Towards green building performance evaluation using asset information modelling

Abstract

Purpose-This paper provides a conceptual framework for an integrated asset management strategy making use of available facility environmental assessment methods and tools and proposes areas of commonality between these and the matured as-built Building Information Model (BIM), that becomes the Asset Information Model (AIM). This framework considers emerging requirements for the capture of Building Performance Attribute Data (BPAD), and describes how these can be managed in order to assist with effective post-construction building performance evaluation. Design/methodology/approach-A review of the current process relevant to the development of as-built BIMs and AIMs was undertaken which included a discussion of BIM standards and of the COBie process. This review combined with data provided by industry practitioners, led to the identification of the requirement of BPADs which can be used within existing green building tools, such as BREEAM In-Use, LEED and integrated with COBIE and FM /Asset management methods. In turn these methodologies were used to identify possible synergies and areas of integration in AIM-enabled environments. Findings-Recognising the cyclical nature of asset management and BIM, a conceptual model was generated. It was found that BPADs could be aggregated within an AIM model which could influence the delivery of effective facilities and asset management. The model considers the use of existing Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computer Aided Facility Management Systems (CAFMs) and identifies issues associated with the overall sustainability strategy. Originality value-A conceptual framework is generated that proposes the use of effective information management and aggregation of building performance attribute data within an Asset Information Model.

Building information modeling for facilities management: A literature review and future research directions

“…The very few identified studies presented different approaches to BIM implementation in energy management, which included: using BIM for monitoring, analysing and optimising the performance of facility systems and accordingly building an operational strategy to be implemented [80]; providing building energy consumption assessment that supports management decision-making [81], and visualizing sensor data in a BIM environment to support energy-saving management decision-making [82]. Other studies presented a conceptual framework that integrates COBie and energy assessment tools to develop data attributes with correct information for effective asset information modeling (AIM) [83], and a framework that integrates BIM, sensor data and regulatory information to facilitate the compliance checking process [84]. Recent research conducted by Francisco et al [85] developed a Revit plug-in that enables visualisation and comparison between energy consumption values in 2D and 3D views, using a color-coding scheme in an as-built BIM model.…”

A framework for the utilization of Building Management System data in building information models for building design and operation

“…The envisaged benefits of using BIM for asset management include providing instantaneous results on anticipated building performance and identifying areas (such as energy modelling and sustainable material selection) of weaknesses in design and specifications so that they can be improved in forthcoming projects. Although sustainability (including energy) analysis tools for early planning and design purposes exist, the performance data they generate are disconnected and separate from their ultimate downstream use by facility management systems [6]. This also means that there is a gap in the upstream flow of feedback from the building's operational phase.…”

“…This also means that there is a gap in the upstream flow of feedback from the building's operational phase. The general consensus from literature [1,6] is that the building operations phase is disconnected from the earlier phases of the project life cycle in terms of delivering the product and information exchange. It is alleged as a tradition but also as a key obstacle against asset owners extracting maximum value from their investments [6].…”

“…The general consensus from literature [1,6] is that the building operations phase is disconnected from the earlier phases of the project life cycle in terms of delivering the product and information exchange. It is alleged as a tradition but also as a key obstacle against asset owners extracting maximum value from their investments [6]. Thus, the anticipated value of design-operation integration can only be fully accrued if feedback loops from the building operations phase can be established.…”

“…However, professional domains have not sufficiently explored this opportunity as identified in Oti and Tizani [9] and Wang et al [10]. Alwan et al [6] remarked that assets have been often made attractive by declarations of design aspirations while an ever expanding performance gap exists. In facilities management (FM), existing information gaps with design are partly because of the way projects are being delivered with little or no consideration for the integration of FM issues unless a Client consciously requires this to be done [6].…”