What is Building Information Modelling (BIM) and BIM Washing?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents an approach in the construction industry that integrates digital descriptions of every aspect of the physical project. However, the emergence of ‘BIM wash,’ akin to ‘greenwash’ in environmental fields, poses significant challenges. BIM wash refers to inflated or deceptive claims by some companies about their use of or delivery capabilities regarding BIM products or services. This concept was vividly described in a 2017 article on BIM+ as “the inflated and sometimes deceptive claim of using or delivering BIM products or services.”

What Does BIM Stand for in the Construction Industry?

In April 2016, the Government mandate required all centrally procured new-build projects in the public sector to adhere to BIM Level 2, as defined by the Bew-Richards Maturity Model. This mandate aims to enhance efficiency and accuracy in construction projects by leveraging advanced BIM technologies.

What is BIMwash?

Despite the clear guidelines, many companies misrepresent their capabilities, claiming BIM Level 2 compliance while only operating at Level 1. Level 1 typically involves using software like Revit for creating drawings, a significant step down from the comprehensive data management and integration required at Level 2. This disparity between claimed and actual capabilities can lead to inadequate service delivery, lacking the essential data-driven insights that true BIM Level 2 promises.

Consequences of BIMwash

The lack of accurate information delivery can prevent effective clash detection, impair maintenance operations, and compromise the handover of as-built BIM models, including Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals. Without the critical ‘information’ component, a BIM project fails to realise its full potential, affecting all stakeholders involved.

Strategies and Solutions for Combatting BIMwash

The Role of COBie in Ensuring Genuine BIM Implementation

Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is pivotal in genuine BIM Level 2 compliance. COBie facilitates effective data exchange across all relevant parties through a structured format, typically a series of Excel spreadsheets. Companies not utilising or demonstrating effective use of COBie are likely not meeting BIM Level 2 standards.

Case Study: Airedale’s Journey Toward True BIM Compliance

Here at Airedale, we have made huge strides in the past few years, ever since we directly employed our own BIM team. Its manager, Darran Woods, has worked tirelessly to populate COBie while also training our in-house design department. Projects delivered for a number of clients, including main contractors, have confirmed that we are comfortably operating within the parameters of Level 2, and as such, we are not contributing to the BIMwashing we are seeing in our industry..
Recent projects and our strong relationships with leading main contractors have allowed us to further build our knowledge. As Darran surmises, BIM is “a collaboration of thinking, a collaboration of working and a visibility of information.” If anyone cannot provide you with this visibility of information, they are Level One, not Level Two, which could lead to issues for all parties when that particular project begins to be delivered.

Fostering BIM Understanding

We encourage the BIM community to share their experiences and insights regarding BIMwash. Whether through social media discussions using hashtags like #BIM and #BIMwash or more formal inquiries, your input is invaluable. For architects and main contractors seeking guidance on authentic BIM practices, we invite you to reach out via our contact form.
To further understand BIM’s scope and impact in the construction industry, explore terms such as “what is BIM in construction,” “BIM guidelines,” and “commercial kitchen BIM.” These insights can help demystify BIM and encourage informed participation across the sector.