Computational BIM Method for Automated Insight into BREEAM Credits Achievement in the Refurbishment Evaluation Process of an Existing Building

Refurbishment and fit-out of existing building stock, which reduce the negative impact on the environment and maintenance costs, have been one of the most recent topics in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) sector in recent years. This method is intended for architects and engineers to provide insight into the achievement of certain BREEAM credits during the entire design process in the Building information modeling (BIM) environment. This approach simplifies the process of evaluating existing buildings using one of the Green Building Certification Systems (GBCS), by enabling its implementation in real-time through automation. BIM, visual programming language (VPL), and Microsoft Excel were combined to create this tool. One of the categories from the technical manual BREEAM International Non-Domestic Refurbishment 2015 is addressed in this paper due to the complexity and challenge of parameterizing the criteria for achieving specific credits. Further research will be focused on increasing the number of BREEAM categories, applying this method to other GBCS as well as on evaluation during the design of new buildings.