In the framework of Sustain Eurocluster, the Catalan Energy Cluster (CEC) organised the Webinar ‘Guidelines for the use of BIM in energy performance certification of buildings’ on 26th of October 2023.
In this event, Álvaro Sicilia, lecturer and researcher at La Salle – URL presented the guidelines to generate energy efficiency certificates from BIM models. These have been developed as part of the TIMPEAC project, co-financed by the Horizon Europe programme. Manuel Marín, facilities consultant at ARCBcn, as well as a representative of Euphyia Tech LTD, also participated in a session which will address 2 main challenges: the creation of a BIM model for certification and the validation of an existing BIM model for the generation of EPC.
The aim was to explain the process of retrieving relevant data from BIM models and translating it into inputs for accurate EPC calculations, using BIM as a reliable and consistent data source. The session also focused on open interoperability, with the aim of establishing standardized and reliable protocols.
Topics covered in the technical part:
1. Current status of BIM in energy efficiency certification processes:
– Overview of the revision of the Energy Building Directive.
– Discussion of open interoperability in the context of EPCs.
2. Guidelines for the generation of EPC from BIM models:
– Introduction to the relationship between BIM and EPC tools.
– BIM modelling strategies for EPC evaluation.
– Information exchange processes for the EPC evaluation.
– Special considerations for modelling certain construction elements.
3. Real examples or practical cases that illustrated the application of the guidelines and concepts discussed in the technical part.
This practical part consisted of showing two examples of cases in which the technology is used by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector. Each case was presented for 15 minutes, providing practical insights into how SMEs use technology in the context of energy efficiency certification and BIM.
Attendees gained valuable insight into the transformative potential of BIM integration in shaping a sustainable and energy-efficient future in the construction industry.