After conducting research into Building Information Modelling (BIM), the government is now strongly encouraging architects, engineers, designers and builders to take up the new technology.

The government has recognised that using BIM to provide a three-dimensional model that transforms the design process has begun to change the way buildings are designed, built and managed.

And it says the push to encourage the software take-up is to see buildings that are better designed, cheaper to build and safer.

A study commissioned by the Australian Government’s Built Environment Industry Innovation Council has found that BIM improves the productivity of the building sector significantly.

From the McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket Report "The Business Value of BIM"

Productivity in the Buildings Network: Assessing the Impacts of Building Information Models found that if BIM was widely adopted it would make a significant difference to national economic performance.

This week, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr released a press statement saying BIM’s 3D building modelling technology helps builders and owners make the best financial and environmental management decisions over the life of a commercial building.

“I am pleased the Built Environment Industry Innovation Council commissioned this study, which they will use to encourage the building industry to become more productive and innovative,” Carr said.

“BIM is becoming widely used overseas. The report is an important step in promoting its use in Australia where our building network sector accounts for about 12 per cent of Australia’s total production — around $355 billion — and employs about one-eighth of Australia’s workforce.

“Widespread adoption of BIM will result in cleaner, healthier buildings — both new and renovated — with improvements in material consumption, energy efficiency, carbon emissions and the productivity of occupants. On average, an owner could save up to 10 per cent on the cost of their building.”

How Autodesk explains the value of BIM

The full report

The Australian government's report followed the appointment of a Built Environment Supplier Advocate in February and the recent release of the BEIIC’s Recommendations Report into ways of increasing our global competitiveness in the built environment sector.

A copy of the report is available at: www.innovation.gov.au/industry