Schneider Electric, a leading specialist in energy management, and Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software and services, have signed a deal to collaboratively enhance current practices in building lifecycle management based on building information modelling (BIM).

As part of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two companies will explore ways to complement each other’s strengths to make buildings more energy efficient from the design and construction through operation and end-of-life phases., said a statement.

The collaboration may include new solutions and services in the areas of energy management, building automation and control, and workspace management, it said.

The joint efforts look to combine Schneider Electric’s expertise in electrical distribution, energy and building management solutions with Autodesk’s portfolio of BIM-based design and construction software such as Autodesk Revit and Autodesk BIM 360.

Buildings currently consume 40 per cent of energy, 25 per cent of water, 40 per cent of resources globally and they emit approximately one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, said the statement.

Residential and commercial buildings consume approximately 60 per cent of the world’s electricity. Yet, buildings also offer the greatest potential for achieving significant GHG emission reductions, it said.

The shift toward digital BIM processes is part of the solution to more energy-efficient homes and buildings by delivering greater agility and long-term sustainability.

BIM is a process that begins with the creation of an intelligent 3D model to capture, explore, and maintain building data associated with planning, design, construction, and operations.

The information in the model remains coordinated and consistent throughout the project and supports simulation, analysis, and collaboration for better decision-making.

Jean-Luc Meyer, senior vice president, Strategy and Innocation, Schneider Electric, said: “The journey to sustainable high-performance buildings starts with taking a comprehensive holistic view of a building life cycle, from design, construction, and operation including adaptation to ever changing needs of businesses and organisations.

“Today’s announcement builds on decades of Schneider Electric integrated approach to building management that can reduce energy, reduce capital expenditures, decrease operating expenditures and improve overall business performance.

“We see a huge potential in digitising buildings project life-cycle. We believe that the cooperation with Autodesk will help drive a deep and long-term transformation in the construction industry, providing greater value to each user and contributing to solve the energy challenge.”

Amar Hanspal, Autodesk senior vice president, Information Modeling and Platform Group, said: “Autodesk has been an active proponent of sustainable building design and construction for years, in part by equipping our customers with BIM tools to do rapid and meaningful energy analysis.

“The operation and maintenance phase of the building presents a huge opportunity to drive greater energy efficiency over the long term for building owners, and we’re thrilled to be teaming with Schneider Electric to explore how we can bring new solutions to market that connect energy efficiency throughout the entire building lifecycle.” - TradeArabia News Service