Applying building Information modeling for green building design with solar analysis and energy optimization: a case study of an academic building at the University of Macau

With an increasing focus on the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, integrating BIM with analytical software for green building design has been a critical technical issue requiring resolution. This research proposes a workflow to achieve better solar radiation utilization and identify optimal design alternatives for energy optimization. A BIM model of an academic building located in Macau has been meticulously developed in Autodesk Revit for further investigation of solar analysis and energy simulation. Through the analysis conducted using Autodesk Insight, it has been demonstrated that orientations, heights, and seasonal changes significantly influence solar insolation and retain their typical trend pattern. The solar insolation values vary from 200 kWh to over 1000 kWh over the year. Subsequently, by exploring various alternatives in the Green Building Studio (GBS), optimal design options leading to energy savings of over 50% have been identified, and the underlying mechanisms have been figured out. The research findings collectively provide a promising outlook for integrating BIM software and analysis tools, paving the way for more sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.