BIM-based Life Cycle Assessment

Project Description

The project aims to improve the workflow for BIM-supported life cycle assessment by simplifying the semantic tagging of components in order to facilitate use and planning optimization. Visualizations of relevant characteristic values in the BIM model will enable better control and plausibility checks. Work steps from established BIM authoring tools are to be integrated with open BIM standards in order to improve the user experience for practitioners.

Another goal is to further develop the calculation methods and standardization of manufacturer-independent data models for life cycle assessment. Both generic, material-specific parameters and product-specific EPDs should be mapped more easily in BIM data models, including the generic standard materials of popular BIM modeling software. The specific requirements should be recorded and checked in a machine-readable manner and with open BIM standards (IFC, IDS, BCF, LOIN, IDM, ISO 12006/23386 characteristics). Partial models, characteristic values and EPDs from Ökobaudat and product catalogs are to be linked, with deviations being reported back through open BCF issues.

In addition, new principles and approaches for linking in BIM models during planning and operation are to be developed. The prediction of life cycle assessments for buildings in early performance phases is to be improved through reference data-based predictions. Linked data approaches should facilitate the linking of specialist models from planners, manufacturers and life cycle assessment data. Data from operations will also be tracked.

Another focus of the project is on the concrete further development of existing online tools. The front end and back end of eCLA are to be further developed. The integration, maintenance and versioning of Ökobaudat is to be carried out via soda4LCA.