Stefan Kaufmann, BIM strategy & new technologies, ALLPLAN, explores five aspects of sustainability and how tools and technologies are enabling the AEC/O industry to build for the future while protecting the planet
As climate change accelerates, the push for greener, more efficient construction
practices has never been greater.
Once built, most of our buildings and infrastructure are used by multiple generations over long periods of time. The property industry is therefore particularly challenged to adapt to rapid climate change.
The only way to succeed is through the consistent use of highly efficient, transformative technologies and workflows that prioritise sustainability across the entire building lifecycle.
With BIM, digitalisation and new technologies, this is increasingly accessible.
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Earlier integration of sustainability in design
Integrating sustainability into the design process from the start is a critical step in reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. By incorporating lifecycle and energy analysis at the earliest stages, we can make informed design decisions that minimise carbon footprints and improve operational efficiency.
ALLPLAN’s BIM design tools integrate with One Click LCA to automate lifecycle assessments, enabling teams to evaluate the environmental impact of materials, designs and construction methods. These insights allow for adjustments that support sustainability goals from the outset.
Energy analysis solutions, such as the AX3000 add-ons for ALLPLAN, can identify ways to reduce a buildings energy consumption through a thermal optimised building envelope, natural lighting and renewable energy systems.
2. Revitalising existing structures
Renovating and reusing buildings instead of demolishing them significantly reduces
waste and conserves resources.
ALLPLAN’s BIM design to build solution combines with other tools to enable teams to integrate existing and new designs seamlessly, optimising plans to extend a
building’s lifecycle while minimising its carbon footprint.
For example, digitalising older buildings through scan-to-BIM creates precise digital models of as-built environments, facilitating renovations that minimise waste and resource use.
Tools such as Scalypso4ALLPLAN streamline this process, allowing teams to quickly and accurately capture the geometry and condition of existing structures.
With these as-built models, users can assess and incorporate existing structures into new
designs much more easily, reducing the need for demolition and conserving materials.
3. Optimising materials and resources
This is also driven by increasing costs, as well as conserving resources by prioritising the smarter use of materials driven by advances in BIM and structural engineering tools.
These technologies enable multi-material design optimisation and sophisticated
structural analysis, reducing material usage while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
For example, SCIA’s AutoConverter streamlines the process of converting architectural models into analytical models, eliminating much of the time and effort traditionally required.
This ensures that engineers can start their analysis earlier within SCIA for advanced 3D structural analysis or FRILO for detailed component design calculations, enabling engineers to optimise materials and deliver multi-material designs that meet sustainability goals.
Industrialised construction is also changing the way projects are delivered. ALLPLAN
supports detailed design for prefabrication, through ALLPLAN for in-situ and prefabricated concrete or SDS2 for structural steel, minimising waste, accelerating construction schedules and reducing site disruptions. Prefabricated components are manufactured with precision, ensuring material efficiency and reliable time and project planning.
4. Waste reduction through precise planning
Reducing waste on construction sites remains a top priority and accurate site planning enabled by BIM can play a central role.
By integrating aspects such as excavation designs, formwork planning and construction site layouts within a single digital environment, ALLPLAN ensures efficient use of resources and minimises errors on site.
Integrating clash detection tools into BIM workflows can also help identify and resolve
design conflicts and planning errors before construction begins, significantly reducing material waste and delays caused by rework. Advanced issue management capabilities in BIMPLUS also ensure that problems are addressed early, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption.
Additionally, BIM2Field workflows enable seamless, paperless communication for on-site execution, ensuring that precise plans are translated accurately into construction activities. Construction changes on site are not lost but are shared with all parties in real time. This streamlined communication minimises errors and maximises efficiency, further supporting a sustainable, waste-conscious approach to construction.
5. Lifecycle management and operational efficiency
Sustainability doesn’t end with construction; it continues throughout the lifecycle of a building. Tools such as BIM and digital twins are changing the way AEC/O professionals manage buildings after construction, enabling data-driven decisions that optimise performance and reduce environmental impact.
Digital twins, created from as-built BIM models, can provide real-time insights into a building’s energy consumption, maintenance needs and overall usage patterns. This data allows facility managers to monitor and adjust energy use, reducing operational emissions and costs.
Workplace management solutions such as Spacewell can also enhance usage optimisation by analysing how spaces are utilised, ensuring buildings always operate at peak efficiency.
The AEC/O industry could be a major driver of sustainability
From early lifecycle analysis to optimising existing structures, reducing waste and managing operations with digital twins, the AEC/O industry has a wealth of tools to drive meaningful change.
By leveraging these technologies, professionals can meet ambitious sustainability goals while delivering efficient, cost-effective projects.
*Please note: This is a commercial profile
