SDG Goal #3: How Does BIM Support Good Health and Quality of Life?
In the previous episode of this series, we discussed what ESG and SDG goals are, compared them, and considered their correlations with BIM. In this and subsequent articles, we will take a closer look at how BIM can be used to achieve specific, selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This post will focus in particular on Goal 3. Discover how BIM supports health and well-being through energy efficiency and sustainable building design.
Click below to check out other posts:
- SDGs vs ESG and How BIM Can Help Achieve Sustainable Goals
- SDG Goal #3: How Does BIM Support Good Health and Quality of Life?
- SDG Goal #7: Can BIM Help Ensure Sustainable Energy?
- Goal #8 SDG: Can BIM Drive Sustainable Economic Growth?
- Goal #9 SDG: Can BIM Support Innovation and Infrastructure Development?
- SDG Goal #11: Can BIM Help Build Sustainable Cities and Environments?
- SDG Goal 12: How BIM Can Contribute to Sustainable Consumption and Production
- Goal #13: Does BIM Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts? – Series Summary
Goal 3 – Can BIM promote health and well-being?
Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people of all ages. Some aspects of the BIM methodology can be used as a tool to support the health and comfort of building users.
BIM can significantly support, in particular, sub-item 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and diseases caused by hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution (UN).”
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings
Energy efficient buildings are those that use less energy for heating, cooling, lighting and other needs. They have a positive impact on the environment because they emit fewer air pollutants and contribute to reduced energy consumption. A natural consequence of a lower negative impact on the environment is a positive impact on human life in that environment. BIM can help improve the energy efficiency of buildings by:
- Energy consumption analysis. BIM enables the simulation of a building’s energy consumption, which allows for the identification of areas where energy can be saved.
- Share energy usage data. By linking the sensors of a facility’s assets to the BIM model, energy usage data can be shared with all stakeholders, which can help monitor and improve the building’s energy efficiency.
Better evidence of LEED and BREEAM certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certifications are international certification systems for sustainable buildings. Both systems require buildings to meet specific energy efficiency standards.
The World Green Building Council, the institution that manages the global LEED certification, emphasizes the importance of “green” buildings for health and well-being. Through environmental amenities and minimizing exposure to environmental hazards, “green” buildings contribute to improving the quality of life of their inhabitants. BIM can facilitate the fulfillment of LEED and BREEAM certification conditions because it allows:
- More accurate energy calculations. A BIM model allows for more accurate calculations of a building’s energy consumption, which can help achieve a higher rating in certification systems.
- Automation of the energy consumption calculation process. Which can facilitate and speed up the certification process.
Optimization of ventilation and air conditioning
Ventilation and air conditioning are essential for ensuring thermal comfort and clean indoor air. However, poorly designed ventilation and air conditioning systems can consume a lot of energy and contribute to air pollution. BIM can help optimize ventilation and air conditioning systems by:
- Simulation of environmental conditions. BIM enables simulation of conditions in a building, which allows for the selection of appropriate operating parameters of ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Collaboration between different stakeholders. BIM enables collaboration between designers, contractors and investors, which can contribute to a better understanding of the building’s ventilation and air conditioning needs and the selection of appropriate solutions.
Increasing the availability of daylight – BIM supports good health
Daylight has a positive impact on human health and well-being. It helps regulate circadian rhythms, improves mood and work efficiency. BIM can contribute to increasing the availability of daylight by:
- Daylight accessibility assessment. BIM enables the assessment of daylight accessibility in rooms, which allows for the identification of areas where access to light can be improved.
- Designing buildings with shading in mind. BIM enables the design of buildings with shading from neighbouring buildings in mind, which can help increase the availability of light in rooms.
BIM also supports the planning of urban spaces with public health in mind. By analyzing data on pedestrian traffic and access to green areas, cities can design spaces that support health and an active lifestyle.
The use of BIM can therefore become a key tool in the implementation of SDG Goal 3. The construction and design industries and manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable investments. Also the huge potential of BIM in their implementation. This methodology is becoming an integral element of striving for sustainable and healthy social development.
In the next post, we will focus on Sustainable Development Goal 7.