Digital revolution: How BIM transforms the construction industry
Digital revolution: How BIM transforms the construction industry by Lisanne Reichert & Sarah Zonsius | November 21, 2024 In a world that is rapidly digitising, the construction industry is also facing a profound transformation. One driver of this change is Building Information Modeling (BIM) – an innovative method that is fundamentally changing the way we plan, construct and manage buildings. In this blog post, we take a deep dive into the world of BIM and explore how modern software solutions are driving this revolution and the challenges and opportunities they present for the future of the construction industry. Building Information Modelling, or BIM for short, is far more than just a new technology – it is a holistic method for the digital representation of buildings. At the heart of BIM is the idea of a digital twin: a virtual representation of a building or infrastructure that not only contains geometric data, but also a wealth of information on materials, costs, schedules and even sustainability aspects. In contrast to conventional CAD drawings, which usually only provide two-dimensional representations, BIM offers a three-dimensional visualisation that is provided with additional, extensive data sets. This comprehensive information base forms the centrepiece of a construction project and supports the entire life cycle – from the initial concept drawing through the construction phase to maintenance and facility management. A special feature of BIM is the ability to continuously update data throughout the entire life cycle of a building. This makes it possible to make adjustments in real time and maintain an overview of construction progress, cost trends and maintenance requirements. This makes BIM not only a planning solution, but also a management solution. What is Building Information Modeling? The implementation of BIM brings numerous advantages that go far beyond improved visualisation. Large and complex construction projects in particular benefit from the efficiency and transparency that BIM enables. But what are the specific benefits in everyday construction? Increased efficiency and productivity Centralised data storage and the smooth exchange of information between all project participants – from architects to site managers and engineers – can speed up processes and identify potential errors at an early stage. The integrative structure of BIM facilitates the interaction between the various trades and minimises communication gaps. This reduces the likelihood of planning errors or misunderstandings, which has a direct impact on efficiency. Cost and resource savings BIM helps to recognise and resolve potential problems at an early stage before they lead to costly changes on the construction site. This not only reduces direct construction costs, but also minimises delays and wasted resources. BIM can play a crucial role in sustainable construction in particular, as it helps to reduce waste and utilise resources more efficiently through accurate material calculations. Improved interdisciplinary collaborationOne major advantage of BIM is the improved collaboration between different disciplines. By having access to a shared, constantly updated data source, everyone involved – from planners to contractors – can work on the same level. This type of transparency reduces the risk of information loss and ensures smoother project execution. Sustainability and environmental friendlinessThe ability to virtually simulate various building materials and construction processes in advance makes it possible to use resources more efficiently and minimise the environmental footprint of a construction project. At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, this is an invaluable advantage for construction companies. Life cycle managementAnother advantage of BIM lies in the life cycle assessment of a building. The model can also be used after the construction phase to provide valuable information for facility management and maintenance. This ensures that buildings are managed efficiently and cost-effectively. The advantages of BIM in practice The use of BIM extends across all phases of a construction project, from the design phase to the operational phase. BIM supports architects and engineers right from the planning phase in order to create more precise designs and enable a realistic visualisation of the future building. This creates clarity and security for both the client and the contractors. During the construction phase, BIM enables precise and reliable realisation of the planned models. Thanks to the integrated data sets and precise 3D representations, potential collisions between different building components such as electrical installations and ventilation ducts can be recognised and resolved in advance. This minimises costly changes on site and ensures a smoother construction process. BIM also offers the opportunity to track changes and progress in real time. This is particularly beneficial for large projects such as airports, hospitals or bridge constructions, as it ensures that all parties involved are informed about the current project status at all times. BIM in practice: from planning to completion The role of planBIC in the BIM process Powerful software solutions play a crucial role in the use of BIM, as they support the entire process from planning to completion. Modern BIM software includes a wide range of functions that are specifically tailored to the requirements of the construction industry. Our SaaS solution planBIC plays a key role in the management and quality assurance of construction projects that are organised according to BIM standards. What is planBIC? planBIC is a powerful platform that supports all phases of the construction project from the initial idea to completion. By centralising data and enabling real-time collaboration, the software helps everyone involved in the project to stay up to date and communicate better with each other. A particular focus is on compliance with BIM standards, which planBIC ensures through automated tools such as the BIM Basis Check and the LOI Check. The BIM Basis Check: quality assurance right from the start The BIM Basis Check in planBIC serves as a control instrument to ensure that all digital models comply with the required standards and norms. This is particularly important as data and models are often processed by different parties in a BIM project. The BIM Basis Check checks whether: All necessary information is included in the model Consistency between the different models is ensured Norms and standards are adhered to
The Building Energy Act as the key to efficient construction
The Building Energy Act as the key to efficient construction by Senanur Günes | May, 28 2024 In a world where the call for sustainability and environmental protection is getting louder and louder, we are faced with the challenge of making our buildings better and more efficient. But how can we achieve this goal? The answer lies in the Building Energy Act (GEG), a law that is not only revolutionizing the construction industry, but also pointing the way to a greener future. With the motto “Building Better”, the GEG provides the basis for more sustainable construction methods and an energy-efficient future. This blog post is about how the GEG is setting the standards for green building and the impact it is having on the construction industry and our society. Ready to discover the future of construction? Then let’s dive into the world of “Building Better” together with the Building Energy Act. Low-emission construction and action is a task for society as a whole in order to reduce the use of resources and the generation of emissions. Germany has set itself the goal of keeping its building stock climate-neutral by 2045. But what does sustainability actually mean in the construction industry? It involves using renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste and emissions and creating healthy indoor spaces. It is a necessary step to ensure an environmentally conscious future for generations to come. Sustainability refers to the planning, construction and use of buildings and infrastructure, taking into account ecological, economic and social aspects. This can minimize negative impacts on the environment and improve people’s quality of life. It is a comprehensive approach that aims to create low-emission and long-term profitable buildings and ensures value retention. However, sustainability in construction presents us with various challenges, but also offers many opportunities. One of these challenges is overcoming traditional construction methods and ways of thinking and developing innovative solutions, as well as developing new technologies and business opportunities (such as planBIC). In addition, high costs are part of realizing the long-term economic benefits of an environmentally conscious building. Sustainable building: Challenges, opportunities and goals for a climate-neutral future Furthermore, the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers a variety of funding programs for building owners and renovators who want to implement energy-efficient and low-emission construction projects. The following funding programs are supported: Energy-efficient construction and refurbishment: KfW offers low-interest loans and repayment grants for measures to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings, such as insulating facades, installing efficient heating systems or using renewable energies. KfW efficiency houses: Particularly energy-efficient new buildings that meet the KfW efficiency house standard can benefit from funding conditions including low-interest loans and repayment subsidies Construction supervision and energy advice: KfW supports building owners in the planning and implementation of their construction projects with financial subsidies for professional construction supervision and energy advice KfW environmental program: The environmental program is aimed at companies, municipalities and private building owners who wish to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and measures. This includes loans and grants for the use of renewable energies, the improvement of energy efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emissions KfW offers comprehensive advisory services and information materials for building owners and renovators to help you select the right promotional program and submit your application. In addition, independent energy consultants and experts are also available to help with the planning and implementation of energy-efficient construction projects. All in all, this gives building owners the opportunity to implement their construction projects more cost-effectively and ecologically and to make an important contribution to climate protection. Energy-efficient construction and renovation: KfW funding opportunities for sustainable construction projects The previous laws of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), the Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG) and the Act on the Promotion of Renewable Energies in the Heating Sector (EEWärmeG), which were replaced and combined by the Building Energy Act (GEG) in 2020. It contains requirements for the energy quality of buildings, the creation and use of energy certificates and the use of renewable energies in the heat supply of buildings. The aim is to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and promote the use of renewable energies in order to achieve the German government’s climate protection targets. Some of the important aspects and regulations of the Building Energy Act are: Energy efficiency standards: The GEG defines clear standards for the energy efficiency of buildings, which apply to both new buildings and renovations. It sets requirements for the maximum annual primary energy demand and the maximum transmission heat loss Renewable energies: The GEG stipulates that a certain proportion of the heating and cooling requirements of buildings must be covered by renewable energies, such as solar energy, biomass, geothermal energy and environmental heat Energy certificates: The GEG standardizes the requirements for energy certificates for buildings and creates transparency regarding the energy consumption and energy quality of buildings. Energy certificates are mandatory when selling, renting or constructing a new building Fines and sanctions: The GEG provides for fines and sanctions for breaches of the energy requirements and obligations. Builders and owners who do not comply with the regulations can be fined Adaptation periods: The GEG provides for transition and adaptation periods for existing buildings in order to enable a gradual implementation of the new requirements, which ensures that older buildings also gradually become more energy efficient Minimum requirements for structural thermal insulation: The GEG contains clear minimum requirements for the structural thermal insulation of buildings to ensure that they are adequately protected from heat loss, such as the requirements for the heat transfer coefficients of building components such as walls, windows and roofs The Building Energy Act is an important component of German climate and energy policy and sets clear standards for energy-efficient construction and renovation. It promotes the use of renewable energies, reduces the energy consumption of buildings and thus contributes to achieving climate protection targets. However, this often requires investment in new technologies and training, which also creates new business opportunities. The Building Energy Act: energy-efficient construction
The potential of the construction industry: the digital building application
The potential of the German construction industry: the digital building application by Oumaima Louafi & Jan Schmidt | June 12, 2024 The construction industry in Germany is a testament to precision, quality and compliance with strict regulations. However, the path to realizing architectural visions often presents a formidable challenge – the building application. This complex bundle of documentation and approvals is not just a bureaucratic formality, but a carefully crafted framework designed to protect the public interest and provide a canvas for developers to realize their dreams. Find out how you can overcome these challenges and realize the full potential of the construction industry in Germany in this blog post. At the heart of the planning application lies a complex web of regulations at federal, state and local level. This regulatory framework is divided into three main strands: 1. building planning law: the cornerstone that determines the feasibility of building projects on a particular plot of land. 2. building regulations law: the complex pattern that determines how a plot of land may be built on. 3. ancillary building law: The supplementary regulations that include additional public law requirements. Important regulations such as the Building Code, the Building Submission Ordinance and the overarching Building Code form the fabric of this web and create a comprehensive guide through which the project must be navigated. The building application: a complex web of regulations The building application form is at the heart of the building application process and serves as a guide for the authorities to assess the compliance of your project with the complex web of regulations. The details may vary from state to state, but generally require detailed information about the building inspectorate, the approval process (simplified or regular) and comprehensive information about the property, project and designer or architect. Roles and responsibilities In the German construction world, the designer (typically an architect or engineer) plays a central role. Not only are they responsible for creating the design, but also for submitting the application. Permission to do this, known as a building design license, is granted after specific criteria are met, including a relevant degree, professional experience and registration with the relevant professional body. A network of supporting documents The building application form is not a stand-alone entity; it is accompanied by a variety of supporting documents that are carefully prepared during the planning stages. These documents are tailored to the specific project and may include architectural plans, structural calculations, energy efficiency analysis and more. The relevant building inspectorate may request additional documents to ensure that every aspect is considered and aligned with the regulatory framework. Digitization of the building application In our constantly growing and evolving world, digitalization is an essential part of it. Everyone has come into contact with digital change, whether in everyday life or at work. It is a process that will continue to influence and change many events in the future. The idea of digitalization is also slowly gaining traction in the construction industry, even if there is still a lot to improve and optimize. For example, all building applications must be digitally accessible and submittable by the building supervisory authority. With more than 200,000 building permits applied for in Germany every year, this step towards digital thinking is often a major challenge. Often, the offers provide little scope for collaborative working space, making interaction between the parties involved seem long and laborious. Otherwise, the information content is not always precise enough, which leads to ambiguity and confusion among those involved. The possibilities that digitalization offers the construction industry have not yet been fully exploited, and future-oriented thinking is also required with regard to the building application process and its optimization. The building application form: A guide to compliance with the regulations In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, thinkBIC has emerged as a pioneer, offering innovative solutions to simplify the building application process. As part of their many offerings stands the building application tool, an advanced solution that customizes the building application form to the specific location and type of project planned. The planning application tool: A catalyst for efficiency and compliance Customized forms: By asking specific questions about your project, the planning application tool automatically customizes the form so you only encounter relevant questions, reducing confusion and errors. Digital efficiency: The tool enables seamless online processing, making downloadable content instantly available and eliminating physical document transfers. Guidance and support: As not everyone is a construction expert, the BAF tool provides helpful hints and tips on every question, making the application process accessible to all users. Document management: With the ability to upload and automatically review required attachments, the tool ensures completeness and compliance, reducing the risk of delays or rejections due to missing documents. Expedited approval: By ensuring accuracy and completeness from the start, the building application tool speeds up the review and approval process, allowing you to start your project sooner. Benefits beyond the building application While the planning application tool is primarily designed to simplify the planning application process, the benefits extend far beyond the planning application itself. By fostering a collaborative environment, the tool allows developers, planners, architects and experts to work together seamlessly and ensure that every aspect of the project is thoroughly checked and compliant. This collaborative approach not only improves the efficiency of the process, but also promotes sustainable and responsible construction practices. By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, the planning application tool promotes a shared understanding of the project’s impact and its alignment with the wider interests of the community. thinkBIC: Bringing innovation to the building application The planning application is a complex and often daunting process, but it is an essential step in ensuring that building activities in Germany meet legal and community standards. With the integration of thinkBIC’s planning application tool, developers and planners can navigate this complex web more effectively, simplifying the application process and ensuring compliance from the outset. This innovative approach not only simplifies the planning application process, but also sets new
Construction in transition: the relevance of start-ups
Construction in transition: the relevance of start-ups by Philipp Haude | April 18, 2024 At a time when innovation and technological advances are setting the tone, the traditionally conservative construction industry is also undergoing significant change. From digital planning and construction processes to sustainable building technologies, start-ups are fundamentally changing the way we build. Find out in this blog post how start-ups are becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. The current state of digitalization in the German economy reveals an alarming reality: the construction industry is in last place. Even without an in-depth analysis of statistics, the industry is notorious for its insistence on traditional ways of working. Most processes are still manual, linear and time-consuming, paper-based, for the sole reason that “it’s always been done this way”. This sluggish attitude towards digitalization not only has an impact on efficiency and productivity, but also impairs environmental sustainability. Compared to other sectors of the economy, the construction industry is lagging far behind when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using environmentally friendly technologies. There is therefore an urgent need for action to catch up and implement innovative solutions that offer both economic and environmental benefits. For a long period of time, the industry remained virtually unchanged, in a sluggish, stagnant state. In recent years, however, a development has finally begun to emerge that is slowly picking up speed. While established companies are slowly beginning to open up and adapt to the new requirements, it is above all the up-and-coming newcomers who are pointing the way to the future of the construction industry with fresh ideas and innovative approaches. But what specific initiatives and projects are driving these changes and what impact could they have on the future of the construction industry as a whole? Current challenges in the construction industry The exact definition of a start-up is not clearly defined. In general, a start-up can be regarded as a newly founded company with a high potential for growth in an innovative market. The age of the company is not necessarily decisive. Only when a company has successfully established itself is it usually no longer considered a start-up. Start-ups are playing an increasingly important role in the construction industry, as they bring fresh ideas, innovative technologies and agile working methods to the table. In contrast to established companies, start-ups are often more flexible, more willing to take risks and can react more quickly to new trends. They offer solutions to existing problems and produce disruptive innovations that can increase efficiency and improve sustainability. An important contribution of start-ups lies in the digitalization of construction processes. Through the use of building information modelling (BIM), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), they are revolutionizing the planning, design and management of construction projects. These technologies enable more precise planning, better collaboration between project participants and more efficient use of resources. In addition, many start-ups are focusing on sustainable construction technologies and materials. They are developing innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects, for example through the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient building envelopes and alternative construction processes. These approaches not only contribute to environmental protection, but can also lead to long-term cost savings and a competitive advantage. Another area in which start-ups are active is the modernization of the construction industry through the introduction of new business models and services. They offer platforms for brokering construction contracts, digital tools for construction project management and innovative financing solutions for construction projects. These new approaches make it easier for construction companies to work more effectively, better meet customer needs and increase profitability. The role of start-ups in the construction industry The construction industry is opening the door for start-ups, which brings with it both huge opportunities and significant challenges. On the one hand, there is enormous market potential for innovative solutions and technologies as the industry strives to operate more efficiently, sustainably and cost-effectively. In this environment, start-ups with their agile structure and innovative spirit can respond quickly to this demand and secure a firm place in the market. However, many start-ups in the construction industry face financial hurdles and investment difficulties. The need for capital to develop new technologies and implement construction projects is enormous, and many start-ups struggle to raise the necessary funds, especially in the early stages of their existence. Another obstacle lies in the established structures and players in the industry. In an environment characterized by traditional ways of working, it is difficult for new companies to gain a foothold and win the trust of customers. Small companies and suppliers, for example, are often critical of the digitalization of their processes. Change tends to be seen as a cost factor and the added value is underestimated. In addition, regulatory requirements and bureaucratic hurdles can make market entry even more difficult. Nevertheless, these challenges also present an opportunity for differentiation and a competitive advantage. Start-ups that manage to overcome these obstacles and offer innovative solutions can establish themselves as pioneers in the industry and achieve long-term success. All in all, the outlook for start-ups in the construction industry is promising, but it takes a smart strategic approach and solid funding to capitalize on these opportunities and overcome the challenges. Opportunities and challenges for start-ups The construction industry is a multifaceted sector that is being transformed by a multitude of innovations and technological advances. To name all areas would go beyond the scope of this blog post. Therefore, only a few examples are listed below: Building materials and components: Innovative approaches in this area focus on the development and use of materials that are environmentally friendly, durable and resource-efficient. New building materials can be made from recycled or renewable raw materials, for example, while still meeting high standards in terms of stability and safety. In addition, new manufacturing processes are being developed that enable faster and more cost-effective production without compromising on quality. Vehicles and appliances: Innovations in this area are aimed at making construction vehicles and
Construction Software: Innovating for Competitive Edge
Construction Software: Innovating for Competitive Edge by Yannik Wegener | March 11, 2024 The construction industry has changed dramatically in recent years. One of the driving forces behind this transformation is advancing digitalization. In this age of technological innovation, construction software plays a crucial role in optimizing construction projects and increasing efficiency across the industry. From planning and construction management to communication and project management, software solutions are having a significant impact on working practices and competitiveness worldwide. Read our blog post to find out how innovative construction software is revolutionizing traditional construction methods. PlanRadar facilitates construction site management through a central platform with efficient task management, communication and real-time access to project data. In the area of digital construction management, Planstack introduces a user-friendly platform that focuses on process standardization and provides an individual customer portal. With a focus on model checking and effective collaboration, Solibri relies on a central data platform to identify potential problems at an early stage. Bluebeam Revu offers comprehensive digital plan management, improves efficiency through annotation and highlighting tools and enables location-independent collaboration via the cloud. As a newcomer in the industry, planBIC offers a collaborative software-as-a-service solution that specializes in automated completeness and quality checks of construction project documents. These software solutions not only facilitate the organization and coordination of construction projects, but also increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve collaboration between all parties involved. With functions such as task management, real-time access, standardization of processes, model checking and digital plan editing, they offer a holistic approach to the challenges of the construction industry. Companies in the construction industry benefit from the transparency, time savings and improved communication processes made possible by the use of software solutions. In the following, we will show you the opportunities offered by digital solutions and the competitive advantage they can give you. Software solutions for the construction industry: For efficient construction management PlanRadar is an innovative SaaS platform developed specifically for construction site management, task management and communication in construction and real estate projects. The software revolutionizes construction site management by providing a central platform that enables all project participants to easily access and edit shared data. Task management in PlanRadar is a key feature that enables easy creation, assignment and tracking of tasks. This functionality significantly increases efficiency in the project organization. The integrated communication platform facilitates the exchange of information and collaboration between all project members. Of particular note is the real-time access to project data, which enables teams to increase quality, reduce costs and get work done at an accelerated pace. This feature not only creates transparency, but also enables rapid response to changes and effective monitoring of construction progress. PlanRadar’s flexibility is demonstrated by its adaptability to different company sizes and processes, making the software a versatile solution for construction project management. Overall, PlanRadar facilitates the organization, coordination and successful execution of construction projects. In addition, the software increases efficiency in construction projects and real estate companies by simplifying daily activities and communication processes. The real-time access function leads to significant time savings, while the improved communication and collaboration contributes to significant cost savings. The platform provides added value to everyone involved in the project lifecycle, helping to optimize workflows, save time and costs, and improve communication and collaboration on construction sites and in real estate companies. PlanRadar: More efficiency in construction site management through digital task management, communication & reporting Planstack is a web application that specializes in digital construction management. The software provides a central data platform for all project participants, enabling efficient collaboration. The aim of Planstack is to make construction projects error-free, organized and more productive by intelligently linking people and data. The construction software offers comprehensive support across all project phases and includes functions such as task boards, plan server & data room, warranty & defect management, digital sampling, special request management, electrical planning and real-time chat. Planstack’s user interface is user-friendly and does not require lengthy training. The standardization of processes enables fast and efficient handling of construction processes, resulting in considerable time savings. The construction software ensures a comprehensive overview of all tasks in the construction project and promotes efficient collaboration and communication. An individual customer portal offers transparency throughout the entire process and improves communication, coordination and documentation relating to the construction project. Planstack is particularly suitable for developers, investors and public clients who are looking for efficient and transparent collaboration in the construction project. Planstack: Efficient collaboration between all parties involved in a construction project The Solibri construction software from Nemetschek specializes in model checking and collaboration in the construction industry. The application offers a central data platform for all project participants, thereby promoting efficient collaboration. Based on the OPEN BIM concept, Solibri is able to import building and specialist models from various BIM software products. The software identifies potential problems at an early stage and helps to resolve them in order to prevent complications later on. Solibri offers a wide range of functions, including quantity takeoff, version comparison, calculation, communication, code checking, clash detection and quality control. The construction software checks not only quantitative but also qualitative aspects of building models, including details such as accessibility and optimally dimensioned parking spaces. The application is aimed at architects, civil engineers, planners, construction companies, authorities and agencies looking for efficient and transparent collaboration in construction projects. The advantages of Solibri are cost reduction, time savings, sustainability, minimization of control risks and interoperability with various software products. Solibri therefore not only helps to make construction projects more efficient, but also to implement them in a higher-quality and more sustainable manner. Solibri: Precise IFC model checks for optimized construction quality Bluebeam Revu is a comprehensive software solution, which is also a product from Nemetschek’s product portfolio that specializes in digital plan management and collaboration in the construction industry. The application makes it easy to create, edit, mark up and share PDF documents, especially construction plans and technical drawings. Bluebeam Revu’s key features include tools for