Optimization of energy consumption in retrofitting existing buildings using building information modelling technologies

Existing buildings were constructed several decades ago without employing new electrical and fuel energy efficiency and consumption technologies. These buildings need to be redesigned through retrofitting, which ranges from as low as fitting energy￾efficient light bulbs to installing state-of-the-art heating systems. Previous studies have identified gaps in retrofitting existing buildings that need more understanding, evaluation, and verification of energy consumption. A new technology called Building Information Modelling (BIM) and relevant BIM-retrofitting supported by Revit Green Building Studio and AutoCAD could provide a straightforward way to retrofit existing buildings. Studies have indicated that buildings in Malaysia generate about 40 percent of carbon dioxide, while only 13 percent of the construction sector uses BIM to curb this emission. For this reason, Malaysian construction agencies must increase the adoption of BIM and relevant retrofitting techniques in existing buildings. Hence, this study aimed to achieve four objectives by defining all required factors via theoretical (constructing a questionnaire) and practical procedures (case study for existing buildings), then constructing and verifying a framework to facilitate retrofitting existing buildings. The construction of a questionnaire was heavily established by reviewing previous studies and employing a pilot study before finalizing the questionnaire. A case study was developed using a UPM building to test all relevant elements that could lead to optimized energy consumption, such as HVAC, bulb, roof and wall construction, orientation, plug-load, and occupying scheduling. The theoretical and practical approaches were tested by BIM-retrofitting simulation software and statically by adopting the SMART-PLS package (Version 3), respectively. The practical approach characterized the most effective scenario based on HVAC, lightening, plug-load, and operating schedule, dropping the annual energy consumption from 204 to 133 kWh/m2, equivalent to about 34.8 percent. The novelty of this study could be seen in combining the two mentioned approaches side-by-side to construct a suitable framework. The other significant finding was verifying the condition of 11 hypotheses to establish the required framework that establishes the BIM-retrofitting strategies, highlighting and establishing the best route to retrofit existing buildings and using these findings for new construction. This framework incorporates best practices, guidelines, and decision-support tools, offering a roadmap for practitioners and policymakers seeking to harness BIM's potential for sustainable retrofitting.

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