BIM to BEM Interoperability for efficient energy simulations

Abstract

Making buildings more sustainable and energy efficient, increases the importance of interoperability of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Energy Modelling (BEM) in the design process. The increasing use of these software calls for finding more efficient ways to work between BIM and BEM. This paper explored different workflow methodologies between BIM and BEM software focused on time efficiency and interoperability of exchange files. Multiple workflows, exchange files for example IFC, DXF and gbXML, and software, such as Revit, IESVE and Rhinoceros were selected to study and to show how choices of BIM and BEM software and exchange files influence time efficiency when conducting energy simulations on a specific case study. The investigated workflows followed the same standard steps of the interoperability process to achieve the most reliable and comparable results possible. The results of this study allow professionals and academics to compare the different workflows considering time efficiency and direct interoperability to choose the preferred workflow based on their preference.

Popular Abstract

Research aimed to optimize simulation workflows between software for practical applications.
The research explored data exchange between simulation software using six predefined cases, each case completed and timed independently, to improve workflows for practical use in everyday work environments.
With growing global attention on climate change and energy efficiency, the way we design buildings is evolving rapidly. Today, digital tools in architecture and construction play a crucial role in shaping more sustainable and smarter buildings. These tools allow professionals to create detailed models and simulate how buildings will perform in terms of energy use, before a single brick is laid. When these systems work together seamlessly, they can save time, reduce errors, and lead to better design outcomes. But integrating them effectively remains a challenge.
This research emerged from the author’s personal experience working with various design and simulation software. Having faced the complexities of coordinating different tools in real-world projects, the author recognized a growing issue: with more software entering the market, professionals often struggle to choose the right tools and make them work together efficiently. That is the core problem addressed in this study, how to improve workflows between digital design and energy analysis tools to make the process smoother, faster, and more reliable. To explore this, the author conducted practical workflow simulations using a selection of widely used platforms. The study did not focus on technical file formats but instead examined how well different systems could share essential building data, like geometry, materials, and usage patterns—without losing accuracy or requiring tedious manual adjustments. A step-by-step guide was developed based on a real-world case study, offering clear instructions and insights into the process. One unexpected outcome of the research was the depth and complexity uncovered, even though the case study used, had a simple building design. Although the case study building did not have complex shapes and geometries, the author found that even basic workflows revealed significant differences in efficiency and interoperability. This suggests that more complex geometries and building shapes could amplify these findings even further, opening the door to deeper investigations.
The results showed clear improvements in workflow efficiency and highlighted the importance of choosing compatible tools. These insights are valuable for architects, engineers, and researchers who want to streamline their design process and make informed decisions. By understanding how different software combinations affect time and accuracy, professionals can select workflows that best suit their needs and project goals.
Ultimately, enhancing the way digital tools interact during the design phase leads to faster, more accurate energy modelling. This not only saves time and resources but also contributes to creating buildings that are better for the environment and more efficient to operate.

• author: Porkoláb, Mátyás
• supervisor: Marie-Claude Dubois; Agnieszka Czachura
• organization: Division of Energy and Building Design
• course: AEBM01 20241
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: BIM, BEM, Interoperability, software
• language: English
• id: 9209928
• date added to LUP: 2025-08-21 07:46:00
• date last changed: 2025-08-21 07:46:00