BIM, Civil Engineering and Sustainability

There's a very worthwhile article by Terry Bennett that discusses sustainability from a civil engineering perspective and assesses the impact of building information modeling (BIM).  Terry looks at the worldwide trend where architects and engineers increasingly are encouraged to design and build structures that are compliant with sustainable design standards such as LEED®, Green Globes, BREEAM and others.  One of the most effective of the modern developments in design is building information modeling (BIM). BIM is a collaborative process that relies on a shared electronic model instead of paper drawings at the core of the design process.  Terry points out that BIM should be an important component of sustainable design because it generates the information required for sustainable analysis and certification as a by-product of the BIM design process. 

Terry's main point is that the adoption of BIM provides civil engineers with an opportunity to take a much more active role in the new economy by creating sustainable infrastructure and urban environments.