Improving BIM-BEM Interoperability for Sustainable Energy Practices in Malaysia’s Built Environment: A Mixed Method Analysis

Authors

  • Hock Seng Ng Department of Structure and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • Chiew Teng Ng Department of Structure and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • Poi Ngian Shek Department of Structure and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • Ng Teck Wei Department of Construction Management, Faculty of Built Environment, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, 53300 Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Jia Wen Thong Department of Structure and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • Lee Ying Leong Fosi Consultant Pte. Ltd. 456 Alexandra Road, #19-02, Fragrance Empire Building, Singapore, 119962, Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/ijbes.v12.n2.1457

Keywords:

Building Information Modelling, Building Energy Modelling, Energy-related properties, Interoperability issues, Strategies

Abstract

This study focuses on improving the interoperability of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Energy Modelling (BEM) in Malaysia's built environment, driven by the increasing adoption of BIM under high energy consumption conditions. Recognising the challenges related to data flow in BIM-BEM interoperability, the study aimed to identify critical energy-related properties for accurate energy performance analysis, assess interoperability issues between BIM and BEM models, and propose effective strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from questionnaire surveys with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, the findings highlighted the importance of energy-related properties in energy performance analysis, as well as interoperability issues such as data loss, limited data feedback loops and inaccuracies in data transition that affect the analysis results. Practical strategies recommended include middleware corrective tools, visual programming, and semantic enrichment to enhance data exchange and accuracy in energy analysis. The study was confirmed by high Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.822 to 0.874 in reliability analysis, which ensures the credibility of the results. Ultimately, this study contributes theoretical advancements and practical guidance for industry stakeholders to promote sustainable construction practices, support the National Energy Efficiency Plan, align with the path toward Industrial Revolution 4.0, adopt global technologies, and enhance energy-saving and sustainable practices.

References

Alhammad, M., Eames, M., & Vinai, R. (2024). Enhancing Building Energy Efficiency through Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) Integration: A Systematic Review. Buildings, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030581

Alvi, S. A., Kumar, H., & Khan, R. A. (2023). Integrating BIM with carbon footprint assessment of buildings: A review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 93, 497-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.08.158

Amin, A., & Mourshed, M. (2024). Weather and climate data for energy applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.114247

Asdrubali, F., Manzo, M., & Grazieschi, G. (2021). Interoperability between BIM and building energy modelling – a case study Proceedings of Building Simulation 2021: 17th Conference of IBPSA. https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2021.30849

Bastos Porsani, G., Del Valle de Lersundi, K., Sánchez-Ostiz Gutiérrez, A., & Fernández Bandera, C. (2021). Interoperability between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Energy Model (BEM). Applied Sciences, 11(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052167

Bloch, & Tanya. (2022). Connecting research on semantic enrichment of BIM - review of approaches, methods and possible applications. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 27, 416-440. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2022.020

Bracht, M. K., Melo, A. P., & Lamberts, R. (2021). A metamodel for building information modeling-building energy modeling integration in early design stage. Automation in Construction, 121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103422

Carvalho, J., Almeida, M., Bragança, L., & Mateus, R. (2021). BIM-Based Energy Analysis and Sustainability Assessment—Application to Portuguese Buildings. Buildings, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060246

Chen, Z., Deng, Z., Chong, A., & Chen, Y. (2023). AutoBPS-BIM: A toolkit to transfer BIM to BEM for load calculation and chiller design optimization. Building Simulation, 16(7), 1287-1298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-023-1006-4

Ciardiello, Rosso, A., Dell'Olmo, F., Ciancio, J., Ferrero, V., Salata, M., & Ferdinando. (2020). Multi-objective approach to the optimization of shape and envelope in building energy design. Applied Energy, 280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115984

Ciccozzi, A., de Rubeis, T., Paoletti, D., & Ambrosini, D. (2023). BIM to BEM for Building Energy Analysis: A Review of Interoperability Strategies. Energies, 16(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237845

CIDB. (2021). CIDB Laporan Tahunan 2021.

Costa, A. P., Cuperschmid, A. R. M., & Neves, L. O. (2024). HBIM and BEM association: Systematic literature review. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 66, 551-561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2024.01.008

Delgado, J. M. P. Q., Guimarães, A. S., Poças Martins, J., Parracho, D. F. R., Freitas, S. S., Lima, A. G. B., & Rodrigues, L. (2023). BIM and BEM Interoperability–Evaluation of a Case Study in Modular Wooden Housing. Energies, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041579

Di Biccari, C., Calcerano, F., D'Uffizi, F., Esposito, A., Campari, M., & Gigliarelli, E. (2022). Building information modeling and building performance simulation interoperability: State-of-the-art and trends in current literature. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2022.101753

Durdyev, S., Dehdasht, G., Mohandes, S. R., & Edwards, D. J. (2021). Review of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) Implementation in the Context of Building Energy Assessment. Energies, 14(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248487

Elnabawi, M. H. (2020). Building Information Modeling-Based Building Energy Modeling: Investigation of Interoperability and Simulation Results. Frontiers in Built Environment, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2020.573971

Farzaneh, A. (2019). Development Of BIM-BEM Framework To Support The Design Process.

Fonseca Arenas, N., & Shafique, M. (2023). Recent progress on BIM-based sustainable buildings: State of the art review. Developments in the Built Environment, 15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100176

Giama, E., Chantzis, G., Kontos, S., Keppas, S., Poupkou, A., Liora, N., & Melas, D. (2022). Building Energy Simulations Based on Weather Forecast Meteorological Model: The Case of an Institutional Building in Greece. Energies, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010191

Gonzalez, J., Soares, C., Najjar, M., & Haddad, A. (2021). BIM and BEM Methodologies Integration in Energy-Efficient Buildings Using Experimental Design. Buildings, 11(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100491

Gunasegaran, M. K., Hasanuzzaman, M., Tan, C., Bakar, A. H. A., & Ponniah, V. (2022). Energy Analysis, Building Energy Index and Energy Management Strategies for Fast-Food Restaurants in Malaysia. Sustainability, 14(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013515

Hmidah, N. A., Bin Haron, N. A., Hizami, A. A., Law, T. H., & Altohami, A. B. A. (2023). Energy Consumption of Retrofitting Existing Public Buildings in Malaysia under BIM Approach: Pilot Study. Sustainability, 15(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310293

Izzah Aida Badrul, A., Farhana binti Mohd, R., Hazril Sherney, B., Christopher Heng Yii, S., & Hazrina Haja Bava, M. (2022). BIM-Based Building Performance Analysis for a Green Resort in Malaysia. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 28(3), 320-335. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.28.3.320335

Kamel, E., & Memari, A. M. (2019). Review of BIM's application in energy simulation: Tools, issues, and solutions. Automation in Construction, 97, 164-180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.11.008

Kistelegdi, I., Horváth, K. R., Storcz, T., & Ercsey, Z. (2022). Building Geometry as a Variable in Energy, Comfort, and Environmental Design Optimization—A Review from the Perspective of Architects. Buildings, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010069

Kusmaryono, I., Wijayanti, D., & Maharani, H. R. (2022). Number of Response Options, Reliability, Validity, and Potential Bias in the Use of the Likert Scale Education and Social Science Research: A Literature Review. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 8(4), 625-637. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.8.4.625

Kwonsik Song, K. K., Byung-Cheol Min. (2022). Recognition of Occupants' Cold Discomfort-Related Actions for Energy-Efficient Buildings.

Li, H. X., Ma, Z., Liu, H., Wang, J., Al-Hussein, M., & Mills, A. (2020). Exploring and verifying BIM-based energy simulation for building operations. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(8), 1679-1702. https://doi.org/10.1108/ecam-06-2019-0314

Maile, T., O'Donnell, James , Bazjanac, Vladimir , Rose, Cody (2019). BIM-Geometry Modelling Guideline for Building Energy Performance Simulation.

Massafra, A., & Gulli, R. (2023). Enabling Bidirectional Interoperability between BIM and BPS through Lightweight Topological Models Proceedings of the 41st International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 2]. https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2023.2.187

Memon, M. A., Ting, H., Cheah, J.-H., Thurasamy, R., Chuah, F., & Cham, T. H. (2020). Sample Size for Survey Research: Review and Recommendations. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 4(2), i-xx. https://doi.org/10.47263/jasem.4(2)01

Mthuli, S. A., Ruffin, F., & Singh, N. (2021). ‘Define, Explain, Justify, Apply’ (DEJA): An analytic tool for guiding qualitative research sample size. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 25(6), 809-821. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2021.1941646

Nagy, G., & Ashraf, F. (2021). HBIM platform & smart sensing as a tool for monitoring and visualizing energy performance of heritage buildings. Developments in the Built Environment, 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2021.100056

Nazari, S., MirzaMohammadi, P. K., Sajadi, B., Pilehchi Ha, P., Talatahari, S., & Sareh, P. (2023). Designing energy-efficient and visually-thermally comfortable shading systems for office buildings in a cooling-dominant climate. Energy Reports, 10, 3863-3881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.10.062

Panteli, C., Kylili, A., & Fokaides, P. A. (2020). Building information modelling applications in smart buildings: From design to commissioning and beyond A critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121766

Papinutto, M., Boghetti, R., Colombo, M., Basurto, C., Reutter, K., Lalanne, D., Kämpf, J. H., & Nembrini, J. (2022). Saving energy by maximising daylight and minimising the impact on occupants: An automatic lighting system approach. Energy and Buildings, 268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112176

Rajeanderan, R., Jaffar Syed Mohamed, Ali Moumen, Idres A. K. M. Mohiuddin. (2022). Energy Efficiency and Optimization of Buildings for Sustainable Development in Malaysia. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, 93(2), 28-36. https://doi.org/10.37934/arfmts.93.2.2836

Ramaji, I. J., Messner, J. I., & Mostavi, E. (2020). IFC-Based BIM-to-BEM Model Transformation. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 34(3). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)cp.1943-5487.0000880

Ruiji Sun, & Xu, W. (2020). Improving the Interoperability of gbXML Data Model through Redefining Data Mapping Rules of HVAC Systems

Sajjad, M., Hu, A., Alshehri, A. M., Waqar, A., Khan, A. M., Bageis, A. S., Elaraki, Y. G., Shohan, A. A. A., & Benjeddou, O. (2024). BIM-driven energy simulation and optimization for net-zero tall buildings: sustainable construction management. Frontiers in Built Environment, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1296817

Sanhudo, L., Ramos, N. M. M., Poças Martins, J., Almeida, R. M. S. F., Barreira, E., Simões, M. L., & Cardoso, V. (2018). Building information modeling for energy retrofitting – A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 89, 249-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.064

Spiridigliozzi, G., De Santoli, L., Cornaro, C., Basso, G. L., & Barati, S. (2019). BIM tools interoperability for designing energy-efficient buildings Second International Conference on Material Science, Smart Structures and Applications: Icmss-2019. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5138873

Surucu, L., & Maslakci, A. (2020). Validity and Reliability in Quantitative Research. Business & Management Studies: An International Journal, 8(3), 2694-2726. https://doi.org/10.15295/bmij.v8i3.1540

Sušnik, M., Tagliabue, L. C., & Cairoli, M. (2021). BIM-based energy and acoustic analysis through CVE tools. Energy Reports, 7, 8228-8237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.06.013

Watfa, M. K., Hawash, A. E., & Jaafar, K. (2021). Using Building Information & Energy Modelling for Energy Efficient Designs. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 26, 427-440. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2021.023

Wu, M.-J., Zhao, K., & Fils-Aime, F. (2022). Response rates of online surveys in published research: A meta-analysis. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2022.100206

Yaik-Wah Lim, Philip C.H. Ling, Mohd Hamdan Ahmad, Pau Chung Leng, Azari Mat Yasir, Wai Lai Chan, & Rahman, N. A. (2021). Review of BIM for existing building sustainability performance and green retrofit. https://doi.org/10.22712/susb.20210010

Yang, Y., Pan, Y., Zeng, F., Lin, Z., & Li, C. (2022). A gbXML Reconstruction Workflow and Tool Development to Improve the Geometric Interoperability between BIM and BEM. Buildings, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020221

Downloads

Published

2025-05-02

How to Cite

Ng, H. S., Ng, C. T., Shek, P. N., Ng, T. W., Thong, J. W., & Leong, L. Y. (2025). Improving BIM-BEM Interoperability for Sustainable Energy Practices in Malaysia’s Built Environment: A Mixed Method Analysis. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 12(2), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.11113/ijbes.v12.n2.1457

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, Volume 12, Issue 2, 2025

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Copyright of articles that appear in International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability belongs exclusively to Penerbit Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Penerbit UTM Press). This copyright covers the rights to reproduce the article, including reprints, electronic reproductions or any other reproductions of similar nature.

 

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. This Journal applies Creative Commons Licenses of CC-BY-NC-SA
  2. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its  publication in this journal.
  4. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).