Enhancing Interoperability between BIM and BEM: Alphanumerical Information Exchange for Energy Optimization in Early Design Stages

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables the optimization of costs, time, and material consumption in integral planning processes. However, the adaptation of Building Energy Modeling (BEM) in the early planning phase is not fully exploited yet, although it is important for optimizing the energy efficiency of buildings. While BIM adaptation is increasing in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry, BEM integration faces major challenges, including interoperability issues between BIM and BEM tools. These challenges are enhanced by the fact that the current planning practice does not focus on early design optimization in the case of energy performance. Current research reinforces the importance of standardizing exchange requirements to tackle these interoperability challenges. The BIM2IndiLight project validated and documented over 400 properties for daylighting, artificial lighting and façade systems. However, feedback from the industry showed that standardization of properties alone is not enough. In the follow-up project BIM2BEM-Flow, a 3-step toolchain was devel-oped to efficiently manage and transfer project- or company-specific properties. This workflow defines parameters, assigns responsibilities and coordinates information via a BIM plugin that enables a validated export of IFC files for energy simulation. This paper presents the results from both projects, emphasizing the potential of stand-ardized properties and toolchain integration to close the gap between BIM and BEM for optimizing energy efficiency in the AECO industry.