report’ unless otherwise stated.

It is the opinion of the author that this case study further reinforces the research methods required for this study and focusing on the research question set out for the research.

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The costing of this project using BIM was approximately €20,000, but Mr Clarke was adamant that a huge savings was made in the ROI, and also commented on the savings mentioned in comparison to consumption levels.

In a brief conversation Mr Clarke had only information on the electricity expenditures of the project and said; “If traditional methods were used, effectively it would have been a filly air conditioned glass box, with estimated electricity costs of €150,000 annually, but currently the cost are approximately €100,000.”

Using estimates from Mr. Clarke with only electricity figures for analysis shows that the BIM & Energy/Environmental Analysis cost €20,000. The building is making an estimated saving of €50,000 per year on electricity alone, and is estimated at 33%.

The ROI is estimated to be approximately 4.8 months by using electricity savings.

Calculating returns and without any other aspect of savings available, the overall calculated savings may be in line with any of the ten case studies listed previously in chapter 2 in Table 2.4.

Reviewing case study reports on previous projects involving BIM and Energy Analysis, and evaluating the content of claims of nothing but overall savings compared to traditional design and construction, further confirmed the investigation into this research.

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5.0

5.1

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Introduction

The results of the survey, professional questionnaire and interviews will be analysed in this chapter. The reason for the three methods of research was to probe further using information obtained from the previous method respectively. The research takes the form of respondents globally, then professional and researchers from an Irish perspective in the area and association of BIM and Energy Analysis.

The latter two methods of research were not envisaged initially, but after receiving information from the survey, the need to use them and explore further from an Irish outlook and gather more qualitative data was necessary from the view of the author for a substantial conclusion and more focused result.

5.2

The Survey

The survey had a total of 21 questions, with 8 Open, 11 Closed and 2 Semi Closed. The survey was prepared using a website called Survey Monkey. A link is provided for the researcher to add title to be emailed or posted through network sites. In the invitation the respondents were assured anonymity and that the survey was complied of not compulsory questions. The questions were asked to the respondents to encourage that only knowledge for a particular question be attempted to maximise the accuracy of results for each one specifically.

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5.3

Survey Results & Analysis

Evaluating the collected responses, the aim was to gather information and use it for the examination and analysis. Accepting also the omission of spoilt or response errors to attain a sample of specific data. Looking at some answers received, informs the author that a more detailed look at the survey should have been taken. The coding of results and the use of more closed questions in the survey design could have been extended into some of the open questions to eliminate errors in responses. But aiming such a questionnaire to a specific selected sample attached to groups on LinkedIn, proved that estimations were underestimated. The basis of this theory is seeing choices available and presuming the title is correct for ‘Professionals’ and for these so called putting down the same choice available in the alternative option of ‘Other’. Also in similar areas of selection, the assumption of all types of engineers would avail of the ‘Engineering’ choice, such as were received just to mention some.

The initial number of questions were to find out about the respondent, ‘who and where’ and to give them a status for relating responses to specific profession and area.

A brief run through the responses will show the variations in questions completed and how the survey data is tabulated into results along with analysis. In figure 5.1 the total respondents in terms of profession is represented in a bar chart in a descending format, showing architecture and design the biggest population. The mix of ‘Other’ is a look into the Semi Closed question that has to further analyse these, as some people may misread the question, and cause errors in tabulating results. These will be discussed in the concluding chapter under limitations.

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0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

Architecture/Design…

38.5%

Engineering…

27.6%

Other (please…

20.1%

Energy/Environmen…

Contractor…

50.0%

8.0% 3.4%

Product…

1.1%

Product Owner…

1.1%

Response Percent Figure 5.1: What is your profession?

The respondents were asked what country they come from, to establish any trends from any particular area. In Table 5.1 all the countries that participated in the questionnaire are tabulated and this can clearly show the catchment of a total of 27 different countries from around the world and the depth of the survey. Depending on the source but between 189 and 196 is the number of countries in the world, including under developed ones. (World Atlas)

Country Ireland USA UK Australia Italy Belgium Brazil Lebanon Chile

No 58 46 23 10 3 2 2 2 2

Country China Norway Romania Philippines Argentina South Africa France Bulgaria Oman

No 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Country New Zealand Holland Germany Guyana Turkey Bahrain Korea Greece Spain

No 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Table 5.1: Nationality figures of Respondents

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The question of country, also allows the variation of climatic zones that will have different reasons for adopting such technologies. Ireland can be described as maritime influenced, mild and humid climate. Oman can be described as subtropical dry, hot desert climate, low rainfall and temperature of 40ËšC, and would be using such design in the cooling capacity, where Ireland would be using the design mainly for heating but also cooling (weather online).

The total completion per country is seen in Table 5.2, showing similar trend to the overall completion rate. The total respondents to the survey were 175, with a completion number of 74. The question of country only received 69 that are shown below, leaving 5 individuals opting to skip this question. Out of the top four countries, Australia had the highest completion rate of 80%, Ireland had nearly 40%, the USA had over 41% and UK with 39%.

Country Ireland USA UK Australia Italy Belgium Brazil Lebanon Chile

No 23 19 9 8 1 1 1 0 1

Country China Norway Romania Philippines Argentina South Africa France Bulgaria Oman

No 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Country New Zealand Holland Germany Guyana Turkey Bahrain Korea Greece Spain

No 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Table 5.2: Nationality completed figures of Respondents

The aim of the next questions was to identify what background of an organisational size the respondent comes from to establish their attitudes. The results show that just under half of the respondents come from a firm of between 0-20 employees. In Figure 5.2 the sizes of the organisations can be seen with nearly ž of the total amount coming from 63

companies with under 200 employees. The difference between the larger and smaller companies is respectively the amounts of exposure and complexity that they will have with projects. Larger firms will adapt to this technology better than a smaller one, because of the resources and flexibility of training staff. But this will be more difficult for smaller firms to make the transition in adopting BIM. This will be discussed further with the professional questionnaire, from architects of both a small and large firm.

3.0% 2.4% 4.1%

8.3%

0-20

49.1%

20-50 50-100 100-200

7.7%

200-500

3.6%

500-1000 1000-2000

9.5%

2000-5000

12.4%

5000+

Figure 5.2: Respondents Graded by Organisational Size.

The next question is an example of the reason for a non compulsory approach, because depending on the individual’s countries regulations, this might force an answer rather than receive it. The argument of bias could also be attached to this question, in self promoting BIM and Energy and respondents thinking by answering yes that in some way it’s another step towards implementing such a policy. In Table 5.3 the results show a unanimous 94.9% in favour of using BIM and Energy. To try and eliminate any bias the authors aim was by using the next question to know why they answered what they did by probing and to clarify their views. The answers for this are lower than the ‘Yes/No’ answer and show an example of respondents avoiding open questions.

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YES

NO

94.9%

5.1%

Table 5.3: Majority Figures for BIM Implementation.

Analysing answers to question 5, and add on from previous, this was an Open answer so the list had to be analysed to gather information from individual’s choices. The 5.1% who would not recommend BIM were not evident in these responses. The positive responses mentioned a few areas such as, accuracy, life cycle costing and monitoring.

Some of the ones taken into consideration for further analysis, and having similar views are as follows;

• • • • • • •

•

BIM allows for detailed analysis of different energy consumption models, allowing for more informed decision making earlier in the design process.

Integrates sustainable criteria’s in design phase Why not? Given a virtual model properly constructed for energy analysis, no other mechanism offers the same accuracy and speed for evaluating alternatives.

Using IES for example improves building performance (reduced energy) and gives certainty to solutions working Energy Conservation and sustainable design are very important for the future Energy use and resource depletion needs to be tackled on a large scale in order for it to make as significant impact.

I think that energy consumption is our biggest challenge in the Design / Build world. We need to develop energy efficiency in all of our projects to allow future generations a great place to live and raise families.

Energy Conservation is vital

Using the comments from results a trend is focusing on the consumption and conservation of energy in buildings. The need for a system to ensure new and retrofit buildings are designed to the highest efficient specification is well overdue. The consensus of the choices shows the awareness for such a system to enable CO2 emissions be calculated correctly and controlled with measures for the future.

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This survey has used three areas for analysis for the respondents to prioritise their choice of Cost, Time or Energy Consumption in a 1 – 3 favour. Ironically all three are attributed to costs overall. Errors that give uneven spread for analysis is respondents not choosing the 3, and just using one which makes it harder to quantify a proper detailed analysis. The details of results are shown in Figure 5.3 in a stacked bar chart format.

Also in Table 5.4 the response rate for the individual topics can be seen where further analysis is required.

100 80 60 1 2 3

40 20 0 Cost

Time

Energy Consumption

Figure 5.3: Stacked Bar Chart Showing Results Answer Options Cost Time Energy Consumption

1

2

3

Response Count

30 18

31 21

20 45

81 84

35

33

18

86

Table 5.4: Difference in Response Rate The majority of respondents answered ‘Energy Consumption’ to be the priority element of the 3, and ‘Cost’ next. The assumption is that the respondents for the ‘Cost’ may be of a client or contractor background, while the ‘Energy Consumption’ may be of the environmental concern. It is evidential that Energy Consumption and Conservation are highly rated among the respondents over the last two questions.

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Time is effectively money in the construction stage as this was estimated in an earlier case study.

The next question could be labelled with some bias and leading, especially with 93.5% recommending it, which can be seen in Table 5.5. But options are available in a likert scale for the respondents to view their recommendation of preference. “After using BIM software for energy analysis, would you recommend these packages to others in similar fields?” The author has also tried to justify the answers from respondents by asking

directly after for some reasoning to their decision.

Very Likely

Likely

Not Likely

Not At All Likely

42.9%

50.6%

5.2%

1.3%

Table 5.5: Results of Recommendations for BIM & Energy Analysis

Another add on question was leading on from question 7, and asked for recommendations of BIM Energy Analysis. The majority was 93.5% for and 6.5% against the recommendation. Assessing comments from both with firstly against it; “Very skilled designers are required for all aspects of BIM utilization and often the building model is not complete enough to accurately use the energy analysis features.

Other comments against, were with a non knowledge base for recommending the analysis, the author accepts another option of ‘ No Comment’ could have been added, but was also confident that individuals with a knowledge base would answer the question only as the instruction stated they were not compulsory. This comment is true

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and false, as using the extreme of ‘very skilled designers’. Trained personnel are required in the field of BIM, but with any practice, experience and ongoing training is beneficial to update performances. Also claiming that the BIM model is not complete enough for accurately use for energy analysis, is erroneous as part of this survey. In question 12 the element of accuracy of BIM energy analysis/consumption? The results show that over 60% accuracy by almost 60% of the respondents overall.

The comments that were likely to recommend are varied and have different and valid views in their own unique way. The choices that have a common ground of success from these products and knowledge are as follows; We use this on a daily basis. The right combination of BIM and energy analysis software indeed leads to great savings in time and energy and reduces cost.

• BIM allows for clash detection and could also be set up to identify thermal bridges.

• BIM is a great process that has improved our industry, but it has so much more potential that has yet to be utilized. It can change our industry for the better.

• Ease of use and everything at your fingertips • From the point of view of efficiency / integration and advantages of sharing with project partners • It can give a good overall evaluation to building Energy analysis at a time that it can be best designed and incorporated into a building • Because we feel these programs yield more accurate results and it is becoming the industry standard.

• More sustainable design is an imperative for the future.

• Why not. An energy productive building is always better. The energy saved when not using energy in productive building can be redirected to other profitable uses.

• Reusing information from BIM makes things much easier.

• I would recommend energy analysis software as part of the delivery of a BIM. BIM software of its own is of little interest.

Analysing comment after probing show the answers made by these respondents are from •

a knowledge base and awareness of the flexibility and value it is to a project.

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“Accepting that there is a higher cost in the design stage and a lower cost with fewer changes during the construction stage, and less meetings due to clash detection, would you be confident that this is the case from BIM design projects?�

This is the ethics behind BIM; more planning is the key for problems that are evident from traditional methods. Some views of nearly 14% which is seen in Table 5.6 are not concurring to the overall meaning of BIM. YES

NO

86.1%

13.9%

Table 5.6: BIM Majority in Favour of Research Knowledge The next analysis was another probing question leading on from Question 9, showing 86.1% the majority are in agreement, with the potentially bias question preceding it, and perhaps should have considered re wording this to avoid any element of bias for accuracy. But the view of the author again is that the follow on probing should reveal the substance required to obtain the information required.

The previous question had 79 respondents and the next running on from it had 50. Out of these respondents there were only 3 comments disagreeing with the statement set out making it a higher margin in relative terms of results of only 6% against 94%. This would be arguably biased and inconclusive with not as many respondents following through onto this question, some of the interesting comments of a convincing nature are as follows;

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•

• •

• •

• • • •

The old adage - it’s cheaper to do changes on paper (in design) than in the field (during construction). A recent personal example was the failure to use BIM which resulted in 5 million in change orders on 4 separate projects. The projects were hard bid at a 2-3% markup during a very soft economic cycle. The contract permitted a 15% markup on CO's. Net result was easily a 500K cost to the owners.

Less RFI Early integration and collaboration in the project life cycle allows greater opportunities for savings in construction phase as it is easier to change an element in virtual space rather than one that has been already been built.

There is a higher cost in the design stage and a lower cost with fewer changes during the construction stage, and less meetings due to clash detection.

Having used BIM and clash detection on a number of our projects, we have experienced firsthand the resultant benefit in the field with less RFI’s written and higher quality field installations.

I have experienced this first hand. BIM = few RFI 's I have seen it in action and am seeing the theory proven in the field by those that truly adopt the concept and new processes involved.

When it comes to clash detection there are real benefits in utilizing BIM platforms in the design phase for physical clashes Metrics from VDC and Pre-Construction clearly shows 50% reduction in RFI’s and 1020% reduction in schedule.

Using the selected results all associate clash detection as a big winner on savings and Request for Information (RFI) being the by-product of such success. This is conclusive with information carried out in the Literature Review Chapter.

The next question was to exam what respondents views are and what they have encountered. “After using BIM for projects and especially energy analysis, what would your main concern for the accuracy of the results be?” The results which are shown in

Figure 5.4 and Table 5.7 respectively has the choices of a semi closed question to ensure that the respondent can clarify their view and ensure freedom to include any additional information outside the choices given.

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6.1% 12.1% Assumptions The Model

47.0% Limited Information File Transfer

34.8%

Figure 5.4: Closed Choices Answer Options Assumptions The Model Limited Information File Transfer Other (please specify)

Response Percent

Response Count

47.0% 34.8% 12.1% 6.1%

31 23 8 4 8

answered question

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Table 5.7: Semi Closed Question of Accuracy Considerations A Semi Closed question in question 11, the option to give the individual the freedom to add any personal expertise was provided by using the additional box, ‘Other (please specify)’. The author should have also added another ‘Closed’ choice of a selection, ‘None’, for reasons as previously mentioned as 5 out of the 8 selecting ‘Other’ had no additional information. The other 3 had 2 comments that were of no relevance, and the third is as follows; “Main concern is that the modelled predictions actually come close to real world energy usage. We so far have seen discrepancies ranging from 30 - 50%”

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This would actually come under the selection of ‘Assumptions’ and add to the overall outcome, but as the individual could not relate their comment to a choice, the author will dismiss the comment from results.

Energy Analysis and consumption is the basis of my next question to evaluate how the respondents rated this in terms of accuracy and as a percentage choice. The results can be seen in Figure 5.5, with the highest agreed accuracy to be between 60-80%, by just under 40% of the respondents of 5 different choices.

39.7% 0-20%

11.1%

20-40%

40-60%

6.3% 60-80%

23.8%

19.0%

80-100%

Figure 5.5: Accuracy Figures of BIM Energy Analysis/Consumption

In an attempt not to repeat a question of similar queries the author engaged the respondents to an ‘Open’ question, and probed further into their knowledge, for issues in terms of correcting the model for more efficiency. The results of 41 came back, with 5 voids, making a usable 35 for analysis. The most specified area to be addressed was the building envelope. Using the terms fabric, façade, window & door area, and building

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envelope to compile the estimation. Also suggested in a smaller number were accuracy, assumptions, and weather data. All these area are taken into account in design, but the results show that more work needs to be done to obtain a better result. Two other comments reinforce this, but in terms of systems and plant to be used in the building for energy data/BLC. The comments made are; ‘integrated services’ and ‘laboratory equipment’. The assumption is taken that the respondent are suggesting the need for a more detailed ‘object library’ to be used for importing elements into design. This is backed up further with the interviews to the researchers in this area, see Appendix G. This is also set out as a barrier in a report by the Allen Consulting Group 2010, and again in (Azhar 2008) in survey 2, by Khemlani (2007), and clearly shows an area for development is warranted.

“Lack of BIM object libraries — accessibility to product information from building product manufacturers for use in all types of model-based applications is a crucial issue for the successful adoption of BIM by the buildings network industry” (Allen Consulting Group 2010, p.40) Availability of object library (Azhar 2008, p.4)

Some error on the part of the author, as in the question it specifies to limit answers to one or two words. The aim of this was to have a controlled correlated form of responses, but unfortunately more information from the respondents here would have given a better understanding to this problem to explore further on the comments.

The next question was used to ask the respondents objectively what they would omit in BIM & Energy Analysis that has no bearing. The results were not in much of using for analysis to estimate any conclusion from this question.

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The next area of research in the questionnaire was to establish the difference in using BIM & Energy Analysis against Traditional methods. The question was an Open one and the author through reviewing results regrets the choice of doing so, and not compiling a ‘Closed’ or even a ‘Semi Closed’ question. This question should have come with 12 choices from 0 to 100% in increments of 10, and of course a choice of ‘Don’t Know’ to facilitate the previous trends. The answers are as varied from as low as 5% up as high as 70%. The following, Table 5.8 shows the extent of the values and the calculation from them.

20

35

15 10

5

12.5 30

25

30

20

12.5 30

15

15

10

20

30

20

20

10

70

35

X

60

Table 5.8: Efficiency Estimations from Respondents The 23 estimations equal 550, and calculating the average from these, gives 23.913, nearly 24%. By looking at the highlighted figures in Table 5.8 it gives a view of the majority of between 20 – 30%. This is similar to the OPW case study, having an estimated saving over traditional methods of 33%, which reinforces the finding in both.

Another area of concern, are mandates and commitments where many countries have set goals by governments in reducing CO2 emissions and Energy Consumption as documented in the Literature Review. The author feels this is a good question and validates reasoning of combining the problem with a solution, but realises the question is a bit long winded and should have either been more concise or asked in a shorter form and directed to a specific professional, similar to the Professional Questionnaire. The results in Table 5.9 are overwhelming in favour. It has also to be noted that coming from 74

the people who may benefit out of such a decision of such prospects may not reflect in total satisfaction of results.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

46.8%

40.3%

12.9%

0%

Table 5.9: Results of BIM & Energy Analysis for Directive Policing.

In anything and especially with something new like a software technology application there will be elements and areas that will have problems. This is documented in a research report guide, ‘United States General Services Administration (GSA) Building Information Modeling Guide Series’ under section 2.4 BIM Data Exchange with Energy Models & 2.4.1.2 Limitations (GSA), this question came about with four areas of concern. Figure 5.6 shows the choices and results. Also, the respondent is given the option to discount any of these with no problems in transferring model data, by selecting ‘none of the above’.

13.3%

43.3%

A. the quality of the building model (e.g. no missing elements or invalid wall connections) B. the quality of the BIM-authoring tool writer/exporter C. the ability of the data schema used to clearly organize the information, D. the building analysis tool translator/importer.

18.3% E. none of the above.

16.7%

8.3%

Figure 5.6: Respondents Choices of Transfer Data Problems

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In the introduction chapter the building sector is mentioned to be responsible for approximately 40% of energy consumption. The respondents were asked using this figure as a starting point, should BIM and Energy Analysis be incorporated into current courses associated with buildings. The likert scale was used to grant the respondents the wish to express their decision in different degrees of agreement. In Table 5.10 it clearly shows that 98.5% agree with BIM & Energy Analysis in Education to avert further unnecessary extremes.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

71.6%

26.9%

1.5%

0%

Table 5.10: BIM & Energy Analysis in Educational Courses

In any new advancement in technology, the element of fear both is now of being left behind or the cost of going forward. An example would be any business that is not associated through advertising or functionality on the internet, is not the market leader of their sector or industry. But caution is also advisable to not dive in unknowingly where you want to go and achieve. The next question was developed to quantify the view of the respondents and an extended look at the outcome. Table 5.11 show the views for change and the sense of fear and caution are top of the evaluation.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

22.4%

61.2%

16.4%

0%

Table 5.11: Fear of Transition from Traditional to BIM

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The final ‘Closed’ question that was asked is a topic that is associated with everything at the end of the day, “the law”. “In traditional building construction, from architects, design engineers, consultants to contractors, the laws have developed with all these bodies to ensure responsibility to each of them. Is this still the case now with the development of BIM?” In Table 5.12 the results show clearly that the feeling is that BIM

needs a more legal defiance to accredit the new system. Using traditional laws with this change in technology, have no real evidence of it working or not working. The costs of various ranges of court battles associated with traditional methods are endless in most countries. Having such a system that is promoted so well in working, will have to set ground rules, to be bound into contracts, but each country will have their own law to govern them.

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

25.0%

51.6%

23.4%

0%

Table 5.12: Laws Needed to Govern BIM The final Open question and last one in the survey was answered by 37 respondents in total, and removing the answers of ‘None’ and errors were 7, making 30 acceptable responses for using towards analysis. An area that received concern of limitations was “File Transfer”, having 6 commenting and “Assumptions” had 3 in similarity. Others were things such as the following;

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• • •

• •

The designer must know what he is doing, the simulation is generally to be considered as a validation of his intuition Difficulty in accurately modeling a building or multiple buildings served by district/campus energy plants for heating and cooling.

All built in and most stand alone energy modeling software is overly optimistic in our experience with the exception of PHPP. This is the only energy modeling software we know of where the building performs better than predicted.

Needs to go through a validation process and output to standard forms easier.

Difficulty to use from a designers perspective to get early stage comparative analysis.

All comments coming each individual have their own view of where the system is causing problems through different limitations. The third comment can be seen to be pushing Passive House as the best practice in beating anything that has come before.

Checking this question to a similar one asking; “After using BIM for projects and especially energy analysis, what would your main concern for the accuracy of the results be?” The results were indicating that the concern was ‘Assumptions’ with 47.0%

with ‘File Transfer’ having 34.8%, would suggest errors along the way. The reason could be that the earlier mentioned question, number 11, is positioned approximately halfway through compared to the final question, and individuals may have lost interest along the way. This coming from question 11, had 66 responses, and the final question had 37 responses. When the results are refined to omit errors the values could be estimated to be 30 and 59 respectively, and could be used in analysis for specific samples.

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5.4

Survey Summary

They authors interpretation of certain answers indicate that you have a group number of experienced architects that have a certain technology level but with significant design experience. This is assuming that different perspectives may be evident from different understandings of older to younger designers of today.

When leaving the option open to respondents and the World Wide Web (www), some answers may be too technical to analyse or unable to understand. These may come from individuals who are seriously involved in the topic or ‘think’ they know more than they know. Also some will have attitude that are both smart and unwelcome when carrying out research.

Each question should have enough options, such as a Likert scale including a neutral or no comment selection, to ensure the maximum analysis for the question.

Taking the majority respondents in profession which was Architecture/Design and country which without any irony is Ireland, most likely coming from the groups associated with Irish connections in LinkedIn. Also other omissions could include countries for example, Oman and similar as they would have difference in building analysis and come from a different climate and context compared to Ireland.

The analysis and evaluation survey was compiled using the website Survey Monkey that obtained responses for the survey, at a monthly fee of â‚Ź20. The awareness of the survey was posted on LinkedIn group pages associated with BIM & Energy. Also used for the process were Excel and Word 2007 packages and a basic calculator for calculations.

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5.5

Professional Questionnaire

It was the author’s intention to carry a number of interviews to professionals associated with the research topic. Five individuals were contacted with the proposal of participating in an interview, and for various different reasons the potential interviewees all opted for a copy of the questions to be forwarded on by email and that they would reply by email, as this suited them best and conveniences were highly ranked as the point of commitment. The interview research soon adopted the Professional Questionnaire title, to adequately document the feedback. All five were sent on a similar questionnaire with six questions, having the first 5 questions the same, and the last specifically aimed towards their particular background. In the time frame agreed with the respondents, two out of the five replied with completion of the Professional Questionnaires. Two more professionals were contacted because of the initial response, and also because of the variation in comparison of one of the initial replies. The initial results differ dramatically in substance and understanding of the research, see Appendix F for all four respondents replies. The two initial respondents were identified through LinkedIn, and approached by telephone for this research. The first respondent Mr. Ralph Montague is Chairman Practice Committee on BIM at Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), Coordinator of BIM Group Construction IT Alliance (CITA), and is a partner in a firm ArcDox, ArcDox is an architectural practice that provides BIM for projects. The second respondent (Respondent B) is an owner of a BIM company and whose identity will remain confidential. The third and forth respondents were Mr. Terence Cosgrove of Architect & Energy Consultant MRIAI and Ms Clare White, Senior Architect with O'Connell Mahon Architects. The reason for inviting Mr.

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Cosgrove to participate was that he has a small practice, and also has some training in Revit BIM. Clare White was approached, as she is the Project Architect of the new Children’s Hospital in Dublin, which is using BIM. Respondent B, comments are basic and have no substance in any scale compared to other three respondents. This is unfortunate as an assumption was made by the author that someone not only with a knowledge base and company in this area, would supply valuable information to either reinforce or contradict this research. Also Respondent B, made an enquiry asking to clarify a question. This was done but no reply was made to answer the question after further clarification. One comment of which Respondent B made in reply to question 5 asking about relevant courses incorporating BIM, was suggesting aiming such technologies towards schools. The focus of teaching the idea of BIM to schools is going too far at present. The question clearly states the query of college courses, but as previously mentioned Respondent B retort was poor for any analysis. Without dismissing the comment made by Respondent B, energy savings in national schools is a must in terms of turn the lights off and don’t leave the taps running, and should be taught as awareness more and more. In the future after colleges firstly embrace BIM, the opportunity at the transition year stage for groups to use and be shown the BIM concept may appeal to some and guide their direction for college selection to advance further.

The three respondent’s replies, Mr. Montague, Mr Cosgrove and Ms White will be used for deeper analysis to aid this research.

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Mr. Montague is assumed to have a deeper knowledge and awareness of this topic as anticipated and has answered all the questions set to him as aimed and returned with the offer of answering any more questions if required to contacted him. This is an example of a source that is welcome in the research of information, especially when effort is made and commitment is given but is not replied to from the respondents.

In Mr. Montague’s replies he can only be described as an ambassador for BIM, the feeling that the answers are from a biased nature with owning a company that profits through similar fields as in this research is queried. But it is the authors view that all of the information supplied were without bias and are of the informative nature only to support research.

Mr. Cosgrove and Ms. White both from a small and large company. Terry has a small firm and is using traditional methods at presently, but would consider using BIM in the future when construction sector picks up and if grants come available for SME. Clare is part of a large firm that have adopted BIM for large projects. The Children’s Hospital design made requirements for the use of BIM. This shows some element of logic when into this from a government source, through the Health Service Executive (HSE) The three respondents made clear undisputed observation for the growth in BIM through courses in colleges, and further that it should be integrated into current relevant courses in this area.

Ironically the three who made qualitative responses all are Architects, while Respondent B is not, and may reinforce the awareness from different professionals in BIM. 82

5.6

Interviews

The interviews were another part of the research that was not envisaged initially and happened through researching papers and making contact to probe further into this area of ongoing research. Dr. Marcus Keane was contacted in relation to the current situation of BIM, and from this an agreement was made to carry out an interview. This was done over the phone for convenience reasons. The interview took place on the 24th August 2011 at 9.30am. The questions and answers for Dr. Keane are shown in Appendix G. in concluding the interview put in touch with Mr. Edward Corry a current PhD student in this area of research, under Dr. Keane’s supervision. Mr. Corry was contacted and also agreed to participate in the interview process. This interview was in person and took place in ‘The West County Hotel’, Ennis, Co. Clare on the 25th of August 2011 at 8.30pm. Mr. Corry’s interview is also in Appendix G. The information from both of these interviews not only heightened the current BIM situation but also focused this research for what is to come for BIM to achieve an ongoing success in the operational phase of a buildings lifecycle. Using this guidance the author revised areas associated with FM and BLC, and how the performance data analysis is of similar importance to design criteria specification, but uniquely in different phases.

Mr. Corry’s current research is in the area of benchmarking performance data that is also used in the Literature Review from his work (Corry 2011), and further echoed by DR. Keane’s interview. Also in Dr. Keane’s comment is the requirement by LEED rating in the USA, is an energy simulation for large buildings. Marcus further suggests that if this

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is a requirement, so should the BIM model to support the operational phase to ensure design data is used as benchmarks.

Dr. Keane discusses the approach that the Finns adopt in achieving success as a nation.

This is case in Finland now for the development of BIM. The Finns approach is complete commitment across all the relevant bodies. This means the government, universities and industries, all make decisions about leveraging and building up the critical mass.

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6.0 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

BIM is taking hold in many countries that have taken guidance from professional in their fields and used this in changing for the future. At a time now that the Global economy has hit an all low the fear of investment is evident in many cases. ROI is OK on paper, but when an initial cheaper price tag is waved in the face of a client, this is the there and then affordable price and unfortunately, the one that is chosen and more often than not the more expensive in the long run due to life cycle costs.

Some research options will work better than others and some will not, and depend on the respondent giving the information for feedback. Out of the two respondents in the Professional Questionnaire one was beyond poor on the scale of feedback, and the other was exceptional and a pleasure to read and also a sense of success from the process. To summarise this would be to focus the aim of the research to individuals that are the best available to ensure adequate information.

In hypocritically tainting, the positive views of the future benefits of BIM and Energy Analysis. The Irish government has not made any movement on BIM issues. This could be viewed as a wait and see scenario in many cases, but no mention from the Irish Government has yet suggested this is the case. But as suggested by Mr Montague “Fortunately we are a small market, so we can quickly learn the lessons from other, reach consensus and start leading in these areas, and it has to be at all levels, from education through industry, through to government.�

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6.1

Limitations

There are a number of limitations that apply to this research. Firstly from the author’s perspective is relying on the work of others in reports and papers to formulate an opinion, this is harder to do based on the work they have done, and not on the work of the author.

In addressing areas of great concern with ongoing developments the

knowledge received in the survey is of a personal nature with no proven accountability, and can only be used for guidance in this study and cannot be adapted for further research in this field. A further limitation would be the challenges for BIM and Energy Analysis to be a guaranteed success is limited as many researches are ongoing in this area and In the research carried out the respondents are giving their view of the whole BIM and Energy Analysis situation from systems and software packages they have encountered.

But this current advancement in technology has a number of different manufacturers that have their own limitations and expertise that are advancing gradually that contradict individual’s views. This shows that different packages have limitations and others have solutions to these problems.

The survey, and the question types with having an open or semi open, the hope from the researcher is the some new or interesting information may be obtained, for respondents ‘thinking outside the box’. But for the question of profession, and a reasonably straight forward question granted, with the semi open to include ‘Other’ for total inclusion. This is where people get carried away and others you wonder why, for the 2 example respectively; ‘I am an architect by trade, but teach Revit to Architects, Engineers,

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Contractors, and Manufacturers’ and ‘Residential single family’. The ‘Others’ selection also had an ‘architect’ in the list of results, which is clearly listed in the closed choices, and a few more professions that could be adopted into the closed selections provided.

This causes error in the survey for valid responses and unnecessary work on the side of the researcher.

The questions; ‘What country are you from?’ is a straight forward enough question seen in most surveys and is generally perceived as your country of birth. The question was an Open answer, and the answers were assumed to be straight forward. This question should have been a Closed or Semi Closed to maintain some control over respondents and make easier to analyse. The question received answers such as IL that is assumed to be Illinois, USA. Other answers that are not specifically answering the asked question whether through spelling, making a joke or reading the question as ‘County’ instead of ‘Country’ are as follows; (please note answers are as they appeared in the survey results to attain their full identity) Ireland (Working in England), Hong Kong, China, Irelande, Ireland.com, Irl, IReland, Dublin, galway. This is where the question format being left open has let the survey down in a sense that a lot of unnecessary work, trying to code answers correctly to suit the set out goal. The other side of this would be to look at it as a way of omitting responses under void, taking that if someone cannot spell their country or has made a joke along the way is a clear indication that accuracy may suffer in respect of these issues and therefore is the view of the author to omit some mentioned answers, and submit other using the reasoning that the question wasn’t read properly, and this should justify results further.

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6.2

Conclusion Considerations

Countries do not give out incentives or fund programmes for project, unless there is something in return either directly or indirectly. The assumption would be of the indirect returns, in designing and building projects more efficiently and more of a benefit to the environment, reducing GHG’s.

Not all companies involved in designing buildings will require BIM and would also be able to afford such implementation of technologies. But the fact is that in time clients will be more and more aware of such design and in time BIM designs will be competitively priced with traditional methods. Small firms will undoubtedly find this difficult, and may adopt a different thinking to design to uncover many aspects involved to compete with BIM. The current situation is evident that file transfer in BIM for both collaboration and interoperability in design is still an ongoing battle, and also expresses problems in exporting BIM files to carry out Energy Analysis.

The future in Ireland holds nothing but taxes from emissions to water, indirectly on home heating oil. This will be doubled by 2014 from â‚Ź15 to â‚Ź30/tonne. (Pope 2010) There is no evidence of bad publicity on the BIM story, in terms of not fulfilling what it says. The legal side of BIM is a place that will need revising from current laws to adopt BIM. Presently with only one case in the USA reported to have ended up in a legal dispute.

BIM is an intelligent system of designing projects, with enormous training and understanding of the principles to be adopted. This is where training of such devices 88

need to be developed into current academic courses and new ones established. The current teaching methods need to be still maintained or fears of cultured and experienced designs may lose the “battle against over designed projects”. The combination of lessons from an experienced architect and a graduate one need to be fused together proportionately, to still maintain practical design in a more efficient and effective process.

A new course from DIT Bolton Street is ‘PG Certificate in Digital Energy Analysis and Building Retrofit’ and also others with BIM courses. The Certificate course is available to unemployed people that are on the live register and suit the criteria for application.

The brochure for this has the first line stating, “Attention all unemployed architects and architectural technologists.” (DIT) This is an opportunity for the mammoth amount of layoffs of architects that is mentioned in the Professional Questionnaire, which has come from the recession and disappearance of the ‘Celtic Tiger’.

This new initiative set up by the governments Higher Education Authority (HEA) Bluebrick and Springboard that present courses that can be availed by the unemployed for free if eligible.

6.3

Recommendations

The BIM knowledge base in Ireland is relatively low and this is suggested also from survey results from Irish respondents. The survey also informs the research that BIM & Energy Analysis courses should be made more available and should also be incorporated into current third level courses with associations with building technologies. A way of 89

making this a more realistic reality the courses should be advertised to the unemployed architects that have seen dramatic losses in jobs, and use this time to up skill under initiatives set up to get people back to work, through platforms like ‘bluebrick’ and ‘springboard’, from the HEA. A recommendation would be to get the government on board with BIM and start the implementation of such a system in all government jobs. At present this is not evident in any form from a government body. Taking this into account the alternative recommendation would be for the government to set up a board or even an individual to assess the options that are available and possible to prepare a report and then make their decision on the BIM & Energy Analysis being part of the current system. In this research a look at the countries that are using BIM, and problems they have incurred and lessons learnt taken on board, as suggested in the last Chapter.

The government have started a number of great initiatives through associated bodies such as HEA in helping unemployed people to up-skill and avail of free courses. This has been seen earlier in DIT courses through springboard, with courses associated with simulation modelling. This is the kind of opportunity that should also be made available to SME’s such as Architects and Designers that are fighting to survive and complete with the larger multinationals that a wash with resources. The fact and irony is that if this is not dealt with now it will when these companies cease trading and become another statistic on the social welfare and crumbling economy, they can receive social welfare payment and then avail of unemployment schemes.

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Recommendation – Education A new training agency has been set up, ‘Solas’, taking over from FAS. This is an ideal opportunity for BIM training and awareness programmes to make its mark in the Irish market place. Some colleges such as DIT are bringing courses into their facility but the already qualified, redundant and unemployed designers, architects and builders need to start planning for the recovery and up skill as previously discussed.

Another ideal opportunity with the Minister for Education, Ruari Quinn, being a qualified architect himself could be advising on BIM. Having the background and understanding the current status would be able to make judgement on BIM for a government perspective. Mr Quinn would also work with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton, to devise a plan for SME involved in this sector and ensuring the dole queues are not added to but reduced. Enterprise Ireland is another body that could be used as assisting companies in the transition, with the aid of government support.

Recommendation-Object Library for BIM In designing systems within the model and not having all available product data available may lead to using similar products all the time and not newer and more efficient ones coming into the market.

All manufacturers of MEP systems will have to get on board and make product data readily available and compatible to BIM library users. This will be the more competitive in getting manufacturers competing on price, but also on quality and efficiency that will be vital to the project on the early decision stage that will affect both the FM and the BLC. 91

Accepting that this is the way project designing is going to go, manufacturers need to get on board and taking in a response from the Professional Questionnaire, “you can’t stop progress, but you can delay it”.

6.4

Concluding Remarks

Assessing the BIM situation in Ireland presents some key findings in the opinion of the author. In the recent construction “boom” or “Celtic Tiger era” would not have benefited from BIM. Time was vital in terms of developments, planning process were soon followed quickly by construction of the project on granted permission. BIM takes time in design and rewards itself by achieved a controlled and problem construction stage, not mentioning the other benefits. By examining this and the realisation that designing of projects have moved on from 2D. Just like the quill to the typewriter and the typewriter to the computer and imagining the changes from these past developments over decades and centuries, similar is destined for BIM. In designing and building projects with BIM systems is one thing, but getting the buildings operational process to be an ongoing efficient success is where the next step to ensuring optimal efficiency is required.

The future of designing the most economical and efficient project in building operation over the building life cycle is here, the problem is accepting this and adopting these systems into current practice and legislation.

FM for the BLC is definitely the way forward for ensuring that control and monitoring is maintained. But the question of the training and awareness, qualifications and experience of the FM has to be taken into account. It is one thing having an all round FM that can run the building and fix certain elements and some ongoing maintenance.

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The role of the FM is a serious position and should be treated as such and not allow the job to be done by just anyone. This area of personnel is vague and should be defined to a qualitative role with heightened responsibility of precision data awareness, not just turning the heating up and down, and the systems on and off.

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University of Limerick Library (2007) Guide to Harvard Referencing Style, Cite it Right, University of Limerick’s referencing series, 2nd ed., Limerick: Glucksman Library, University of Limerick.

Weather Online, http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/.htm [accessed 23 August 2011] Wiedmann, T. and Minx, J. (2008). A Definition of 'Carbon Footprint'. In: C. C. Pertsova, Ecological Economics Research Trends: Chapter 1, pp. 1-11, Nova Science Publishers, Hauppauge NY, USA. World Atlas, http://www.worldatlas.com/nations.htm [accessed 24 July 2011] WRIGHT, A. 2008. What is the relationship between built form and energy use in dwellings? Energy Policy, 36, 4544-4547.

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APPENDICES Appendix A Summary of the 14 Toyota Way Principles Section I: Long-Term Philosophy Principle 1. Base your management decisions on a long-term philosophy, even at the expense of short-term financial goals.

Section II: The Right Process Will Produce the Right Results Principle 2. Create a continuous process flow to bring problems to the surface.

Principle 3. Use “pull” systems to avoid overproduction.

Principle 4. Level out the workload. (Work like the tortoise, not the hare.)

Principle 5. Build a culture of stopping to fix problems, to get quality right the first time.

Principle 6. Standardized tasks and processes are the foundation for continuous improvement and employee empowerment.

Principle 7. Use visual control so no problems are hidden.

Principle 8. Use only reliable, thoroughly tested technology that serves your people and processes.

Section III: Add Value to the Organization by Developing Your People Principle 9. Grow leaders who thoroughly understand the work, live the philosophy, and teach it to others.

Principle 10. Develop exceptional people and teams who follow your company’s philosophy.

Principle 11. Respect your extended network of partners and suppliers by challenging them and helping them improve.

Section IV: Continuously Solving Root Problems Drives Organizational Learning Principle 12. Go and see for yourself to thoroughly understand the situation.

Principle 13. Make decisions slowly by consensus, thoroughly considering all options; implement decisions rapidly.

Principle 14. Become a learning organization through relentless reflection and continuous improvement.

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Appendix B – BIM Project Planner

Appendix C – Elements of the Research Process

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Appendix D – Letters of Invitation for Survey Initial Invitation to Respondents BIM & Energy Analysis Survey

Hello, My name is James Cannon and I am completing my Masters Degree in Energy Management in the Institute of Technology Sligo, Ireland. I decided to undertake this course due to becoming redundant about 18 months ago after been working for almost 10 years on building and civil engineering projects.

I have decided on the topic “BIM & Energy Analysis” for my dissertation as part of my Masters as I feel it is a developing area of concern that will have a big impact on the way in which we design build and operate our buildings. Not only in the future building stock, but in retrofitting existing buildings to maximise their full potential and to also minimise their impact on the environment.

My survey is not an all answer survey and almost all elements can be left blank, but if you can answer all or as much as your situation allows you I would be really grateful. I know all questions won't suit everybody that is why I am leaving it open, and I encourage you to complete the areas you know as best as possible.

The survey should only take between 5 and 8 minutes, and anyone who participates in the survey that would like any feedback or if you have any advice or criticism about the survey, you can email me on james@energyfirst.ie The information received from this survey will only be used in the research capacity as explained.

I am hoping to keep this survey live for a month, as I feel the greater impact is in the initial period, so don’t delay and get surveyed TODAY!!

Thank you for your time, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

Please ignore this survey once you have completed it, as it will appear in a number of BIM groups on this website.

Kind Regards, James Cannon https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BIM-Energy-Analysis-Research-Survey

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Re - Invitation to Respondents BIM & Energy Analysis Survey, getting good feedback!

Hi All, Surveys going good at the moment, but if you haven’t participated in it, please do as I need more quantitative response to ensure a more accurate analysis.

A big thanks to all of you who carried out the survey, it is much appreciated you taking the time to do so.

Thanks, James Cannon https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BIM-Energy-Analysis-Research-Survey

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Appendix E – Survey Questions

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Appendix F – Professional Questions & Answers Ralph Montague 1. BIM, the evolution of new developments in designing and analyzing buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner is gaining strength everyday and is in the transition of the next step for building projects both new and old, instead of traditional methods. (i) Is this the way forward for planning & designing projects, or are we not better off doing things the way we know at present?

Yes it is the way forward. You can’t stop progress (although you can delay it). This is already being adopted and others will have to catch up to stay in the game. BIM doesn’t change the core function of designers or contractors, it merely provides a more efficient means of carrying out our work, by allowing designers to virtually construct their ideas/buildings, carry out quicker and more accurate analysis on the model, and produce more accurate and coordinated documentation. BIM also allows for a better means of exchanging information in a digital format, allowing other parties to leverage that information for other core functions, like surveyors for cost estimating, contractors for programming and coordination, and sub-contractors, or specialist designers, to refine the design and construction documentation and produce shop drawings. (ii) Do you think this will be the end of the traditional methods and present way of assessing buildings for energy efficiency?

Again, I don’t think BIM is a departure from the core functions designers & contractors carry out. It is the logical progression of the “traditional methods” in a more technological enabled world. It is progress, not a completely different way of working.

While BIM is very topical at the moment, it has been developing for the last 20 years. It is just becoming mainstream at the moment.

2. This is a big step in the transition for SME’s of designers/architects to up skill to this new technology, and it will be a big task for SME as this takes time and money to do so.

What can be done to ensure that they are not left behind, and effectively pushed out of business and added to the growing unemployment problem in Ireland?

Firstly, it is not as big a step as people imagine. People don’t like change, and those who have not embraced change are usually the ones saying how difficult it is going to be to adopt BIM. Those who have embraced change are quietly getting on with their work in a more efficient manner, making profit, and even seeing their skills as a competitive advantage. There are some challenges of course – you have to make a commitment to change, you may have to upgrade your hardware, and purchase some software, you may 109

need some initial training and again make a commitment to continually improve your skills to maximize the benefit of your investment. Like anything in life, you can’t just look at the pure cost outlay, you need to consider the return on investment. If an investment into BIM allows you to be far more productive and efficient, and improves your communication with the project team and eliminates the errors on site, then you can have an immediate return on your investment. The number one thing that that can be done is a mindset change - to try and get this message to the SME’s, who more than anyone, need an efficient way of working. Once people are committed to change, they will usually find ways to make the change. If enough people in industry get together, they can promote global change – see what is happening in the UK, or even in Singapore, where the government is supporting teams that implement BIM by contributing to hardware, software and training costs.

3. The USA has implemented BIM design into government projects, and the UK government have set a date in May 2015 that all governments projects will incorporate BIM into them. Also Finland, Norway and Singapore, are using BIM in different areas, from grants to users for implementing the system to subsidies for research.

The Irish Government hasn’t anything in place yet, why do you think this is?

There is no discussion or understanding at government level at the moment as to what BIM is and what it can deliver for the government, or if they are discussing this, then they are doing so in private and not engaging with the industry (which would be crazy, as BIM is all about collaboration and exchange of information). Until you understand WIIFM (What’s in it for me), you won’t want to invest. If the benefits are clearly understood, as they are in UK, Finland, Singapore and other places, then the government would be crazy not to support the development of BIM – of course it would not be the first time that government didn’t do the right thing.

4. Buildings account for approximately 40% of overall energy usage in Ireland.

Do you think the government should invest in BIM now rather than later to curtail the current energy consumption levels at present?

Yes they should, because buildings being built or renovated today are going to be consuming energy for the next 20-30 year, but again they probably don’t see or understand the relationship between BIM process and energy consumption, and because they are not even discussing BIM, there is no opportunity for experts in industry to point this out to them. In the UK, the Innovation and Growth Team, lead by Paul Morrell, in their “Low Carbon Construction” report, consulted with industry and learned about this link. A BIS Department of Business Innovation and Skills BIM working group was set up, out of which a BIM strategy was developed. It is a close collaboration between all industry partners and government, and that is why they are moving ahead in this area. It 110

seems we don’t do “collaboration” well in this country, as very few are talking about BIM. 5. In a survey report published in the Irish Examiner in January 2010, it stated that architectural college courses has seen a drop of 27%, from 3,952 to 2,787, in the two years previous.

Does there need to be more courses like BIM and Energy Analysis developed or adapted into current Architectural, Engineering and Environmental disciplines and brought into third level colleges?

Yes, anyone who does some research into BIM & Sustainable design, will quickly realize that we are way behind other markets in this area, and if Ireland wants to have the “smart economy” that they all talk about, then we have to catch up. Fortuantely we are a small market, so we can quickly learn the lessons from other, reach consensus and start leading in these areas, and it has to be at all levels, from education through industry, through to government.

6. Have the RIAI any plans or proposals for BIM & Energy Analysis to be adopted in new buildings or retrofit in the future?

The RIAI is probably the one institution at the moment who is making the most concerted effort to educate their members about BIM and promote a higher uptake. The BIM practice committee in the RIAI is advising the Sustainability Task Force, to help promote a link between BIM & Energy Analysis. Also, the Construction IT Alliance (CITA) is hosting a BIM Group, with representatives from the RIAI, ACEI, CIF, SCS, and CIBSE, which is intended to be a “meeting point” for the various industry bodies that are looking into BIM. As chairman of the RIAI practice committee for BIM, and the Coordinator of the CITA BIM Group, I’m trying to promote a level understanding and development of BIM in Ireland, and I believe there will be great benefit & efficiency in the individual organisations in industry working together and sharing the load, rather than each working in isolation. We are encouraging governemt departments, in particular the OPW, who are the technical advisers to government, to get involved with this group, as I believe the OPW would have an important role, both in benefiting from the work and research the group has carried out to date, but also bringing their expertise to the discussion. Our aim is to have a consistent “joined-up” message about BIM going out to both government and industry.

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Respondent B 1. BIM, the evolution of new developments in designing and analysing buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner is gaining strength everyday and is in the transition of the next step for building projects both new and old, instead of traditional methods. (i) Is this the way forward for planning & designing projects, or are we not better off doing things the way we know at present?

- This is obviously the best way as it provokes collaboration between the professions. (ii) Do you think this will be the end of the traditional methods and present way of assessing buildings for energy efficiency?

- Yes, hopefully.

2. This is a big step in the transition for SME's of designers/architects to up skill to this new technology, and it will be a big task for SME as this takes time and money to do so.

What can be done to ensure that they are not left behind, and effectively pushed out of business and added to the growing unemployment problem in Ireland?

- Government investment and awareness.

3. The USA has implemented BIM design into government projects, and the UK government have set a date in May 2015 that all governments projects will incorporate BIM into them. Also Finland, Norway and Singapore, are using BIM in different areas, from grants to users for implementing the system to subsidies for research.

The Irish Government hasn't anything in place yet, why do you think this is?

- Awareness 4. Buildings account for approximately 40% of overall energy usage in Ireland.

Do you think the government should invest in BIM now rather than later to curtail the current energy consumption levels at present?

- Yes, now.

5. In a survey report published in the Irish Examiner in January 2010, it stated that architectural college courses has seen a drop of 27%, from 3,952 to 2,787, in the two years previous.

Does there need to be more courses like BIM and Energy Analysis developed or adapted into current Architectural, Engineering and Environmental disciplines and brought into third level colleges?

- Even better, get into schools.

6. What would be your suggestions for plans or proposals for BIM & Energy Analysis to be adopted in new buildings or retrofit in the future?

- Firstly, energy analysis is part of BIM. BIM is not software, but is a process. Can you clarify further please.

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Mr. Terence Cosgrove 1. BIM, the evolution of new developments in designing and analyzing buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner is gaining strength everyday and is in the transition of the next step for building projects both new and old, instead of traditional methods. (i) Is this the way forward for planning & designing projects, or are we not better off doing things the way we know at present?

Yes, I believe that this is the way forward in the design and planning of new projects into the future. BIM offers a holistic approach to design, drawing from the design team’s individual expertise (Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Energy Consultancy, Quantity Surveyors and Architects) and feeding them into a single building model which transcends the current system of the Architect co-ordinating all of the information fed in by each of the disciplines involved. (ii) Do you think this will be the end of the traditional methods and present way of assessing buildings for energy efficiency?

Ultimately, I think it will be the end of traditional methods although it may take a generation for this slow transition to occur.

2. This is a big step in the transition for SME’s of designers/architects to up skill to this new technology, and it will be a big task for SME as this takes time and money to do so.

What can be done to ensure that they are not left behind, and effectively pushed out of business and added to the growing unemployment problem in Ireland?

Initially, the Governments advisors must become aware of the importance of BIM for future building projects in terms of accurately estimating energy use and running costs.

As a parallel to this, the certainty of cost associated with a building contract by having a fully developed set of 3-d drawings which are co-ordinated with the entire design team, may also be a key consideration for the Government. The new form of government contracts attempts to agree fixed price contracts to avoid budgetary over-runs as was commonplace in the past and the use of BIM may assist towards this goal.

When convinced, the Government could introduce grant aid to sme’s to up-skill and achieve accreditation in this field. Specialist BIM consultancy firms could be promoted in the short term to bridge the knowledge gap that currently exists allowing for staged implementation of BIM. 3. The USA has implemented BIM design into government projects, and the UK government have set a date in May 2015 that all governments’ projects will incorporate BIM into them. Also Finland, Norway and Singapore, are using BIM in different areas, from grants to users for implementing the system to subsidies for research.

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The Irish Government hasn’t anything in place yet, why do you think this is?

As this is quite a new field, the benefits of BIM have yet to be fully realised. I think that as other countries begin to use BIM and its potential becomes clearer, then the Irish Government will begin to take note and to move towards similar legislation.

(Ruairi Quinn – Minister for Education is a registered Architect and should be in a position to promote BIM to his government colleagues!!)

4. Buildings account for approximately 40% of overall energy usage in Ireland.

Do you think the government should invest in BIM now rather than later to curtail the current energy consumption levels at present?

As the construction sector was most badly affected by the recession and construction activity is at its lowest level since the early 2000’s, now is the ideal time to educate construction professionals on BIM. If it became more widely used in the next few years, then when an upturn in construction sector comes, Ireland would have the necessary skills domestically, to meet the demand.

5. In a survey report published in the Irish Examiner in January 2010, it stated that architectural college courses have seen a drop of 27%, from 3,952 to 2,787, in the two years previous.

Does there need to be more courses like BIM and Energy Analysis developed or adapted into current Architectural, Engineering and Environmental disciplines and brought into third level colleges?

It is critical that third level colleges are proactive in seeking out course content that will provide their graduates with the skills to take their place in a changing construction sector. BIM must become part of this education and in my opinion, it should be integrated into existing courses such as Architecture, Engineering and Architectural Technology as these disciplines will become the most suitable users and it will complement their skills into the future.

6. As a small Architectural business, would you consider doing works in BIM in the future, and use for Energy Analysis?

Yes, I would definitely consider using BIM in the future. Presently, it would not be financially viable for my business but as the construction sector comes out of recession this will change. Also if grants for BIM courses become available, this would make it more affordable for small practices to up-skill in this area.

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Clare White.

1. BIM, the evolution of new developments in designing and analyzing buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner is gaining strength everyday and is in the transition of the next step for building projects both new and old, instead of traditional methods. (i) Is this the way forward for planning & designing projects, or are we not better off doing things the way we know at present?

There are certainly many advantages to using a BIM system, but there is also a steep learning curve for all disciplines so that they can interact successfully and maximise this potential. The challenge is to get a full design team sufficiently skilled to be able to use all aspects of BIM software to achieve efficiencies.

There are also software compatibility issues to be resolved. Revit for example which has been used on The Children’s Hospital of Ireland project has worked well for us to coordinate structural and architectural design and will ultimately benefit from an integration with the M&E systems, but it was not compatible with the IES software that the M&E engineers used for the energy modelling so they had to build an equivalent, though less detailed model themselves.

From a design perspective there is great comfort looking at the output of a co-ordinated BIM model and knowing that you are looking at all discipline’s current information.

This is particularly useful in a project as large as the Children’s Hospital (ii) Do you think this will be the end of the traditional methods and present way of assessing buildings for energy efficiency?

BIM has the potential to transform how the building design profession works. Energy modelling has made significant advances, but as with all computer programmes relies entirely on the quality of the information fed into it.

To assess energy efficiency on large complex projects it is hard to imagine any other way of successfully doing this, however the larger the project the more complex the model and the more time consuming it is to get results.

Traditional methods may still survive for smaller projects.

2. This is a big step in the transition for SME’s of designers/architects to up skill to this new technology, and it will be a big task for SME as this takes time and money to do so.

What can be done to ensure that they are not left behind, and effectively pushed out of business and added to the growing unemployment problem in Ireland?

I believe there will be a gradual changeover to BIM in the industry. The RIAI are promoting it with many CPD courses, some free training modules etc. There is also an on line forum which professionals contribute to, to share experience etc. All professionals in the industry are required to keep up to date with continuing professional 115

development and all the professional bodies should be promoting the use of BIM amongst their members.

3. The USA has implemented BIM design into government projects, and the UK government have set a date in May 2015 that all governments’ projects will incorporate BIM into them. Also Finland, Norway and Singapore, are using BIM in different areas, from grants to users for implementing the system to subsidies for research.

The Irish Government hasn’t anything in place yet, why do you think this is?

It was a requirement of our appointment on the Children’s Hospital of Ireland, a government project, that we use a BIM system, although the full extent to which it was to be used was not prescribed. The tender was also specific on the energy modelling requirements. This may be unique to our project but did show foresight on the part of those who prepared the design team tender documents.

To make it a government policy or issue there needs to be tangible, quantifiable, information available on the real benefits of BIM and its capacity to save time, money and energy. The policy makers would need to be educated on the benefits, applications etc.

4. Buildings account for approximately 40% of overall energy usage in Ireland.

Do you think the government should invest in BIM now rather than later to curtail the current energy consumption levels at present?

Energy consumption is really only one aspect of BIM, but it is an area where measurable results may be easier to demonstrate. Setting energy targets is easy to do and is being done. The more accurately we can predict the actual energy consumption or performance of a building the better and BIM can certainly assist with this.

5. In a survey report published in the Irish Examiner in January 2010, it stated that architectural college courses have seen a drop of 27%, from 3,952 to 2,787, in the two years previous.

Does there need to be more courses like BIM and Energy Analysis developed or adapted into current Architectural, Engineering and Environmental disciplines and brought into third level colleges?

Yes 6. As an Architectural company, are you consider doing other works in BIM in the future, and use for Energy Analysis? Is the New Development in Tipperary for instance going to be designed in BIM? Yes we are intending to introduce BIM on future projects.

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Appendix G – Interview Questions & Answers Dr. Marcus Keane 1. BIM, the evolution of new developments in designing and analysing buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner is gaining strength everyday and is in the transition of the next step for building projects both new and old, instead of traditional methods. (i) Is this the way forward for planning & designing projects, or are we not better off doing things the way we know at present?

Yes, it is the way forward, but no way is the present designing methods going to be thrown out, but it will see serious retraction in the next ten years. (ii) Do you think this will be the end of the traditional methods and present way of assessing buildings for energy efficiency?

I don’t think you will have an end to traditional, but to a large degree you will have a sequential approach to the process with design consumption operation, but what I would like to see at the same time is that they become more integrated through shared information models.

2. Is there a fear now with older and younger architects that the younger may have new technologies but not older values for experienced design?

The older architect will have vast experience from a design point of view, but may not see how things can be done better by new design process.

3. The USA has implemented BIM design into government projects, and the UK government have set a date in May 2015 that all governments projects will incorporate BIM into them. Also Finland, Norway and Singapore, are using BIM in different areas, from grants to users for implementing the system to subsidies for research.

The Irish Government hasn't anything in place yet, why do you think this is?

No they don’t but again there are requests for ideas especially through Forfas, SEAI, SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) etc so you could make a convincing case that research into this area is ongoing.

But adding to that you could ask now come Ireland hasn’t got involved where as Finland has? A lot of it has to do with commitment of a particular government to technology.

Taking Finland again, most recently the top universities have advertised full time dedicated professors just in BIM. Then in time will produce graduates in this area, they will be an industry.

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4. Where do you see BIM going presently?

Well you have the architect who will design and the structural and building services design. Then the architects are out of the picture moving onto the construction stage with all the relevant bodies. But most at the moment is BIM at the operational stage.

5. Mr. Ruairi Quinn is the Minister of Education and is also an architect. Would he be the person to approach to push BIM in Ireland?

Yes, I would say so, as he is a very open minded person and along with Mr. Richard Bruton (Minister for Enterprise and Jobs and Innovation) could come together to propose something. The ear and minds are open for innovation of this type but we are lacking in commitment, unlike the Finnish. If we decided to make it happen that every government department is brought into it, universities are brought into in, industries is brought into it and then make decisions about leveraging and building up the critical mass. So commitment is needed.

I don’t see private commercial companies taking on BIM as too much risk is in it for them, to the extent that it could be used. The GSA in the US are using it and possibly the OPW and HSE in Ireland can champion BIM as they have sufficient contracts that use BIM to its full potential.

In the US, LEED rating requires a simulation of the energy at the buildings as part of its requirements in the last couple of years. If an energy simulation is required, a BIM model should also be part of it to support the operational phase to ensure the design data are used as benchmarks. After all, 75% of the total cost is operating the building, not designing or building it.

Q6. What is the situation with BIM projects involving PPP or DBO? A With the evolution of contracts such as PPP and DBO, for example a German Company, HSG Zander, operate mostly on a 25 year contract for companies such as Deutsche Bank and because of that they go to serious detail developing energy simulation models to predict over the 25 year period the energy savings. So when building these models, they have to be absolutely sure about the detail in these models, have they got the right drawings, materials, energy systems etc and also decide what is the best way to hold all that kid of information over the 25 year period.

Q7. There seems to be a problem with library object data from a designer perspective, that they are not readily available and may cause an oversight of choosing efficient equipment?

It is totally immature on that level and the nearest that has come close it is DDS Cad (Data Design Systems) and that was more to do with space layout of ducts and HVAC 118

systems, as opposed to necessary operation of feature. The fact of the matter is the data is available but not in the way required to bring in into simulation tools or BMS or anything.

Q8. Education in this area at NUIG, has there been advancements?

We have a new Bachelor of Engineering Degree of ‘Energy System in Engineering’ and part of that would be in the 3rd year of the course Energy Efficient Buildings with Direct reference to BIM Technology also with the use of certain tools that are as close as possible.

We are also working with the Department of Information Technology with some Masters Students developing BIM or trying to extend BIM. The Nursing Library at NUIG is done up as a BIM for Civil Engineering Students who are taking data information from the BMS and running it into 3D geometry and being able to display them.

Mr. Edward Corry 1. BIM, the evolution of new developments in designing and analysing buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner is gaining strength everyday and is in the transition of the next step for building projects both new and old, instead of traditional methods. (i) Is this the way forward for planning & designing projects, or are we not better off doing things the way we know at present?

There are significant savings to be made if a BIM approach is adopted for a project.

These savings can manifest themselves in many ways, including removing conflicts between disciplines, limiting the changes made during construction, getting a better understanding of the build at an earlier stage, avoiding costly redesign, etc. (ii) Do you think this will be the end of the traditional methods and present way of assessing buildings for energy efficiency?

Not an end to traditional models, perhaps in the long term. As more BIM champions come on board, it will become more prevalent. When as-built bims are available, the whole building handover arrangement will change leading to opportunities for benchmarking of performance against design intent.

Integration with energy analysis tools at design stage will also improve scope for energy savings. Accurate interfaces between BIMs and energy modelling tools will reduce the timeline required for energy analysis of building options.

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2. Is BIM and EA the way forward in designing and building economical and efficient projects to combat the environmental challenges ahead?

In the way you design a building with all the (MEP) and how it should run such as watts per square metre per year. But then this is signed off on and the building is built and then commissioned but there is never any tie back to that afterwards and no analysis of how the different zones are doing energy wise and to tie it back to the original design of the building. This is pretty much design, build, commission and hand it over to the operator.

There is not enough of a loop in the holdover which is known as continuous commissioning and is more common in America. This is more than just a BMS, it is taking a lot of data and measurements from the building in the operating systems and then constantly trying to spot faults in the way the building was put together and is operated and you are constantly trying to optimise the way the building is running and to tweak the system to work in the best times that are adequate to a building without having them operating unnecessarily.

3. How is BIM different to traditional design for the operating of buildings?

In traditional design, all the research of environmental issues and operating of systems are put into a folder and one rarely looks at again, whereas for a BIM, it contains a lot of these standards that can be given to the FM to use for checking is the building performing to what it should be performing to as designed and if not why isn’t it?

4. Where do you see BIM going presently?

BIM, in real life terms, will continue to exist in the design and construction phases with some use, primarily used to provide 3-D representations of buildings and allow for cross platform integration of the BIM. Further developments will take place in the 4D-5D areas, but BIM in the operational phase is still a way off.

5. There seems to be a problem with library object data from a designer perspective, that they are not readily available and may cause an oversight of choosing efficient equipment?

Proprietary software vendors provide more stable platforms for integration between various tools, but their support for interoperability between separate platforms is varied, usually centred on IFC. The evolution of more MVDs should improve the transfer of data over time, but it is still quite immature. Some suppliers provide lists of equipment, but there is an issue over file size with regard to this also.

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