Interview with Régis Lecussan, an ENSTA-trained engineer, co-director of the Toulouse-based company EnerBIM, and instructor for the “Building Information Modeling” course in the Advanced Master’s® BE+ program in Positive Energy Buildings. He teaches work methods based on the BIM (Building Information Modeling) process.
What is BIM?
BIM is a workflow that uses a digital model to design, construct, and maintain buildings and civil engineering structures.
What are the benefits of BIM for those in the construction industry?
BIM facilitates data exchange among all stakeholders in the construction industry by enabling the sharing of structured and organized information at every stage of a building’s lifecycle. Each stakeholder can contribute to and enhance the project based on their specific expertise. 3D modeling makes it easier for all stakeholders to understand the project. Access to all technical and geometric information allows project participants to minimize information loss, synchronize their work, and reduce non-value-added tasks, such as reviewing drawings and re-entering data.
Ainsi, le processus BIM minimise les erreurs potentielles associées aux processus de transmission manuelle et offre du temps de "matière grise" aux ingénieurs pour des études plus précises. Selon des études de Lean management, près de 50% du coût d’un bâtiment, provient de reprises, de corrections d’erreurs ou d’attentes de matériaux.
As a result, the BIM process minimizes potential errors associated with manual data transfer and frees up engineers’ time for more detailed design work. According to lean management studies, nearly 50% of a building’s cost stems from rework, error corrections, or delays in material delivery. The use of BIM helps reduce project delays and optimize the time spent by project stakeholders. For example, it can save up to 50% of the time required for thermal calculations.
Does BIM contribute to the energy transition?
BIM plays a significant role in the building sector’s energy transition. It enables the centralization and storage of all building-related information, including energy and environmental data. Using a single digital model, the HVAC engineer can:
- Conduct a regulatory review of the design and construction;
- Perform a dynamic thermal simulation to optimize the building’s performance using parameters such as solar radiation, photovoltaic energy production, and natural lighting.
During the operation and maintenance phase of a building, the digital model helps improve technical understanding throughout the building’s lifecycle, thereby enabling better management and planning of maintenance and renovation work.
On what types of buildings can it be installed?
BIM applies to all types of buildings and infrastructure, from single-family homes to rail networks, whether new or existing. In the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings, retro-BIM involves creating a digital model of the existing building to plan renovation work, from the energy audit through to the execution of the project. A small business specializing in renovation can implement BIM and begin optimizing the construction process by involving various stakeholders in the overall renovation chain. In doing so, it enters the field of engineering.
Are there any obstacles to the widespread adoption of BIM?
The main obstacle is a lack of expertise. There is a shortage of professionals trained in these areas. We need to encourage companies to build their expertise in these specialized technologies. Another barrier is the persistence of established work habits. With BIM, an architect will produce deliverables that are understandable to all relevant trades. The transition to BIM involves organizational and financial investments related to software purchases and training programs. However, the return on investment is quick, given the gains in productivity and market competitiveness.
Is the construction industry ready to adopt BIM in its projects?
He has no choice. BIM is an indispensable tool that delivers significant added value for achieving the energy transition. However, this requires an investment phase, which remains a barrier in the construction industry. In construction tenders, project owners are setting increasingly precise requirements for analysis and simulation tools. Most public project tenders require the use of BIM during the design phase and, increasingly, during the construction phase as well. The role of the BIM Manager is to coordinate the BIM process. They ensure that the digital model remains compliant at every stage of the project and is usable by all stakeholders.
The BE+ Advanced Master’s® program has incorporated the BIM process since its inception. Régis Lecussan introduces students to BIM technologies and their interoperability with other industry-specific software, guiding them toward the professional skills in demand. Students learn to manage a project using BIM and gain hands-on experience through a comprehensive energy audit. BE+ students are actively involved in the energy and digital transitions.
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