Feasibility of integrating building information modeling and LEED certification process

This study investigated the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) technology to facilitate the green building certification process under the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) rating system, specifically the LEED for New Construction 2009 system (LEEDNC 2009). The goal of this research is to propose an integration model of the LEED rating system and BIM technology such as Revit to streamline the LEED certification process. The integration model will become a valuable tool to the AEC professionals as LEED continues to gain momentum. The study started with a proof-of-concept survey inquiring about the possible benefits that current BIM solutions might bring to projects that pursued the LEED certification. The survey also collected opinions on overall feasibility of documenting and tracking LEED points with assistance of certain BIM functionalities. Following that, a gap analysis was performed to evaluate the credits requirements of the LEED-NC 2009 rating system as well as the general functionalities of current BIM solutions. By matching the LEED requirements and BIM functionalities, an integration framework for the two was established. Finally, an Autodesk Revit-LEED application model is proposed based on the integration framework. The application model will assist the LEED project team and guide them through the tedious certification process with Revit as the BIM software solution.