ENHANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN EXISTING BUILDINGS WITH BIM-BASED RETROFITTING

Abstract

In Pakistan, buildings account for as much as 50% of overall energy use. Owing to a changing way of life, this consumption keeps rising and exacerbates the energy issue, which not only causes misery for the country but also costs it billions of dollars every year. Energy-efficient housing has the potential to save approximately thirty percent of energy use, but sadly, Pakistan currently lacks an energy-efficient housing strategy. The goal of this research is to introduce building efficiency energy to Pakistan, as there has been a resurgence of interest in this field worldwide. This project aims to significantly reduce energy use by improving the thermal efficiency of 99 percent of existing buildings, rather than focusing on new construction. The study leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM) to streamline and optimize the retrofitting process, ensuring precise implementation and monitoring of energy-efficient interventions. BIM facilitates the integration of various building components and systems, enabling detailed analysis and visualization of energy flows and thermal performance. This holistic approach not only enhances the accuracy of energy simulations but also improves decision-making throughout the retrofitting process. By utilizing BIM, the project underscores the potential of technology-driven solutions to address Pakistan's energy crisis, demonstrating that even minor retrofitting measures can yield substantial energy savings and economic benefits. This research advocates for the widespread adoption of BIM-based retrofitting strategies as a viable and sustainable solution for enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings in Pakistan. The approach employed includes basic passive retrofitting methods that are easily accessible to Pakistan's general income quintile population, like double-glazed windows and thermal insulation sheets. A Plaza was selected and the reliable Energy Plus Software was used to simulate the outcomes. A 28.9% yearly reduction in energy usage was made possible by the methodology, which had a 2-year economic payback period. The annual energy saving after retrofitting was around Rs 55 lacs