Building information modeling definition

Hem / Teknik & Digitalt / Building information modeling definition

The Netherlands and Australia have similar OpenBIM-based mandates for public projects.

Table of Contents

Authors

Jane Sison

Need CAD Drawings or 3D Models?

Get professional CAD drawings, 3D models, and photorealistic renders delivered fast.

Sustainability and energy management teams

  • Analyze and optimize building performance against sustainability goals.
  • Track carbon footprint and energy use at both model and operational levels.
  • Connect design data with real-time ESG reporting.

Why it matters: Bridge the gap between design efficiency and ongoing sustainability performance.

Turn your BIM intelligence into connected building performance with Facilio

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has already transformed how buildings are designed and constructed.

It ensures architects, contractors, engineers, and facility managers always work from synchronized data.

  • Reduces communication gaps between project phases.
  • Enhances accountability through change tracking and version control.
  • Simplifies coordination between teams working across multiple locations or time zones.

Tip: Integrate your BIM model with a Common Data Environment (CDE) to ensure seamless information flow and eliminate the risk of version mismatches.

3.

Better cost control: Manage budgets in real time

By integrating cost data (5D BIM), project teams gain full visibility into budget impacts at every stage.

  • Tracks material and labor costs automatically as design changes occur.
  • Prevents budget overruns through early cost forecasting.
  • Improves stakeholder confidence with transparent, data-backed cost reporting.

Pro Tip: Use BIM’s what-if cost simulations to evaluate different design options, balancing quality, performance, and budget before finalizing a plan.

4.

It creates a feedback loop where operational insights inform future planning and drive continuous improvement.

In essence, BIM empowers facility teams to move from reactive maintenance to proactive performance management. Can BIM be integrated with FM systems like CMMS and CAFM?

Yes.

Too much detail upfront wastes time on elements that may change. Level 6 BIM ensures accurate predictions of energy consumption requirements and empowers stakeholders to build structures that are energy efficient and sustainable. While BIM offers clear advantages for coordination and clash detection, the 2D-to-BIM transition requires significant investment in software, training, and process change.

Each component carries data about its size, material, and performance, creating an intelligent model that supports design, analysis, and maintenance decisions.

2. Software like SketchUp made 3D modeling accessible, even though SketchUp itself isn't true BIM—it captures geometry but lacks the intelligent object data that defines BIM.

Contractors and subcontractors have been slower to adopt, often continuing with 2D AutoCAD workflows familiar to senior staff.

Many experienced contractors prefer 2D for good reasons:

  • Cost: BIM software licenses are expensive, especially for small subcontractors
  • Talent: Hiring BIM-skilled staff is difficult and costly in competitive markets
  • Workflow familiarity: Decades of experience with AutoCAD make change resistance natural
  • Detail representation: Certain construction details—annotations, call-outs, dimension blowups—are legitimately easier to produce and read in 2D

Can we blame them?

Work with certified experts trusted by leading firms.

.

Facility teams can use the same model to plan maintenance, track assets, and manage daily operations, keeping the building efficient and easier to run long after construction is complete.

How BIM works?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) brings together 3D design, data intelligence, and process collaboration to create a single digital model of a building.

Over a series of episodes, we will digitally transform the Library of Celsus into a modern-day facility.

Ready to witness connected construction in action? A structural beam might clash with an HVAC duct, or electrical conduits might interfere with plumbing pipes.

In 2D workflows, these clashes often go undetected until construction, resulting in costly rework, delays, and change orders.

However, the ROI far outweighs the investment.

Calculate your personalized Connected CMMS ROI

You can calculate the return on investment with Connected CMMS platforms by answering a few simple questions. It’s the most practical, scalable, and dependable way to extend BIM beyond construction, ensuring every facility operates at peak performance throughout its lifecycle.

And the industry agrees.

building information modeling definition

This information includes scheduling data that helps outline how much time each phase of the project will take or sequencing of various components.

Viewing a 5D BIM model within a common data environment to run a structure sequencing breakdown based on pour numbers.

Level 5 BIM adds cost estimations, budget analysis, and budget tracking to the information model.

Design clashes between systems (like electrical and plumbing) are detected early, reducing rework and construction delays.

4. Watch episode one!

Building Information Modeling 101: How It Works, and Key Benefits

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a smart, model-based process that helps everyone involved in a building project — from architects and engineers to contractors and facility managers — work together using one shared digital model.

All of the information gathered— from conception to completion— isn’t just stored, it’s actionable.

The data can be used to improve accuracy, express design intent from the office to the field, improve knowledge transfer from stakeholder to stakeholder, reduce change orders and field coordination problems, and provide insight into existing buildings for renovation projects later on.

How is BIM information shared?

This information in a BIM model is shared through a mutually accessible online space known as a common data environment (CDE), and the data collected is referred to as an 'information model'.

Different stakeholders have different capabilities and comfort levels with digital workflows.

For firms exploring BIM adoption or needing specialized support, working with BIM service providers like Bimeco offers a practical path forward. Sustainability and lifecycle performance: Design with intent, operate with insight

BIM supports energy-efficient and environmentally responsible building practices through data-rich simulations.

  • Optimizes material use and energy performance during design.
  • Tracks sustainability KPIs across construction and operation.
  • Enables facility teams to manage assets for long-term efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.

Pro Tip: Extend your BIM model into the operations phase using digital twin technology.

Undoubtedly, the future of construction will be even more highly collaborative and digital. How does BIM integration improve energy and sustainability performance?

BIM connects design data (materials, layouts, energy systems) with real-time performance data from FM platforms.