In the heart of Shanghai, a towering commercial complex named Zhongjian Plaza is not just a beacon of modern architecture but a testament to innovative energy management strategies. Researchers, led by Daizhong Tang from the School of Economics and Management at Tongji University, have developed a groundbreaking Building Information Modeling (BIM)-enabled life-cycle energy management framework that is set to redefine how we approach energy efficiency in large-scale commercial buildings.
The urgency to improve energy efficiency in commercial complexes cannot be overstated. These structures are significant contributors to urban energy consumption and carbon emissions, making them a focal point under the “dual-carbon” strategy, which aims for carbon peaking and neutrality. Traditional energy management systems often suffer from fragmented monitoring, weak coordination, and data silos, leading to inefficiencies that are both costly and environmentally damaging.
Tang and his team conducted a structured literature review to identify these inefficiencies and drew valuable lessons from global practices. They then applied an enhanced Delphi method to refine 12 key evaluation indicators across six critical dimensions: policy, economic, social, technological, environmental, and compliance. These indicators were seamlessly integrated into a BIM platform, enabling real-time energy monitoring, multi-system diagnostics, and cross-phase collaboration across the design, construction, and operation stages.
The results of this integration are nothing short of impressive. The Zhongjian Plaza project in Shanghai demonstrated that the proposed framework not only enhances energy efficiency and reduces life-cycle costs but also improves user comfort. “This framework aligns with both domestic green building standards and international sustainability targets, providing a replicable methodology for the smart and low-carbon operation of large-scale commercial complexes,” Tang explained.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By enabling real-time energy monitoring and multi-system diagnostics, the BIM-enabled framework can significantly reduce energy waste and operational costs. This is a game-changer for the energy sector, offering a strategic approach to advancing sustainable urban development.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urbanization and sustainability, the insights from this study provide a roadmap for achieving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. The research, published in the journal *Buildings* (translated as “建筑” in Chinese), offers a practical reference for developers, architects, and urban planners aiming to create smarter, more sustainable commercial complexes.
In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, Tang’s work shines a light on the path forward. By leveraging advanced technologies like BIM, we can transform our urban landscapes into models of efficiency and sustainability, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.