Purpose The purpose of the presented research is to investigate which tasks among the ones performed during a buildings’ operational phase are perceived to be more inefficient and to investigate if the information within a building information model (BIM) can help improve task efficiency. Design/methodology/approach The Digital Built Britain (BIM Level 3) aims to extend BIM into operation by promoting a life cycle approach for buildings through an integrated digital environment. Nevertheless, the main focus of both BIM Level 2 and Level 3 is mainly on design, construction and hand over; therefore, the current understanding and use of BIM for a buildings’ occupancy phase is still limited. Current literature and research focusing on BIM and building management show only marginal use of the technology, especially in terms of how BIM can be used beside for maintenance. Findings The paper presents the results of an online questionnaire survey aimed to ascertain the level of perceived inefficiencies of operational tasks. Through the analysis of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data models, the research identifies the data set needed to improve the efficiency of the tasks and presents a structured implementation plan to identify the information that should be prioritized in the model implementation. Originality/value The study presents part of a methodology developed by the author aimed to implement a BIM model for existing buildings including information that would support the management of the single facility/portfolio. While other studies have considered BIM and the operational phase, especially in relation to asset maintenance, this study has focused on understanding how the information included in the model can improve task efficiency.

This paper presents the process of implementation of a building information model for managing an existing building, identifying a development framework and documenting the difficulties that occurred during the implementation of the initial stages. The use of building information modelling (BIM) for the design and construction phase of a building has been thoroughly looked into by researchers and practitioners and there is evidence to support that it is beneficial for reducing cost, time and improving communication. A single shared building information model results in a greater accuracy, clarity and consistency of the information available during the life cycle compared to traditional 2D/3D drawings. Yet the potential use of BIM for the operational and management phase (facilities management), besides maintenance schedules and equipment information and location, is still not clearly identified. The UK Government, institutional clients and major private owners are now demanding BIM for new construction and major refurbishment, but given that 70-75% of the UK building stock that will exist and be in use in 2050 has already been built, a significant part of the existing facilities will not have a building information model till the next major refurbishment. This creates a major gap in the built environment, when it comes to having BIM for existing buildings.This paper presents the initial findings of two case studies, where building information models were developed for two existing buildings using a new framework and concludes that minimal BIM skills are sufficient to construct a base building model that can be implemented over time by facilities managers.

The use of Building information modelling for the design and construction phase of a building has been thoroughly looked into by researchers and practitioners and there is evidence to support that it is beneficial for reducing cost, time and improving communication. Yet the potential use of BIM for the operational and management phase (Facilities management), besides maintenance schedules and equipment information and location, is still not clearly identified. The UK Government, institutional clients and major private owners are now demanding for BIM for new construction and major refurbishment but given that 70-75% of the current UK building stock will still be in use in 2050, a significant part of the existing facilities will not have an information model till the next major refurbishment, creating a major gap in the built environment. This paper presents a new framework aimed at creating information models for facilities management requiring minimal BIM skills and discusses the impact that models created for the operational stage would have on the whole life cycle of a building.

The use of Building information modelling for the design and construction phase of a building has been thoroughly looked into by researchers and practitioners and there is evidence to support that it is beneficial for reducing cost, time and improving communication. Yet the potential use of BIM for the operational and management phase (Facilities management), besides maintenance schedules and equipment information and location, is still not clearly identified. The UK Government, institutional clients and major private owners are now demanding for BIM for new construction and major refurbishment but given that 70-75% of the current UK building stock will still be in use in 2050, a significant part of the existing facilities will not have an information model till the next major refurbishment, creating a major gap in the built environment. This paper presents a new framework aimed at creating information models for facilities management requiring minimal BIM skills and discusses the impact that models created for the operational stage would have on the whole life cycle of a building.