Emerging Economies LEED in BIM Adoption; A Step Towards Betterment

Developing economies such as China, Brazil, South Africa, India etc. have come to understand the importance of green building construction following the rising need for imperative economical and sustainable development. However, challenges such as lack of resources and financial conditions hinder the construction of green building in developing nations; unlike developed nations such as USA and UK.

The pivotal hurdle in green buildings development for emerging economies is that these countries have many other national issues like poverty, unemployment, and ultimately better living standards to be looked after. It has thus compelled governmental authorities to address aforementioned issues from the front; obviously putting green buildings construction to enter the fray from behind.

Absence of a comprehensive understanding of building development and misleading information about only incentives in developing economies have caused to distort the long term investment in green building construction. With a blur concept of green building, contractors and EPC firms too, confine their profits for short term returns, and limit their investment by compromising on quality of materials and labor costs.

In order to understand LEED benefits, it is vital to know how building construction harms the environment and leaves irreversible carbon footprints. Non-sustainable HVAC systems & operations in facilities pollute air and water, and cause long-term damages. CO₂ emissions produced from building product manufacturing units, contribute the maximum to carbon footprints and greenhouse gasses. If not looked upon, such climatic dents will cause the environment to stumble upon unhealthy air, water and soil; unfavorable for life on Earth.

Mere celebrating Earth Day every year doesn’t suffice the motive; instead adhering to LEED & Green building standards - does.  

Think over - Is it wise to put green buildings on the back seat?

To see the greater good in building construction, that is to invest in green buildings, it takes deep knowledge about energy modeling solutions for green buildings. Energy modeling solutions with BIM technology is the place to invest in for obtaining LEED certification; and avail monetary benefits & healthy environment as by-products.

Not only monetary benefits, in fact, energy modeling solutions in BIM act as catalyst for efficient energy consumption in building operations. Stewardship of the construction resources before and after a building is built, is brought into picture with BIM solutions to make the building adhere to LEED guidelines. Weatherproofing, optimum water consumption, lesser building waste, cleaner environment, better interior etc. come as obvious fruits when seeds of LEED are sown at BIM energy modeling solutions level. Emerging economies should sow the seeds for LEED certification during design planning to get the fruits when buildings are operational.

If not now; when are developing nations joining the green buildings troop?

In the era of BIM, IoT, big data and other impressive technologies, what are contractors doing if are not leveraging them for increased efficiency, generate ROIs, better employment, and eradicating poverty; even in developing economies.

Had it been really impossible for developing nations to adopt green buildings development and LEED certification; why did The Shanghai Towers gained so high traction for Platinum certification – The highest possible LEED certificate?

Another prominent name amongst emerging economies, Brazil, too has several LEED certified buildings with Gold and Silver certification. For instance the Eldorado Business tower or the FIFA 2014 world cup’s host Fonte Nova are a few to name from a long list. Developed world has seen the brighter future with BIM energy modeling solutions and LEED certification. Its time emerging economies adopt it, build a better place and uplift themselves.