Economic Sustainability and Life Cycle Cost for Iraqi Construction Projects Using BIM

Abstract

abstract With the continuous rise in energy consumption and the general inefficiency of existing buildings in terms of functional, economic and human terms, in addition to the environmental damage resulting from the excessive and inefficient use of resources in setting up projects. The need to reduce energy costs and choose building materials that will enhance this has become necessary, especially with the modern trend towards achieving the principles of sustainability in construction projects. As a solution, some research is attempting to include operational energy calculations for buildings in a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) calculation by integrating it with Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is currently one of the most prominent trends in the sectors of architecture, engineering and construction. The research deals with Iraqi artistic and cultural projects because they are characterized by their large open spaces such as galleries or theaters, in addition to their high altitudes that require increased operational energy costs. This research aims to explore the advantages offered by BIM technology to enhance the sustainable economy in the establishment of Iraqi artistic and cultural projects by investigating the capacity of BIM and energy simulation tools to reduce the cost of the building life cycle as well as the impact of building material selection on enhancing the energy performance of buildings. The questionnaire tool was design for experts in building projects of an artistic and cultural nature, to find justifications for carrying out the research. The experts were asked to express their opinions about the actual need for this type of research, the extent to which building information modeling technology is used in the creation of artistic and cultural projects, and the most significant issues that impede its use. In addition to emphasizing the value of BIM technology for enhancing this kind of project's sustainable economy. The method used in this study involved making a 3D model VIII of an existing building to determine the initial construction and the annual energy costs, then creating alternatives for the exterior building envelopes, which include walls, roofs, and windows, and re-modeling them to calculate the initial cost and annual energy costs, comparing them with the original model, and determining the most cost-effective option. The results showed that annual energy savings of about 4.5% can be achieved when energy costs are included in the life cycle cost calculation of the building, as it showed a decrease in its present value of (41,389,361) Iraqi dinars. The study has come to the conclusion that BIM tools may be used to assess a building's performance and select the best and least expensive option in the future. The researcher recommended the creation of government regulations for the use of BIM technology; the significance of educating the next generation about sustainability and the sustainable economy; and the necessity of instructing government officials on how to efficiently use environmental resources and lower energy consumption.