SDG Goal 12: How BIM Can Contribute to Sustainable Consumption and Production
Welcome to the twelfth part of the series “BIM for Sustainability”, where we look at how BIM can effectively support ESG and SDG goals (#UN17). In this post, we will focus on SDG goal 12 and the question whether and how BIM can contribute to sustainable consumption and production? Learn how BIM supports SDG 12 by promoting sustainable consumption and production in the construction industry.
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
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
SDG 12 is aimed at achieving sustainable consumption and production, promoting efficient use of energy and other resources.
The construction industry still faces difficulties in reducing excessive consumption in consumption and production. Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel, as the increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings, supported by sustainable practices and the increasing use of BIM methodology, can be a key element in implementing positive changes.
The United Nations predicts that if the world’s population reaches 9.6 billion by 2050, we will need three planets to provide enough natural resources to sustain our current lifestyles. Goal 12 seeks to reverse or at least slow down this dire prediction by ensuring good use of resources, improving energy efficiency, building sustainable infrastructure while ensuring access to basic services, decent jobs, and ensuring a better quality of life.
How does BIM support the achievement of SDG 12?
The most intuitive application of the BIM methodology is the support and optimization of production and construction processes. Through effective coordination between different stages of production, it is possible to minimize the waste of materials and production time of prefabricated elements. In addition, by detecting and removing design clashes before construction begins, we avoid errors and unnecessary rework on the construction site.
However, the BIM methodology can help with less obvious goals. When referring to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12, we talk about two sub-points:
- 12.2. “By 2030, ensure the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.”
BIM provides the ability to analyze information models, allowing designers and engineers to assess the impact of different design decisions on resource and energy consumption. For example, with the Insight 360 plug-in for Autodesk Revit, you can use analysis tools throughout the design process to refine different building design scenarios and make decisions about energy efficiency. The earlier you use optimization techniques, the greater the impact you can have on overall energy efficiency.
A separate issue is the implementation of energy management systems based on data from BIM models , which can generate significant savings. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) , energy efficiency of 20%-30% can be achieved, which is an important argument from both an ecological and economic perspective.
- 12.5 “By 2030, significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.”
Our planet is literally drowning in waste. The rate of waste disposal is insufficient and cannot keep up with the terrifying rate of waste production. This is happening at the same time that potentially wasted building resources are being sent to landfills.
Using BIM in the construction process supports the application of circular economy principles. Through accurate modeling and analysis, it is possible to design buildings with their future deconstruction, recycling and reuse of materials in mind.
BIM Libraries. How BIM supports SDG 12
BIM libraries can include data on the potential for recycling and reusing materials. Designers can assess the ecological aspects of materials at the initial design stage. Their impact on the environment, as well as the possibilities of recycling or reusing. This will also allow forecasting the amount of waste that will be created during the construction and deconstruction of a given object. This type of information on the material composition of individual building components can help minimize waste.
https://www.un.org.pl/cel12
In summary, BIM and sustainable consumption, in these areas can significantly accelerate progress towards sustainable consumption and production. It will enable all project stakeholders to make more informed decisions at every stage of the construction process.
