Using BIM and GIS for Sustainable Campus Development

Schools are not only institutions that provide knowledge and education but also organizations without which environmental protection is scarcely possible. Converting learning institutions into green campuses that reflect efficient utilization of energy and resources and have least harm to the environment is an important step towards the sustainable future.

As the result of these goals, technology becomes an effective tool. BIM and GIS are two revolutionary technologies in the sustainable campus development. While BIM is applied to building design and construction for improvement of efficiency, GIS is used for decision making based on spatial and environmental information. Combined, these technologies make a powerful pair that can greatly transform how campuses are designed, developed and operated.

This article looks at how BIM and GIS can be used to enhance sustainability in learning institutions through the various ways of optimising the use of resources and reducing the negative impacts on the environment as well as making learning environments healthier. With help of the tools, the schools and universities can set an example for the rest of the population and create a green sustainable world.

Understanding BIM and GIS in Sustainability

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is defined as an electronic set of instructions and specifications used to construct a building. For architects, engineers and planners, it makes it possible to model and evaluate every aspect of a project before it is built. As the design details and the construction information are linked with the data regarding operations of the built asset, BIM avoids inaccuracy and waste.

BIM is also useful in determining the environmental footprint of a project and in finding ways to reduce that impact. BIM enables sustainable decision-making processes in the institutions through aspects such as choice of sustainable materials, energy consumption through building simulation. It also gives real time information on energy usage, water consumption, and carbon footprints, which makes it easy for continuous monitoring of campus activities.

What is GIS?

GIS technology is intended to capture, store, manipulate and display geographic information. This technology is useful in establishing how geographical features are related to the environment. In the sustainability sense, GIS assists the planner in determining where buildings should be constructed, how natural resources should be conserved, and how transport systems should be laid down in order to minimize pollution.

Other aspects of GIS sustainability include estimating the environmental hazards such as flood or erosion and recommending on how best to avoid them. In case of campus GIS helps in planning and designing energy efficient campus layouts and supporting green campus with respect to natural environment.

BIM and GIS

BIM and GIS are two effective tools on their own but their synergy can boost the efficiency of sustainable development. BIM has detailed expertise in the internal system of a building, while GIS has a big picture vision of external spatial characteristics. Altogether, the two papers provide a coherent and systematic approach to the planning of sustainable schools and green campuses.

For instance, the sunlight data from GIS can be inputs into BIM to inform construction of efficient energy utilizing structures as well as the wind patterns and terrains.

How BIM and GIS Foster Sustainable Schools

a. Enhancing Resource Efficiency

An important objective of sustainable schools is to achieve efficiency in the consumption of natural and artificial resources. To achieve this, GIS is crucial because it offers spatial analysis on accessibility and distribution of the resources. For instance, GIS can calculate amount of light on a campus and identify the areas best suited for the placement of solar panels. It can also assist in locating areas that have water flow and soil quality information, which can greatly assist with water management solutions like rainwater harvesting, or sustainable irrigation for parks and gardens.

On the other hand, BIM optimizes the use of resources in the design and construction phase by giving the planners an option of identifying materials with low impact on the environment. Another benefit of BIM is the fact that it helps to eliminate wastage as it gives construction simulations that help to eliminate mistakes, and over-purchasing of building material. Thirdly, the use of BIM is also an efficient way of identifying the utilization of building components and resources in the lifecycle.

b. Reducing Environmental Impact

GIS is useful in the reduction of the effect of development on environment through assisting in selection of sites for the campus. For instance, GIS can study prospective sites to establish regions that are likely to have least environmental impact, such as, near water resources or any area that has wetlands, forests or any sensitive area. It also assists in the planning of the transportation networks by identifying the best routes to follow that will use less energy and emit less.

BIM on the other hand supports this by addressing specific environmental strategies at building level. It helps in designing environmentally friendly structures with better insulation systems, natural lighting, and renewable power sources. The use of BIM and its simulations are capable of analyzing a building’s carbon footprint before construction to enable developers to make changes that are suitable to the sustainable development goals. Combined, these technologies make it possible for green campus to be a plus in the environment rather than a minus on the natural endowments.

c. Promoting Green Campuses

In this case, a green campus is not only in the structures but in the environment too. GIS has great importance in landscape design because it helps in determining the most suitable areas for designing open areas to support bio-diversity and improved air quality.

Benefits of Using BIM and GIS for Green Campuses

The application of both BIM and GIS systems provides several advantages in the sustainable campus development. These technologies put adequate information in the hands of the decision makers. Where GIS deals with aspects like land use and weather, BIM deals with examining the designs of buildings and comparing them to sustainable goals. This in turn improves on the utilization of resources since there is little waste of material, energy and embracing of renewable energy systems.

BIM and GIS are also used significantly to reduce the environmental impact of campuses. GIS helps construction projects avoid proximity with sensitive ecosystems, while, BIM includes the use of sustainable materials and energy efficient designs, thus reducing the carbon footprint. Both allow sustainable practices such as rain water management and waste management, creating environmentally sustainable learning institutions.

Another benefit is that it is cost efficient. BIM enhances work processes in construction, reduces mistakes, and saves materials; GIS makes effective the use of resources and design of structures. To a large extent these efficiencies also reduce the capital cost initially while helping to minimize energy and water consumption to optimize lasting savings.

Also, campuses developed by BIM and GIS take care of their users’ health and safety. GIS facilitates the planning of areas for planting vegetation and the formation of layouts that enhance quality air and minimum noise. BIM supplements this by designing energy efficient building with proper ventilation and natural lighting which creates healthy indoor environment suitable for learning.

Through the integration of BIM and GIS, schools and universities can therefore reach their sustainability agendas, design efficient campuses, and enhance healthy learning spaces to students and staff which in turn aims for a sustainable future.

About BPX

BPX is a renowned business process consulting agency with more than ten years of experience, serving a worldwide clientele base across 12 countries. We specialize in business process improvement consulting, namely process mapping, process transformation consultancy, and BIM modeling services.

We partner with some of the leading BIM companies to provide innovative BIM services focused on improving operational efficiencies, optimizing workflows, and enhancing productivity. Our expertise in BIM modeling services ensures their clients achieve accuracy and efficiency throughout all stages of project execution.

As your partner, BPX strives to reshape operations with optimization solutions and help businesses exceed their goals.