Key facts
Building information modelling (BIM) is a digital method for planning, executing and managing construction projects. It is based on the creation and use of an intelligent 3D model that contains geometric, temporal, financial and functional data of a building or infrastructure. This results in advantages in the project planning and realisation phases, as well as in the operation of buildings. BIM is seen as an opportunity to complete construction projects more reliably and increase productivity within the industry.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) audited the first use of BIM at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) on the basis of the previously completed co-operate research campus construction project. The aim was to assess whether the use of BIM was worthwhile. As no specific cost and benefit targets were defined for the introduction of BIM and there are no key figures as a starting point for assessing the impact, it is not possible to make a reliable assessment of how well the potential is being exploited.