Research on The Application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) towards The Goal of Low-Energy Buildings

Abstract

In Vietnam, the construction sector accounts for a significant proportion of total CO₂ emissions. Therefore, constructing buildings with low energy consumption targets is a crucial solution for achieving COP26 goals by 2050. Design solutions that prioritize the optimization of building operational energy are an inevitable direction, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing environmental sustainability. This study addresses the conversion of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to Building Energy Modeling (BEM) for analyzing and selecting options aimed at efficient energy use. Specifically, our research focuses on simulating the energy performance of an office headquarters building during its preliminary design stage. A series of models were developed by varying factors related to envelope material composition, such as masonry walls, façade glazing, window openings, and other elements. The Energy Use Intensity (EUI) index and CO₂ emission levels served as the basis for evaluating the building's energy consumption efficiency. The research results indicate that the integrated optimization model yields an EUI value 12.1% lower than the initial design model. Among the contributing factors, modifying the glazing material was the most impactful, achieving an 11.21% reduction compared to the base model. The application of the proposed model to simulate an actual building is crucial for assessing the energy usage of existing structures, thereby proposing effective building retrofits for enhanced energy savings