Knauf Insulation is pioneering an exciting new approach to Building Information Modelling (BIM) - a digital revolution that will completely transform the construction industry.
BIM enables the creation of virtual representations of buildings using data-rich digital files that allow specifiers to gain advance insight into issues such as energy performance or environmental impact. As these building models can be revised digitally, specifiers, contractors and investors can make changes before construction work starts, avoiding costly errors later.
Pioneering new approaches
“BIM will inevitably transform the industry because it brings incredible transparency to the complex modern process of constructing a building,” says David Appelfeld, our Non-Residential Market Manager.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Knauf Insulation and that is why we have Life Cycle Assessments"
“That is why Knauf Insulation is pioneering new approaches to BIM and working closely with specifiers to help shape this exciting digital future.” The Knauf Insulation BIM product files are not only user friendly and packed with reliable, comprehensive data — such as DOP and CE marking information — but also contain information about environmental performance that is second to none in the market.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Knauf Insulation and that is why we have Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations for most of our solutions. That data is now available in our BIM files,” says David. “Such a depth of information is becoming increasingly important as Green Building Rating Systems demand more comprehensive levels of digital insight.”
Demonstrating real performance
But that is not all. In answer to growing pressure on the industry to demonstrate real performance, they provide comprehensive BIM data that is specific to each individual product and its application, rather than based on aggregated results, to enable a deep-dive level of specification that is 100% reliable.
BIM is already shaping the construction processes of a few innovative companies"
Furthermore, all the information that specifiers need — from thermal, acoustic or fire performance to declaration documentation — is easily accessible in formats that are machine-readable. “BIM is already shaping the construction processes of a few innovative companies, but many people in the industry are only just becoming aware of its importance,” says David. “That is why we are always open to dialogue with specifiers about how they use BIM because we want the process to be as easy-to-use as possible.”
Tackling any challenges
To support this, they have carried out training in BIM across Knauf Insulation and created an expert team that can help specifiers with specific requests. Additionally, Knauf Insulation feedback sessions are held with BIM users around the world to tackle any challenges.
“In a few years BIM will have transformed the construction industry completely and we will be able to manage or share an incredible amount of building data detail at the touch of a smartphone. It is a revolution that is not only inevitable but also certain to make the industry more efficient and transparent,” says David.
