Development of a Framework for Optimal Selection of Sustainable Building Envelope using BIM

As the demand for sustainable design and construction practices increases due to climate change, the need for sustainable BIM-based solutions becomes more pressing for decision-makers. This research develops a database for typical envelope materials and an envelope selection framework using sustainability criteria to determine the best combination of building envelope solutions during the design phase. A BIM model was created for the Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies building at the University of Tehran. The framework involves data extraction and analysis of 27 proposed solutions for the building's envelope, with the optimal solution being selected based on the minimum overall cost. The findings indicate that using a triple-glazed window, hollow clay block wall, and ribbed floor is the optimal selection for Iran, resulting in a 12.27% reduction in total building costs over its lifespan compared to the most typical materials option in Iran. The proposed model leverages BIM technology to achieve sustainable development goals by providing accurate results and fast processing times, contributing to the development of sustainable BIM-based solutions for building design and construction.