In product data technology, one challenge is to encourage the use of standards among industry in order to improve environmentally friendly design. Construction has a large carbon footprint. In Europe, 40% of all material and energy consumption is down to the construction industry and 40% of emissions are caused by construction.

The industry itself is inefficient and wasteful in the way that it operates: almost a third of transactions do not add value to the process. The tool to trim off that waste is already there: it is the Building Information Model (BIM), commonly based on the IFC standard, whereby all participants share project information.

STAND-INN has analysed the benefits of using an IFC-based BIM. A BIM is a repository for digital, 3D information generated by the design process and simulations: it’s the design, fabrication information, assembly instructions and project management logistics in one database.

"The BIM will exist for the life of a building and can be used to manage the client’s asset.  The benefits include reduced risks, improved productivity, and streamlined production, maintenance of design intent and facilitation of quality control " Commented Mr Christopher Groome, IAI Int. (UK), STAND-INN project member.

IFC and BIM are gaining ground. STAND-INN research has shown the major areas of use are for life-cycle costing and energy performance declaration. But these uses are at the periphery of decision making and BIM needs to be used at the heart of that decision making to contribute to sustainability. A marketplace where sustainable buildings are truly differentiated is not yet in existence. Arguably, the market will only adopt energy-efficient homes if they genuinely offer a higher quality of life and provide a better product.

"Product information flow using IFC standards would open the way to innovative solutions for sustainable building products and services" concluded Mr Christopher Groome.

Contact: Christopher Groome; IAI Int. Kettering, United Kingdom (chris.groome@b-r-t.co.uk)  or Svein Haagenrud - Project Coordinator, SITEF, Norway (svein.haagenrud@sintef.no)