Building Information Modelling (BIM) application in relation to embodied energy and carbon (EEC) considerations during design: A practitioner perspective
Buildings’ carbon emission reduction efforts in buildings have mainly been focused on operational energy reduction and, as operational energy is reduced, embodied energy and carbon (EEC) becomes more significant. However, there is currently a lack of legislation and guidance relating to embodied carbon in buildings. This, together with the United Kingdom (UK) construction industry fragmentation, creates a significant barrier to dealing with EEC during building design. In this context, Building Information Modelling (BIM) empowers communications and stores information into one single digital model and has therefore potential to facilitate EEC considerations to be included in building design. This research takes a qualitative approach and looks at the design process in relation to EEC considerations and BIM application and how the latter can facilitate the inclusion of EEC in design considerations. Through semistructured interviews with the construction industry professionals, this research investigates BIM application in relation to EEC information during design. EEC’s current role in building design and the drivers and challenges EEC considerations are being mapped. EEC information processes and how BIM facilitates EEC information exchange and storage as well as the actors involved are revealed. The overall aim of this res
