Revamped BIM sustaina® for Energy Makes ZEB Projects Easier and More Flexible

Revamped BIM sustaina® for Energy Professional

In an effort to support the architectural industry's move towards carbon neutrality, the newly refreshed "BIM sustaina® for Energy (Professional)" was launched by one building Co., Ltd. on April 10, 2025. This innovative web energy design support service is tailor-made to facilitate both new and renovation projects in the pursuit of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB).

Key Features and Benefits

The revision of this service aims to increase accessibility, allowing short-term usage during the initial phases of design projects, which was previously a challenge due to the costs associated with annual account contracts. Notably, the tool is now compatible with Graphisoft® Archicad®, broadening its application potential for diverse projects.

Understanding the Market Dynamics

The heightened awareness of carbon neutrality needs has brought ZEB-focused design projects into the spotlight. The typical workflow within construction projects has posed challenges in ensuring energy efficiency. Traditionally, energy calculations were performed after architectural and equipment specifications were finalized. Such a methodology often led to design revisions and increased risks in meeting targeted performance levels.

To combat these issues, there has been a surge in demand for proactive performance checks during the initial design phase. This necessitates a reevaluation of conventional design processes and tools, pushing for a transformative approach in workflows.

The urgency for such a shift has grown as firms seek ways to evaluate new design procedures and tools within existing project frameworks without risking implementation failure. In response, the new pricing model introduced offers flexibility by enabling service adoption on a project-by-project basis, as well as trial periods for those considering long-term integration.

Renewal Highlights: Problem Solving through Flexibility

The revamped service now features:
1. Flexible Adoption Based on Project Needs:
The annual account contracts have been phased out, allowing for a monthly pay-as-you-go model. This flexibility enables users to select specific projects and phases for the service, ideal for initial assessments or short-term projects, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently throughout the design process.

2. Enhanced Collaboration Tools:
The revised pricing incorporates unlimited accounts without additional costs, facilitating ease of access for multiple project stakeholders, including internal architects and decision-makers, as well as collaborating external parties like energy consultants and design offices.

3. ZEB Project Support:
For those embarking on their first ZEB project, the tool allows partnerships with energy calculation specialists, providing reassurance along with a comprehensive framework for leveraging valuable guidance on ZEB initiatives.

4. Expanded Compatibility with Key Design Tools:
In addition to compatibility with Autodesk® Revit® (versions 2023/2024), users can now utilize Graphisoft® Archicad® (version 27), which ensures that energy efficiency assessments can be conducted regardless of the design platform in use.

Pricing Structure

The pricing is based on the total floor area of design projects, with options structured for a monthly auto-renewal. Prospective users can reach out to authorized dealers for detailed quotes based on their specific configurations and needs.

Campaigns and Incentives

From April 10 to May 9, 2025, organizations that sign up for new accounts with BIM sustaina for Energy for the first time are eligible for one month of free service on their design projects, independent of the commencement date.

Upcoming Webinars

Furthermore, an informative webinar hosted by TOPPAN Cosmo, the agency responsible for the distribution of BIM sustaina for Energy (Professional), will be held on April 22, 2025. Participants can learn more about the tool’s features and how it can optimize energy-efficient designs.

Participants interested in this enlightening session can register online.

By redefining workflows and harnessing the capabilities of both BIM and web technologies, BIM sustaina for Energy (Professional) aims to deliver substantial reductions in design workload while promoting effective collaboration among architects and engineers striving for ZEB targets.

For further details, visit the BIM sustaina for Energy website: https://bimsustainaforenergy.jp/