This report summarizes the work conducted in TIMEPAC to develop comprehensive guidelines to evaluate the feasibility of generating EPCs from BIM models. Additionally, these guidelines aim to ensure the high quality and reliability of the resulting EPCs, thereby promoting the widespread adoption of BIM for EPC generation.
As a result, BIM-to-EPC guidelines for BIM integration in the existing and enhanced EPC schemes, considering the availability and quality of data, were developed. The guidelines considered two scenarios for a certifier to generate an EPC:
- A BIM model does not exist for the building to be certified; therefore, it has to be created.
- The BIM model has already been created; therefore, it has to be checked to ensure it can be used to generate an EPC.
To promote the adoption of BIM for EPC generation, we developed guidelines with a particular emphasis on enhancing open interoperability using the available methods and tools. These guidelines aim to contribute to developing standardized and reliable protocols to use BIM data for calculating EPCs in the European Union.
The guidelines encompass the process of extracting relevant data from BIM models and translating them into the inputs required for EPC calculation using specific tools. This includes information about the building’s geometry, materials, systems, and performance characteristics. By using BIM as a source of accurate and consistent data, the guidelines aim to address the issues of outdated, inaccurate, or incomplete information that currently hinder the proper generation of EPCs. Moreover, the open interoperability procedures outlined in the guidelines promote data exchange between BIM models and EPC software, facilitating a seamless flow of information.