Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Energy Efficiency Awareness in Gulf Countries

Abstract

Energy efficiency in the built environment has been adopted through several initiatives depending on the context of implementation; this paper further assesses Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a toolkit designed to tackle energy-related concerns in buildings. The paper leverages energy efficiency program cases of the gulf countries’ level of BIM adoption. This case study design was qualitatively approached in which literature and authoritative contents were reviewed to ascertain the region’s adoption of the technology as a body Gulf Cooperation Council. (GCC) and independently as a country (member states). It was identified that only Saudi Arabia and the UAE have BIM tied to their energy efficiency programs, unlike other member states that have energy efficiency programs with little or no trace of BIM. The GCC management committee is therefore saddled with the responsibility of implementing BIM. Utilizing BIM for sustainability will lead to significant savings through a combination of accurate energy monitoring, immediate decision support systems, actuators, and consumption form recognition.