Automated BIM-Driven Multi-Criteria Assessment of External Wall Design: Evaluating Thermal Insulation Alternatives

The construction sector contributes to global CO2 emissions and resource consumption, highlighting the need for sustainable design strategies. In this context, building envelope performance plays a key role, supported by digital technologies. This study proposes an automated BIM-MCDM workflow to select the optimal wall stratigraphy with Aerogel, EPS, and Rock Wool thermal insulation layers. The evaluation indicators are organized into three thematic clusters: Thermal Performance (TPI), Environmental Sustainability (ESI), and Economic Indicators (EI). Insulation alternatives and indicators are modeled in Autodesk Revit, enabling parametric variation in insulation layers and generating multiple stratigraphic configurations. Performance indicators are automatically calculated through a BIM-VPL integration using Dynamo, Microsoft Excel, and Tally. Fully interoperable parametric scripts enable data extraction from the BIM model, regulatory compliance verification, and the transfer of results back to the BIM model. Finally, indicator values are weighted and evaluated using an MCDM analysis based on the AHP method, fully implemented in Dynamo. The results indicate that EPS ranks first due to its strong performance in TPI and ESI, followed by Aerogel, influenced by EI, and Rock Wool, which shows a lower contribution to ESI. This research contributes to data-driven decision-making and the digitalization of sustainability-oriented performance assessment for building envelopes.