Architects called upon to produce GREEN and Sustainable buildings and construction projects now have the ability to not only design Sustainable projects but through the use of BIM tools they can now bring this sustainability through the complete project LifeCycle. By not only offering an As-Built 3D model to the Owner/Developer/Contractor, A/E Firms can actually gauge, with the use of BIM tools and Smart Systems, the projects environmental impact and energy usage. Architects now have a tool to further guarantee that their ideas are brought to fruition.

Virtual Building Logistics, a US based Building Information Modeling (BIM) firm, has positioned its self as a Global Leader in the field of BIM. VBL partners with Architects, Owners, and Developers to insure the success of their ideas by helping them to implement the use of BIM tools and Smart Systems. BIM Tools are the next step up from CAD (Computer Aided Design) or 2D Drafting. The BIM process starts with a Multi-dimensional Accurate Intelligent Object or Smart Model developed from a 2 dimensional or paper drawing representation of a building or construction project. With BIM tools VBL then turns that drawing into a 3D parametric Intelligent Model. The term Intelligent or Smart Model is used because with BIM tools VBL now builds into the model highly detailed information relating to every object required to construct the building or project, its build schedule (4D), and project cost (5D). This intelligent information allows for a greater understanding of the project by all parties and greater communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Why The Use Of BIM:
BIM is the best source for dollar savings and GREEN and Sustainable building ability. VBL demonstrates these abilities through its collaboration with clash detection software almost eliminating RFI’s, design conflicts, and Change Orders, and therefore accelerating project schedules.

Knowing your Building schedule allows your subcontractors to better understand there role in the project and increases there efficiency in collaboration. Better safety on the site is attained through this understanding also with fewer people on the actual site.

GREEN building comes through the acceleration of project schedules and off-site prefabrication which significantly reduces waste during construction. Smart Systems are then implemented for an understanding of environmental impact and energy usage in order to mitigate waste and insure efficiency. This increase in knowledge transcends the build cycle into the Facility Management cycle through a data rich, sole source for all project information. Facilities Management through the complete project lifecycle is attained with the BIM tool by incorporating CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software. CMMS software along with the BIM Model allows FM Managers to have the one stop source of all facilities information including maintenance schedules, warranty information, building material information ( allowing for a higher level of recyclables in the reclamation stage), and all relevant information for the project lifecycle.

Virtual Building Logistics has leveraged the BIM Tool to provide its benefits to projects worldwide from "St. Louis, MO, USA" to "Machua, China" and the "Philippines". http://www.vblogistics.com

By implementing VBL's BIM capabilities early on in the project development proactive Architects, Owners, Developers, and General Contractors have attained substantial financial benefits. Numerous case studies documenting such benefits as shortening of design time to a faster Return on Investment are just a few of the attractions the use of BIM brings to the table. With Global concerns over waste and climate change the use of Building Information Modeling is the obvious next step in the construction industry to position its self as a proactive industry instead of one that is reactive.