Leveraging ISO 7817 for BIM-driven sustainability assessments: The GLOIN framework

Building Sustainability Rating (BSR) schemes, such as US Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) offer frameworks for scoring and certifying the sustainability performance of buildings. However, BSR processes are often complicated, time-consuming and resource-intensive due to their fragmentation, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies. This paper aims to utilise Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support and enhance BSR processes, an underexplored area lacking adequate attention from both researchers and practitioners. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes a framework: Green Level of Information Need (GLOIN), which enables BIM-based green assessments. By defining a new Level of Information Need (LOIN) based on the international standard ISO 7817:2024, the framework aligns BIM models with BSR information requirements. A computer program was then developed to extract green information from these aligned BIM models and process it to generate a live BSR score. Lastly, a case study in a real project setting validates the practical applicability of the proposed framework against one LEED credit. Results showed that the BIM-based real-time LEED credit calculation offered by the GLOIN framework reduces assessment time by approximately 60-70%, simplifies credit evaluation into 3–4 direct steps, compared to 10+ steps previously, and minimises manual data entry errors by leveraging pre-populated BIM parameters. The framework also enhances BIM modelling efficiency by focusing only on essential assessment information and avoiding excessive modelling with unnecessary details. By introducing a new framework that integrates BIM with BSR based on ISO guidelines, GLOIN enhances efficiency and alignment with international standards in BIM-based BSR applications, while advancing building practices and minimising negative impact on the environment, economy and society. Additionally, this paper lays the groundwork for future research in this field. • Introduction of the Green Level of Information (GLOI) for sustainability in BIM models. • Redefining BIM information structures using ISO 7817 to enable automated sustainability checks. • Enabling early-stage sustainability assessments directly within the BIM workflow. • Enhancing decision-making by integrating sustainability metrics into BIM processes. • Reducing inefficiencies in sustainability assessments through automation.