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Smarter sustainable solutions

Green solutions can reduce the use of materials and overall ongoing maintenance costs. It's a win-win that can be achieved through the early adoption of building information modelling (BIM). BIM tools allow us to share information with clients, helping to develop a complete understanding of the entire project.

Developing sustainable solutions using BIM

We can visualise the data and use resources that will reduce water and energy consumption, generating less waste and significant carbon savings. Consideration of environmental impact from the outset is key. Retrofitting sustainable solutions into already completed design proves more costly and time-consuming.

On site, BIM helps improve scheduling and planning – optimising delivery schedules and reducing vehicle movements.

Green buildings = healthier buildings

There's a growing body of evidence that shows us green buildings are healthier buildings. Green buildings have been strongly associated with economic benefits, better wellbeing and productivity improvements among occupants across all building sectors.

BIM in action

Life cycle analysis tools such as SimaPro make it possible to test various designs and compare sustainability credentials.

The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems can be modelled to understand energy and water usage, while exploring options for water harvesting and greywater reuse.

All this information can be used to analyse whether external accreditations such as BREEAM have been met, highlighting areas of compliance and non-compliance.

Working in partnership with Bristol City Council and the Local Education Partnership (LEP), we have built or refurbished over 40 schools in the city during the last ten years.

By using BIM to accurately plan each construction phase, we can minimise site deliveries, build off-site wherever possible and reduce out-of-hours working.

Carrying BIM models on iPads means we can easily consult with people living near our sites to keep them informed on developments.

And, with access to all the most up-to-date environmental data, site teams can accurately produce reports for BREEAM assessments.

Last updated: 23/01/2017