DTERBIM

Driving Transformation on Energy-efficient and circular Renovation through BIM

DTERBIM transforms construction and renovation from a linear, inefficient paradigm to a circular, digital, and sustainable model through advanced BIM and Digital Twin technologies. The project develops an interoperable toolkit that optimizes resource use, energy efficiency, and material circularity across the entire building lifecycle.

Programme

Horizon Europe HORIZON-CL5-2024-D4-02-03

Duration

42 months (2024-2028)

Budget

€3,999,098

Coordinator

Fundación CARTIF (Spain)

Consortium

18 partners across 8 EU countries

Main Objectives

DTERBIM addresses the critical challenges facing the EU construction sector, which accounts for half of total energy consumption and half of all extracted materials. The project aims to:

  • Develop an open, interoperable BIM-based collaborative methodology for managing construction and renovation projects efficiently
  • Create a comprehensive toolkit of 9 BIM-based digital tools and 4 AI-powered services covering the entire building lifecycle
  • Implement Digital Twins that integrate real-time data for advanced operational decisions and lifecycle management
  • Embed sustainability and circularity principles into digital workflows, promoting material reuse and climate resilience
  • Empower SMEs with accessible, cost-effective solutions through a vendor-agnostic openBIM framework
  • Demonstrate solutions in 3 real-life pilots and 2 virtual pilots across diverse EU socio-economic contexts

SmartFlex Role in DTERBIM

As Partner 18, SmartFlex contributes AI-powered intelligence and data analytics capabilities to enhance the DTERBIM toolkit's operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities.

Key Contributions

  • AI-powered services development: Contributing machine learning and deep learning algorithms to enhance operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and decision-making in building management
  • Digital Twin intelligence: Integrating AI capabilities into Digital Twin systems for predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and performance monitoring
  • Data analytics and insights: Developing analytics solutions that process real-time sensor data and BIM information to support circular renovation decisions
  • Interoperability support: Ensuring AI services integrate seamlessly with the openBIM framework and existing industry-standard tools

Innovation & Expected Impact

Technological Innovation

  • OpenBIM Framework: Vendor-agnostic platform enabling stakeholders to use their preferred tools while maintaining full interoperability
  • AI-Enhanced Digital Twins: Real-time operational optimization combining BIM models with IoT sensor data and machine learning
  • Circular Material Tracking: Lifecycle management tools for material reuse, recycling, and waste reduction
  • Common Data Environment (CDE): Centralized platform integrating static and dynamic datasets for stakeholder collaboration

Business Innovation

  • Renovation-as-a-Service (RaaS): Subscription-based delivery model reducing financial barriers for SMEs and building owners
  • Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Cloud-based access to advanced BIM tools with minimal upfront costs
  • Marketplace Integration: Solutions available through established platforms like BIMserver.center

Societal Impact

  • Accelerating EU's transition to climate neutrality in the built environment
  • Reducing construction waste and promoting circular economy principles
  • Improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs for building owners
  • Creating skilled jobs and upskilling workforce in digital construction technologies
  • Democratizing access to advanced renovation tools, especially for SMEs

Value for Stakeholders

For SMEs & Construction Companies

Access to professional-grade BIM and AI tools without high upfront investment, simplified workflows requiring minimal training, and cost reduction through material reuse and energy optimization. The openBIM framework eliminates vendor lock-in while maintaining compatibility with industry standards.

For Building Owners & Operators

Comprehensive lifecycle visibility through Digital Twins, optimized energy performance and operational costs, enhanced occupant comfort through AI-driven building management, and transparent renovation planning with predictable outcomes and ROI.

For Architects & Engineers

Seamless collaboration through interoperable BIM workflows, integrated circularity and sustainability assessment tools, real-time validation of design decisions against performance criteria, and reduced rework through standardized data exchange protocols.

For Policymakers & Public Authorities

Evidence-based frameworks for monitoring renovation progress toward EU climate goals, replicable methodologies supporting building stock decarbonization strategies, and demonstrated compliance pathways for EPBD and Renovation Wave objectives.

Demonstration Pilots

DTERBIM validates its solutions through diverse real-world scenarios:

Pilot 1: Electra Building Deep Renovation (Valladolid, Spain)

Comprehensive residential building renovation demonstrating energy efficiency upgrades, circular material workflows, and integrated facility management through Digital Twins.

Pilot 2: Faculty of Civil Engineering Construction (Warsaw, Poland)

New construction project showcasing BIM-based design optimization, sustainable material selection, and lifecycle performance planning from inception.

Pilot 3: Mixed-Use Building (Greece)

Complex renovation and extension scenario testing interoperability across multiple stakeholders, phased implementation, and operational optimization.

Virtual Pilots

Two controlled virtual environments enabling early-stage technology validation, algorithm refinement, and accelerated testing cycles before real-world deployment.

Consortium Partners

DTERBIM brings together 18 leading organizations from 8 countries, combining research excellence, technological innovation, and industry expertise:

  • Research & Universities: CARTIF (Coordinator), UCL, ICCS, Warsaw University of Technology
  • Technology Providers: SmartFlex, CYPE, Contecht, Live Information System, AUSTRALO Alpha Lab
  • Construction & Engineering: MOSTOSTAL WARSZAWA, ACCIONA, CEM, FASADA
  • Energy & Sustainability: VEOLIA, GEOTHERMAL ENERGY, HPHI, BPIE
  • Innovation & Urban Development: Urban Soul Project