Glossary

Building information modelling (BIM) is a process of creating and managing digital representations of a building's physical and functional characteristics. This process is supported by various tools and technologies, integrating structured, multi-disciplinary data to produce a digital representation of an asset throughout its lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations. This definition follows the ISO 19650-1:2018 Organization and digitisation of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling— Part 1:Concepts and principles., 2018.

BIM-based quantity take-off refers to the use of BIM technology for the detailed measurement of structures and materials needed to complete a construction project.

BIM models are native building and infrastructure design software files, such as ArchiCAD, Revit, Tekla Structures, and MagiCAD. These files digitally represent the building and its assets. Usually, these native files are converted to a vendor-neutral format (see the definition of IFC) to be shared between design disciplines to facilitate design, construction and operation processes for informed decision-making about a building or other built assets.

Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a building’s life cycle. The method involves four steps: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. The European standard EN 15978:2011 codifies LCA for buildings and defines the life cycle stages.

A component represents minor items included in, added to, or connected to or connecting elements. Components are generally not of interest to the overall structure of the building. However, these small parts may have vital and load-carrying functions within the construction. These items do not provide any actual space boundaries. This definition follows EN ISO 16739-1:2024.

A built element comprises all the parts, permanent or temporary, that are the primary building parts of a built asset. Elements are physical objects, although in some cases, a void, such as a hole in a structure, is also considered an element. Elements can be prefabricated or built on-site. This definition follows EN ISO 16739-1:2024.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system which is used to control the temperature, humidity, and air purity in an enclosed space.

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) defines a standardised digital description (data model) of the built environment, including buildings and infrastructures. BuildingSMART International developed it as an open, international standard (ISO 16739-1:2018) that is vendor-neutral and can be used across various hardware devices, software platforms, and interfaces for many different use cases. IFC is used to exchange information between design disciplines.