The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the release of a new featureādeveloped in collaboration with Autodeskāthat will automate theĀ AIA 2030 CommitmentĀ data reporting from energy analysis software directly to theĀ Design Data ExchangeĀ (DDx). This collaboration has resulted in an open Automated Program Interface (API) to the DDx, available to any energy modeling software vendor, reducing the duplication of effort using the existing process.Ā
The new automated connection will allow the more than 350 AIA 2030 committed firms to report their project and portfolio performance to the DDx directly from AutodeskĀ Insight 360, a technology addition included in AutodeskĀ RevitĀ and AutodeskĀ FormIt 360 ProĀ subscriptions. This automated process between Insight 360 and DDx will eliminate the need for manual data entry and eliminates duplication of effort encouraging performance analysis and more frequent reporting throughout the design process instead of annually. The DDx interface is open source with the ability to connect with other energy modeling software providers. Additional vendors are welcome to link up with the DDx system.
Eliminating the overhead of manual reporting not only saves time but it also enables more regular updates so firms can get up-to-the-minute progress on their projects and portfolio. In terms of actually meeting the targets themselves one of the key findings of theĀ 2014 progress reportĀ was the critical role that energy modeling plays, and how projects that applied energy modeling were generally higher performing.
For example, of the projects submitted in the 2014 reporting period, nearly 50 percent of the projects where an energy model was created met or came close to achieving the AIA 2030 Commitment goals, whereas 80 percent of non-model projects fell below the 40 percent target. This offering helps to lower the barriers to energy modeling, making it possible to conduct energy modeling on virtually every project, especially from the early stages, but in doing so automatic reporting to DDx is essentially free.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 6, 2015
After refueling its capital tank, WeWork acquires BIM consultant Case
The merger is expected to help standardize how WeWork designs and builds out office space.Ā
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
BIM GIANTS: Robotic reality capture, gaming systems, virtual realityāAEC Giants continue tech frenzy
Given their size, AEC Giants possess the resources and scale to research and test the bevy of software and hardware solutions on the market. Some have created internal innovation labs and fabrication shops to tinker with emerging technologies and create custom software tools. Others have formed R&D teams to test tech tools on the job site.
Smart Buildings | Aug 5, 2015
8 cities win Bloomberg's 'open data' award
The competition, called "What Works Cities," promotes innovation in city government by making the massive amounts of city operations data more publicly accessible to better improve issues like job creation, public health, and blight.Ā
Multifamily Housing | Aug 5, 2015
FacadeRetrofit.org: A new database for tracking commercial and multifamily faƧade upgrades
The siteĀ allows users to submit information about new projects, or supplement information on those already posted.
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 4, 2015
Augmented reality app provides step-by-step help for repairing equipment
The developers of Remote AR have discovered a new application for AR technology that could apply to all types of industries, including commercial buildings.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 29, 2015
Tenn. startup uses freeform 3D printer to build full-size walls
Branch Technology used the worldās largest freeform printer, one that has an arm that prints objects in open space, to make the lightweight yet incredibly sturdy lattice structures.
University Buildings | Jul 21, 2015
Maker spaces: Designing places to test, break, and rebuild
Gensler's Kenneth Fisher and Keller Roughton highlight recent maker space projects at MIT and the University of Nebraska that provideĀ just the right mix of equipment, tools, spaces, and disciplines to spark innovation.Ā
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 20, 2015
New stylus brings digital sketching to the next level
Without buttons, users can change the weight of the stylusā stroke.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 16, 2015
BIM for O+M: New app streamlines project documentation handover process
The Building Ops app enables owners to begin operations on the first day with a turnkey maintenance and asset management solution, according to its maker, Autodesk.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 15, 2015
Google launches open-source beacon platform: Eddystone
Though beacons usually broadcast information publicly, Eddystone has the option to communicate privately as well, which greatly expands the applications for the technology.