How are they related? It is reducing carbon emission by introducing digital technology in the design, construction, and operating phases of building. The New Zealand Building Code H Series on Energy Efficiency prescribes the level of compliance for buildings and houses to observe. This article goes a step further by introducing two concepts based on direct personal experience and observations of an under-$20 million complex currently in the design phase. The two concepts are Building Information Modelling (BIM) and IT-over-OT respectively. The terms are very technical but certainly in fashion. This article explains the concepts in plain English. The concepts apply beyond building design and operation to daily life. All readers will agree that the benefits are realistic and achievable. Readers will come out of this article happily.
1. BIM is an international standard (ISO-19650). The building construction design process is complex. It involves close to twenty engineering and professional disciplines. These professionals must produce designs in collaboration (not in silo). The BIM standard suggests an approach for synchronization of efforts. It assures zero rework due to procedural faults (interpreted as no muck around behavior for all) as far as teamwork is concerned. Design engineers must not proceed until the premises of their design have been established by the entire team. If a design engineer has a good design in mind, she waits for all premises of her design to be available and confirmed before proceeding further. Team members who are on the critical path cannot afford to pay lip service because they are exposed to the procedural spotlight. BIM provides a genuine team collaboration framework in a logical manner. Isn’t it cool? Another feature related to BIM is the reflection that modern design drawings are no longer line drawings. They are prescriptive spreadsheets! This feature allows 3D drawings to go for 4D, 5D, and beyond easily. 4D includes changes over time. 5D includes time and costs of objects in the drawings. The information forms the foundation for asset management in the building operation phase- another major energy saving opportunity.
2. IT-over-OT. IT for information technology has existed for more than 50 years. OT for operational technology in the factory or warehouse has progressed recently from programmable logic controllers (PLC) to PC-alike devices (digital devices). Digital technology has penetrated into manufacturing, logistics, and various types of control systems. An essential feature is that local systems retain their autonomy, just like an electric vehicle on the road retaining full control of its well-being. The IT connection is for operation supervision, collaboration, maintenance, and a vehicle for system upgrades.
How effective are the above concepts for reducing carbon and improving energy efficiency? The short answer is ‘across the board’ in theory. A real life answer will be obtained by comparing the scenarios with and without them in building design, construction, and operations. Compucon will report further on this topic in 12 months when the building construction project being managed has progressed from design to construction. Readers may like to comment if the concepts are realistic and achievable. Readers may further think of other domains for applying the same concepts. Online discussions are welcome.
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