Enhancing BIM-Based Decision-Making for Energy-Efficient Modernization and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings

Urban areas are confronted with increasing demands for residential accommodation. However, the modernization of existing structures frequently relies on conventional methodologies, despite the growing utilization of building information modelling (BIM) in new construction projects. It is therefore essential that priority is given to the redevelopment of existing urban areas, given the limited availability of new land. Older buildings frequently exhibit inadequate energy efficiency and may contain hazardous materials, creating risks if unaddressed. Leveraging BIM for existing structures, in conjunction with design decision-support tools, facilitates their transformation into sustainable spaces. This paper proposes a methodology for energy-efficient refurbishment and modernization by capturing buildings through laser scanning, integrating inspection data, and creating a BIM model. Inefficient components are detected and compared with energy-efficient design options, which are processed in a knowledge graph, ensuring design solutions to be efficiently stored and accessible for the future.