Sustainable Solutions

According to the BIM Benefits Measurement Method by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, digital modelling and enhanced collaboration of parties averts resource-intensive clashes and improves time management. In return large amounts of energy and raw materials (such as concrete, steel, and sand) can be saved to minimize both the waste and carbon emissions of a building. Sustainability analyses of the final building´s energy management can also be conducted with digital solutions.

If the execution, detail and construction planning is carried out with digital models, resources can be saved - depending on the choice of building material. The possibilities are manifold and start with the use of digital structural analysis solutions: by optimizing planning and improving steel connections in the project, designers can save large quantities of connecting material. Also, prefabrication of concrete structures can minimize the amount of material used in production. Digital solutions for the model-based planning of precast concrete elements further minimize errors, by up to 60%. On the construction site itself, up to 90% of paper can be saved by using digital solutions.  

Approximately 80% of building´s costs are incurred during operation, with a large portion of those costs related to energy consumption.  Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) allows heating, ventilation and lighting to be optimally controlled. They can also be used to better measure the need for office space. This ensures that only the space that is actually needed is designed - another important lever for sustainability. In addition: employees benefit from a positive working environment, thanks to the right temperature and ventilation which is enabled by smart building solutions.

Using BIM solutions throughout the building lifecycle makes it possible to reuse the raw materials when renovating or deconstructing the building. Because of the complete documentation, it is possible to locate exactly which material was used where, even years later. The building thus becomes a supplier of raw materials.

Many of our brands are already conducting individual measures to lower their environmental footprint. Current measures of individual brands include various digitalization projects such as electronic invoicing - which saves up to 100,000 pages of paper per year at one subsidiary alone. In order to reduce resource consumption and avoid waste, we have introduced initiative which are replacing disposable cups and plastic bottles with reusable glasses and glass bottles. Some brands are also offsetting their business travel related carbon emissions with donations to environmental projects.

Pilot for automated CO2 footprint analysis

In 2020, we have started a pilot project for an automated CO2 footprint analysis. Despite being a mid-sized company with 3000 employees, we are facing a some complex challenge with regards to reporting all energy data across the 16 subsidiaries (Nemetschek Group brands) at 80 locations worldwide.