Rapid LEED evaluation performed with BIM based sustainability analysis on a virtual construction

Purpose is to examine the feasibility of using 3D simulation transfer processes to streamline the environmental assessment of buildings that have been designed digitally using Building Information Modelling (BIM). The case study presented relates to a competition (‘Build Qatar Live’) in which one of the winning team’s objectives was to create a smart process for assessing the design against LEED criteria. The experience indicated rapid, concurrent and efficient LEED evaluation was possible within the BIM process The study presents technological approaches that can be adopted within the BIM environment to simplify the environmental assessments and embrace practices that reduce environmental and ecological impacts.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology encompassed an overview of how rapid high value data exchange within BIM to achieve a sustainable building design as part of an international design competition. Achieving a LEED rating through sustainable design was a key requirement of the competition.FindingsFindings the findings of this case study has revealed that key credits in LEED can be integrated within the BIM design process. Therefore tackling such important environmental design issues in parallel to building design, and providing key information on buildings elements needed to meet the sustainability criteria.Originality/valueThis research highlights benefits of streamlined, architectural and data software exchange through applying data interoperability of a building design. Thus skipping conventional 2D building and conventional documentation for environmental and energy designs simulations needed for LEED certifications and general low carbon design.