Carbon and Cost Optimisation and Visualisation

Abstract

We have developed a Grasshopper script that designs carbon-cost optimised foundation slabs to demonstrate the potency of parametric design in AEC, particularly the fact that environmentally friendlier solutions can be designed without having to cost more. The script produces 3D models of foundation slabs with minimal carbon footprint and material costs and validates each design iteration from the structural point of view with respect to project specific inputs, such as materials, cost, forces and bearing capacity of the ground. The script has been tested in a multitude of input settings and in all cases returned design solutions for foundations slabs where it was possible to identify the least climate intensive design to also be one of the cheapest solutions, if not the cheapest solution. We have developed a new service called BIM Vision to apply value driven visualisations based on carbon footprint and costs in BIM models. The result of this service is a further developed BIM model which integrates emission and cost factors with individual 3D objects. On demand, a user of the BIM model can also produce climate and cost calculations and visualise the BIM model based on the chosen sustainability aspect. Using a colour palette generator, objects are coloured with respect to carbon and cost intensity. Thus, a 3D heat map of the BIM model is created to communicate intuitively what components have the most severe impact on the project budget and carbon footprint. This kind of communication of environmental aspects simplifies consumption of sustainability related data and make it actionable.