Action 3 Designing buildings differently When it comes to sustainable construction, almost everything hinges on the early stages of building design. Investigating practices, identifying the right tools, and training designers in life cycle analysis (LCA) contribute to a more sustainable approach to construction. And with the contribution of new technologies, the construction sector will only become more resilient. With the help of digital tools, designers can make the most of their projects. > © iStock/Akacin Phonsawat Embarking on sustainable construction is like preparing for a long journey around the world. Without a map or compass, it is easy to lose one’s way or take the wrong route. Just as navigation tools have evolved considerably since the first explorers, modern design tools allow for better-informed choices. And it starts from the very first sketches. Urban planners, architects and engineers now have an arsenal of digital tools to understand, analyze and chart the best route for decarbonizing construction. BIM for low-carbon construction A truly collaborative tool, building information modeling (BIM) is increasingly gaining ground. With BIM, it is now possible to test and optimize the performance of a project at every stage of its life cycle: from design and operation through to maintenance and deconstruction. 55 CONSTRUCTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
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