Use Cases for Improved Analysis of Energy and Comfort Related Parameters Based on BIM and BEMS Data

A facility passes through several life cycle phases: conceptual design, design development, construction, use, reuse, remodeling, and demolition. In each phase, documents are created by architects, engineers, technical planners, and contractors that reflect the facility's state at certain points in time. Information exchange is achieved with commercial or open data exchange standards. Using building information modeling (BIM), complex three-dimensional and semantically rich building models are feasible that facilitate planning and data exchange in project teams and through the whole lifecycle. Such models have significant potential not only for design and construction, but also to improve building operation. This paper investigates how BIM may be applied to improve operational efficiency in facilities. More specifically, the aim is to achieve improved reporting and visualization of energy and comfort related parameters, as well as their engineering and commissioning, by application of BIM in combination with building energy management systems (BEMS). We present use cases that will guide the development of a novel dynamic BIM concept in which facility data are combined with building management system data. As a conclusion, an analysis of the feasibility of the use cases in terms of information availability is provided.