GEG and BIM: How Housing Companies Meet Building Energy Act Requirements

The Building Energy Act (GEG) poses significant challenges for housing companies and public builders. It requires making new and existing buildings more energy-efficient while complying with legal regulations and achieving sustainability goals. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers an innovative solution to meet GEG requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.
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What is the GEG, and Why is it Important?

The Building Energy Act (GEG) is a cornerstone of Germany’s climate protection strategy. It sets out requirements for the energy efficiency of new buildings and the energy-related renovation of existing ones. The main objectives include:

• Reducing energy consumption in buildings.
• Promoting renewable energy use.
• Ensuring compliance with primary energy and U-value limits.

For housing companies, this means planning and implementing energy-efficient measures while maintaining project cost-effectiveness.
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How Can BIM Help Housing Companies Meet GEG Requirements?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows buildings to be digitally mapped and analyzed throughout their lifecycle, from planning to operation. Using BIM models, housing companies can:

1. Integrate energy requirements early in the planning phase.
2. Reduce planning errors and cut costs.
3. Optimize energy consumption and operational costs in the long term.
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Advantages of BIM for GEG Compliance

1. Precise Planning of Energy-Efficient Measures

BIM models provide detailed information about building envelopes, materials, and systems, enabling the optimization of energy-related measures such as insulation, window upgrades, or heating systems during the planning phase.

Example: A housing company plans to renovate a multi-family building. Using BIM, various insulation materials can be virtually tested to achieve the best U-values while keeping costs manageable.

2. Simulation-Based Energy Consumption Analysis

BIM allows simulations to calculate a building's energy consumption in advance, ensuring compliance with the GEG's primary energy requirements.

Example: For a new construction project, an architect uses a BIM model to simulate the impact of solar panels and a heat pump on energy demand. This data helps design an optimal system layout that meets GEG requirements.

3. Transparency for Funding and Documentation

The GEG requires that specific measures be documented and verified. BIM simplifies this process by storing all relevant data centrally and making it easily accessible.

Example: A housing company applies for funding for an energy-efficient renovation. Using the BIM model, all necessary data on insulation, heating technology, and primary energy demand can be quickly and comprehensively provided.

Long-Term Benefits of BIM in Building Operations

BIM isn’t just useful for planning and implementing energy measures—it’s also valuable during a building’s operational phase. With a digital twin, housing companies can:

• Monitor energy consumption and identify optimization opportunities.
• Plan maintenance work more efficiently using up-to-date building data.
• Achieve long-term sustainability goals, such as CO₂ reduction.

Statistical Insights:

• Studies show that BIM can reduce building operating costs by up to 20%.
• Digitally documented buildings often meet sustainability requirements faster and more cost-effectively.

How to Implement BIM for GEG Compliance

1. Capture Existing Conditions with 3D Laser Scanning: Accurate data about the current state of buildings provides the foundation for digital modeling.
2. Integrate Data into BIM Systems: The collected data is transferred into a BIM model containing both energy and structural information.
3. Simulate and Analyze: Use the model to test and optimize energy-saving measures.
4. Document and Verify: Store all relevant data in the BIM model for regulatory authorities or funding applications.

Conclusion: BIM as the Key to Meeting GEG Requirements

The Building Energy Act sets high standards for housing companies and public builders. Building Information Modeling not only ensures compliance with these requirements but also offers sustainable and economic advantages. By adopting BIM, companies can plan more accurately, avoid costly errors, and optimize their buildings for the long term.

Your Partner for BIM and Energy-Efficient Solutions

Want to learn how BIM can help you meet GEG requirements? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can make your projects digital and sustainable.

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