Aim

To design a sustainable green building and analyse its energy efficiency and environmental impact using advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and simulation tools such as Autodesk Revit, Insight, and Green Building Studio.

Introduction

Green buildings are designed to minimize the negative environmental impacts of construction and building operation while maximizing occupant health and resource efficiency. With rising concerns over climate change, energy consumption, and resource depletion, sustainable building design has become a critical focus area in the construction industry. This project emphasizes creating an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient building model using BIM tools. The design incorporates key sustainability measures such as passive solar orientation, renewable energy systems, water conservation techniques, use of recycled and low-VOC materials, and indoor environmental quality improvements. Through energy analysis and modelling, the project aims to reduce the ecological footprint of the building while maintaining functional and aesthetic standards.

Methodology

The methodology for designing a sustainable green building begins with creating a comprehensive 3D model using Autodesk Revit, integrating sustainable features such as passive solar orientation, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally friendly materials. Energy simulations are performed using Autodesk Insight and Green Building Studio to optimize the building's energy performance, simulate energy loads, and evaluate solar energy potential. Sustainable materials like high thermal mass, low-VOC finishes, and recycled content are selected, while water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing fixtures are incorporated. The building is also designed to achieve key environmental certifications, including LEED Silver and GRIHA 3-star ratings.

To further enhance sustainability, the building’s systems are optimized for energy efficiency, including the integration of solar PV panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and natural ventilation strategies. Performance evaluation tools assess the building’s operational energy use and environmental impact through lifecycle assessment (LCA), and a waste management plan ensures the recycling of construction waste. The final design aims to create a building that minimizes its ecological footprint while maintaining occupant comfort and meets sustainable building standards. Future considerations include expanding the design to achieve net-zero energy status, incorporating smart building technologies, and using advanced simulation tools for long-term climate responsiveness.

Literature Survey

1. Green Building Standards: A detailed review of sustainability certifications such as:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A globally recognized certification focusing on sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, and material selection.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): One of the first global environmental assessment methods for buildings.

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment): An Indian rating system emphasizing climatic responsiveness and resource efficiency.

2. Sustainable Design Principles: Exploration of foundational principles like:

Energy Efficiency: Implementing insulation, LED lighting, and renewable energy systems.

Water Conservation: Incorporating rainwater harvesting systems and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Material Selection: Using recycled content and low-VOC products to reduce environmental toxicity.

Indoor Environmental Quality: Enhancing occupant comfort through daylighting and natural ventilation.

Technology Integration

Use of Autodesk Revit for 3D modelling and BIM integration.

Use of Green Building Studio and Insight for performance-based energy analysis and sustainability simulation.

References

1. Kaarwan Blog on BIM Tools for Sustainable Building Design.

2. Autodesk University: Energy Analysis with Revit Insight and Green Building Studio.

3. Elogic Technologies: Sustainable Building Design through BIM.

4. Autodesk: Green Building Studio Overview. 

Results

The design and simulation of the green building project identified key sustainable strategies and materials that can significantly reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. The following materials and steps were concluded as effective:

Sustainable Materials Used

1.High Thermal Mass Materials : Concrete, brick, and rammed earth to stabilize indoor temperatures and reduce HVAC load.

2. Insulation Materials : Eco-friendly high R-value insulation such as cellulose, sheep wool, and recycled denim.

3. Low-VOC and Non-Toxic Finishes : Paints, sealants, and adhesives that comply with Green Seal standards (VOC content <50 g/L).

4. Recycled and Locally Sourced Materials : Recycled steel, reclaimed wood, fly ash bricks, and bamboo for structural and interior use.

5. Energy-Efficient Fixtures : LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, energy-efficient windows (double-glazed, low-E glass).

6. Roofing and Landscaping : Green roofs with native plants, permeable paving, and solar-reflective roof coatings.

Key Steps Taken for Sustainability

1. Passive Design: Oriented the building southward for maximum daylight and seasonal shading.

2. Energy Modelling: Used Autodesk Insight to optimize building performance and simulate energy loads.

3. Solar Integration: Designed for a rooftop solar PV system generating 3–5 kW per 100 m².

4. Rainwater Harvesting: Systems sized to harvest up to 60,000 liters/year for non-potable use.

5. Waste Management: Plan to recycle at least 75% of construction waste and install on-site composting.

6. Indoor Comfort: Ensured natural ventilation (ACH 4–6) and minimum 2% daylight factor in occupied spaces.

7. Certification Targets: Designed to meet LEED Silver and GRIHA 3-star rating benchmarks.

Future Scope

1. Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Expand design approaches to develop buildings that generate as much energy as they consume annually, by scaling up renewable systems and battery storage.

2. Smart Building Integration: Incorporate IoT-based automation for lighting, HVAC, and water usage monitoring to further enhance efficiency and occupant comfort.

3. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Conduct detailed LCA to evaluate long-term environmental impact and material sustainability across the building’s life span.

4. Modular Construction Techniques: Explore prefabricated and modular designs to reduce construction time, cost, and site waste.

5. Green Retrofitting: Apply similar strategies to existing buildings for sustainable retrofitting and carbon footprint reduction.

6. Urban Sustainability: Scale these principles for community-level planning — eco-townships, green campuses, and low-carbon neighbourhoods.

7. Advanced Simulation Tools: Utilize AI-driven building performance simulations and climate-responsive parametric design for optimization under future climate scenarios.

Acknowledgment

As executive members of IEEE NITK, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and work on this project under the prestigious name of the IEEE NITK Student Chapter. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to IEEE for providing us with the funds to complete this project successfully.