BIM - Geometry modelling guidelines for building energy performance simulation

Building Information Models (BIM) are increasingly used as a central data repository from which designers transfer data from 3D CAD applications to building performance simulation (BPS) tools. For a widespread use of BIMs for this purpose, these models need to comply with a certain data quality standard. Based on a thermal viewpoint and underlying physical principles the authors develop data requirements for these models. These requirements are used to evaluate current data standards and to develop guidelines for the creation of these models. This paper will also describe several case studies and problems found in models that did not comply with those guidelines. Finally, the authors describe current limitations of tools and processes and propose future developments.