Catálogo BIM-ZEN. Elementos constructivos paraenvolventes sostenibles en modelos BIM

Given the current climate crisis and the significant influence of the construction sector on this issue, it is imperative to implement measures that reduce the environmental impacts of this industry. The BIM-Zen catalogue is specifically designed to contribute to this objective by providing valuable data for professionals in Spain, aimed at decarbonising the building sector. This catalogue offers a detailed analysis of construction solutions for the main elements of building thermal envelopes, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions throughout the buildings’ lifecycle, minimising economic costs, and generating greater benefits for society. The most commonly used construction solutions in newly built residential buildings in Spain were selected for this purpose. In developing this catalogue, over 90,000 construction solutions were calculated for various elements of the thermal envelope, including roofs, façades, windows, and doors, using different material combinations. The methodology applied is based on Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and Social Lifecycle Assessment (S-LCA), in accordance with technical standards, using traceable and transparent methods and data. The values obtained in this study represent a starting point for analysing and reflecting on current construction solutions used in Spain. The results are not intended to favour or penalise any particular material but to establish a solid foundation from which to advance and support professionals in making more informed decisions. It is important to note that the assigned impact values may vary in the future, reflecting advancements in technology, changes in materials, or regulatory updates. Key conclusions of the study highlight the importance of analysing building envelopes by considering all constituent layers, as the materials used can significantly affect the outcomes. The relevance of including variables such as thermal resistance and transmittance in the evaluation of solutions is also emphasised. It has been observed that solutions with lower transmittance values, suitable for regions with greater climatic severity, do not necessarily generate the highest impacts. It is recommended to prioritise construction solutions that require fewer materials and offer better thermal performance throughout their entire lifecycle.