A BIM-Enabled Digital Platform for Planning and Executing LEED-Certified Existing Building Retrofits

Abstract

Existing buildings have a significant impact on the environment, especially during the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase, which continuously releases carbon and consumes resources. Green retrofitting is an important approach to increase energy efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve the quality of life of building occupants. This paper develops a digital platform that uses building information modeling (BIM) to collect and present necessary data for planning and executing a green building retrofit project in accordance with LEED V4.0 O+M standards. This digital platform consists of four main modules. The first module prepares and compiles data from BIM models and other data sources. The second module analyzes LEED credits to support decision-making. The third module plans and controls the project by tracking documents and stakeholders. The last module is the reporting and visualization module to support green retrofitting project execution. This platform is developed to support green building consultants, project managers, and project owners in the planning and execution process, allowing all project participants to share the common database. All parties clearly understand their roles and activities at each project stage. In addition, the platform helps manage data systematically and efficiently, which increases the opportunity to achieve sustainability goals per LEED V4.0 O+M standards.