A BIM-Enabled Workflow for Energy Use Intensity (EUI) Assessment to Support Sustainable Building Design: Case-Study Validation

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a powerful tool that enhances sustainability in campus buildings by enabling precise energy analysis, optimizing design for energy efficiency, and integrating sustainable practices throughout the building lifecycle. BIM facilitates detailed simulations and assessments, minimizing energy consumption and reducing environmental impact from design to decommissioning. This study is set against the urgent global need for decarbonization in the building sector, a key driver of energy-related carbon emissions. BIM can model and predict energy performance in institutions with substantial energy demands, leading to significant sustainability gains. This study investigates the energy performance of the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources at Universiti Malaysia Sabah by analyzing EUI (energy use intensity) using BIM technology. A 3D model of the faculty building was created with Autodesk Revit 2023, followed by energy optimization using Autodesk Insight 360. Seven design approaches were evaluated, resulting in a 63.7% improvement in energy efficiency, reducing EUI from 343 to 115 kWh/m²/year, significantly below the Malaysian Standard MS1525:2007 benchmark of 135 kWh/m²/year. The findings demonstrate that BIM can optimize EUI, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the energy performance of institutional buildings, supporting Malaysia's goal of becoming a carbon-free nation by 2050 and ensuring sustainable and efficient energy.