IEA EBC TCP ANNEX 91 OPEN BIM FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

The international research programme IEA EBC Annex 91 OPEN BIM addresses the systemic barriers to data exchange between digital building models and energy simulation tools. While Building Information Modelling (BIM) is well established in planning, the automated transfer of geometry-oriented models remains a key challenge.

The research project aims to specify the Open BIM approach in such a way that energy-relevant information remains consistently available throughout the entire life cycle. To this end, the project focuses on the following areas:

• Reconciliation of Ontologies Towards a Common BIM Library

In order to create a common database, ontologies are being coordinated within the project with the aim of developing a shared BIM library. These establish the semantic relationships between key concepts and are validated through extensive testing and validation.

• Open BIM processes and Modelling‚ Guidelines

A core objective is to harmonise international processes by defining Information Delivery Manuals (IDM) and Information Delivery Specifications (IDS). Standardised modelling guidelines are being developed to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular to integrate detailed information into the BIM planning process.

• Building energy efficiency and optimised building operation (Use Cases)

The development of specialised pipelines and toolchains is driving the automated transfer of BIM models into analysis tools. Information from architects, planners and operators flows into a central model that not only serves as a basis for information in the planning phase, but can also be used in later building operation.