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Innovation by Design

Project results are not just practical resources to use in specific situations, they also bear a higher responsibility of demonstrating that is possible to innovate the way we design and build and that the construction sector can make that progress that is needed for taking up the renovation challenge.

All the actors of the construction value chain have to be made aware of these opportunities and convinced to do their part because, for complex problems, systemic solutions and integrated approaches always represent the best way forward.

The advocacy activity aims at bringing messages and testimonials to push stakeholders to act now and all together in innovating the construction processes to increase the building renovation rates in members states and Europe.

The White Paper

The White Paper aims at demonstrating the business case for using the BIM methodology on renovation works, by highlighting benefits against common misconceptions.

It is a useful resource to find case studies and practical guidance for understanding how digitalization is strategic to support meeting the objectives of the renovation policies in Europe.

It is a motivational guide for construction stakeholders and particularly SMEs that need the digital transition lever to innovate their usual practice and make the shift toward a collaborative approach in a common open BIM environment.

The White Paper collects the BIM4REN project’s lesson learnt and a set of recommendations for enhancing the role of BIM in delivering the Renovation Wave that is the challenge of the building sector of today.

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1

There's a strong link between BIM models and the entire life cycle of buildings

Digital Building Logbook

BIM models that are developed for a renovation project can become useful tools throughout the entire building life cycle
More information

Lesson 2

The quality and accuracy of the BIM model may vary depending on the use and design phase

BIM & design phases

At first, a low level-detail BIM model facilitates the evaluation of different scenarios. Later , more accurate models together with the use of domain-specific software are needed.

Lesson 3

A complete automation is not possible

From BIM to BEM

The switch from BIM to Energy Analysis Model (BEM) is not fully automated for detailed energy efficiency analysis of a project.

Lesson 4

Automated analysis is not enough

Relative versus absolute

Automated analysis tools can be useful to calculate "relative" indicators (e.g. CO2 emissions, energy performance, costs) to compare different solutions, but may be inaccurate in absolute terms

Discover BIM4Ren's Ambassador

BIM4Ren project aims to raise the awareness of institutions and stakeholders on the need to accelerate the digital transition in the building construction and management processes.

The ultimate goals are the promotion of a systemic approach to the project with the involvement of all stakeholders, and the accelerations of the rate of energy efficient renovations in Europe and in the member states.typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Some prominent figures dealing with BIM and digitalization in the building sector were involved in the advocacy campaign as ambassadors.

Read Ambassadors’ quotes supporting the BIM4Ren vision and enjoy their interviews

Our open letter to European and National Institutions

The letter contains a high-level message addressed to the European Commission and the national governments and entities involved in buildings renovation policies.

All BIM4Ren partners provided their endorsement, and the message will be spread in conferences and events in various countries to raise awareness on the digitalization in the buildings’ renovation process.

We are ready and willing to work with the European and National Institutions and invite you to join the conversation #bim4renovation.

“There is no longer any doubt today that the evolution of the European construction sector will take place through a joint transition towards greater digitalisation, provided that it embraces the entire construction value chain, coupled with improved environmental performance. To achieve this, it is essential that digital innovation is driven by the real needs of the main players in the European construction industry, its micro, small and medium-sized builders, but also by the reality of the market, namely the vital need to improve the energy performance of buildings, especially residential buildings.”

Fernando Sigchos Jiménez
EBC Secretary General