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The construction industry plays a critical role in global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. Embodied carbon, which encompasses all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the extraction, production, transportation, and construction of materials, has become a critical focus in sustainable design. Building Information Modeling (BIM), with tools such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Forma, One Click LCA and Tully, among others, offers opportunities to streamline embodied carbon analysis through data integration and automation. The focus of this research is to provide an accessible and easy-to-use BIM methodology for capturing and managing information derived embodied carbon analysis, highlighting its workflows, benefits, challenges, and potential for sustainable design practices. Through a case study, the Revit to Forma methodology demonstrates how both tools interact and can enable architects, engineers, and contractors to make informed decisions that reduce the environmental impact of construction projects at all stages of design and construction. This paper outlines three key processes: 3D modeling, data mapping to objects in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) model, and data mapping from the model in the platform Forma. The findings contribute to the advancement of BIM methodology as a key tool for guiding informed decision making for green buildings projects.
ABSTRACT
The construction industry plays a critical role in global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. Embodied carbon, which encompasses all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the extraction, production, transportation, and construction of materials, has become a critical focus in sustainable design. Building Information Modeling (BIM), with tools such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Forma, One Click LCA and Tully, among others, offers opportunities to streamline embodied carbon analysis through data integration and automation. The focus of this research is to provide an accessible and easy-to-use BIM methodology for capturing and managing information derived embodied carbon analysis, highlighting its workflows, benefits, challenges, and potential for sustainable design practices. Through a case study, the Revit to Forma methodology demonstrates how both tools interact and can enable architects, engineers, and contractors to make informed decisions that reduce the environmental impact of construction projects at all stages of design and construction. This paper outlines three key processes: 3D modeling, data mapping to objects in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) model, and data mapping from the model in the platform Forma. The findings contribute to the advancement of BIM methodology as a key tool for guiding informed decision making for green buildings projects.
Keywords: Building Information Modelling (BIM), Embodied Carbon, Sustainability, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Forma.
INTRODUCTION
The construction sector has an important role in global climate change, representing around 39% of global carbon emissions. The embodied carbon accounts for almost a quarter and refers to emissions generated throughout the entire production chain of building materials, including manufacturing, transportation and the construction process itself.
The operational carbon, which is different from the embodied carbon, is emitted over the life cycle of a building through use, after the construction process is complete, such as energy consumption for heating, lighting or ventilation. In contrast, embodied carbon remains "locked" in the building structure from the moment construction is completed, thus becoming a fixed component of its long-term environmental impact.
The aim to reducing embodied carbon not only supports the global goal of climate changes but also presents economic and technological opportunities for the construction sector [1-3]. The adoption of more sustainable practices can contribute to the creation of a circular economy, which minimizes waste and use the resources in an efficient manner. Reducing embodied carbon becomes not only a responsibility for the construction sector but also represent an opportunity for transformation towards a more sustainable future[4-6].
Building Information Modeling (BIM) provide a digital framework to integrate and manage data across building lifecycle [7, 8]. BIM facilitates better decision-making by enabling real-time data analysis, simulation, visualization and finally collaboration [9]. With its data-rich 3D models, Revit, a BIM software, provides a platform to assess embodied carbon by linking emissions factors and material data to building elements.
TOOLS AND METHODOLOGIES
This study aims to explore the use of BIM methodology in embodied carbon calculations, demonstrate workflows for embodied carbon analysis using Revit and Forma, and evaluate the benefits and challenges of integrating embodied carbon analysis into BIM workflows.
Analysing embodied carbon enables stakeholders to identify high-carbon materials and processes, make informed decisions to substitute materials or optimize designs, contribute to sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM), and align with global carbon reduction targets.
Autodesk Revit is a powerful BIM tool that supports parametric modeling, material libraries, data extraction, and supports multiple dimensions of analysis, including 3D (geometry), 4D (time), 5D (cost), and 6D (sustainability). Embodied carbon analysis falls under the sustainability dimension, where material properties and emissions data are linked to building elements.
Key features that make Revit suitable for embodied carbon analysis include:
* Material libraries: Revit's predefined and custom material libraries can store data on material types, densities, and emissions factors.
* Schedules: Revit schedules allow users to quantify materials, which represent the basis for carbon calculations.
* Add-ins: Plugins like Tally and One Click LCA integrate with Revit to automate embodied carbon analysis.
* Cloud Based Platforms - Platforms like Autodesk Forma that integrate with Revit to create a cohesive workflow for architects and planners.
CASE STUDY - APPLICATION FOR EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
This research analyses a case study of the new educational building of the Faculty of Construction and Building Services in lasi, Romania. The building, with a built area (GFA) of 2,816 m?, is structured on a ground floor and two upper floors and was designed to accommodate various educational and administrative activities. The spaces included include a library for studies, an amphitheatre, classrooms, administrative offices, conference rooms, as well as specialized areas for laser research activities.
METHODOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This research outlines two main methodological components: first represent the development of a BIM model to support sustainable design decisions; and second, the integration and evaluation of sustainability metrics, like embodied carbon analysis. The study employs a methodology that combines Autodesk Revit for BIM modeling and Autodesk Forma for real-time performance analysis. This process aims to improve the sustainable design process from the initial design stage to ready and have been organized into two phases: 1) BIM model implementation and ii) Analysis and BIM optimization for sustainable design. Figures 2 and 3 provide a representation of the consecutive steps implemented for each phase of the methodology.
FIRST STAGE - BIM MODEL DEVELOPMENT
The initial stage of the methodology is dedicated to gather the necessary data to support the development of the building model, focusing on the Preliminary Design Stage and accommodate data for embodied carbon analysis. This phase ensures that the BIM model is built on accurate information, that it is also in compliance with BREEAM's environmental categories.
The Revit Object Type Library was loaded into the Revit model to ensure access to necessary components dedicated for the design process. Revit families were populated with type and instance parameters through a customize Dynamo script, dedicated to capture performance data, dedicated for embodied carbon analysis. Views, schedules, and naming conventions work sets, materials, view templates, and filters were set up to provide an organized Revit model. The Revit template was designed and defined to allow adjustments, to accommodate new requirements and attend future similar projects, at any time.
SECOND STAGE - BIM OPTIMIZATION FOR EMBODIED CARBON ANALYSIS
The second stage concentrate on integrating the BIM workflow with Forma to perform preliminary analyses and optimize design decisions afterwords. The process starts with the creation of the model into the Forma simulation platform
The 3D model created into Forma detailed performance simulations, concentrating on embodied carbon sustainability criteria. The results of these analyses are evaluated to identify areas requiring optimization, such as facade orientation, material performance, or thermal comfort strategies.
EMBODIED CARBON ANALISYS
The automated embodied carbon simulation conducted in Autodesk Forma is based in predefined material libraries and assumptions referring to typical construction assemblies. The scope of the assessment includes the building envelope, structural systems, interior finishes, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems.
The selected life cycle stages, on Forma, are A1-A3, as defined in EN 15804, focusing on cradle-to-gate impacts.
The А1-АЗ stages refers to the initial phases of the product life cycle governs environmental product declarations (EPDs) for construction products. These stages include the following:
* Al - Raw material.
* A2- Transport of the raw materials to the manufacturing facility.
* A3 - Manufacturing, which involves the actual production processes, and includes material processing, energy use, and emissions at the manufacturing site.
These 3 stages are elementary in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) because they capture the environmental impacts that are embedded into the building from the moment that construction begins.
RESULTS INTERPRETATION
The analysis results, of the Embodied carbon simulation realized in Forma indicate a total embodied carbon of 7,830 tCO>e for the entire building. When normalized by the floor area, this results in an average of 517 kgCO.e/m?, like showed in Figure 4. This metric serves as a benchmark for evaluating compliance with international sustainability standards like BREEAM, LEED, and EU taxonomy thresholds, which typically aim for values below 500-600 КеСО» е/т? for new constructions.
The system breakdown is a critical insight that helps prioritize carbon reduction strategies:
* The structure contributes 4,140 tCO>e, representing 53% of the total. This aligns with common trends, as concrete and steel structural elements often account for the largest share of embodied carbon.
* The interiors represent 1,570 tCOse (20%) and interior finishes and partitions play a notable role. Designers consider in this phase specifying finishes with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), recyclable content, and low embodied carbon.
* The envelope system represents 1,180 tCO>e, approximately 15% of the total, which includes facade materials, windows, and roof systems. By reducing glazing ratios, using high-performance insulation, and integrating bio-based materials can help lower this impact.
* The MEP Systems contribute 940 tCOze and represents approximately 12% of the total. Design strategies such as minimizing duct runs, specifying low-impact materials, and lifecycle-based product selection can mitigate this contribution.
The present building is geo-located in Forma and overlay on contextual site data, helping to understand environmental performance in relation to surrounding buildings, vegetation, and infrastructure. The building analyzed, showed in light purple, confirms proper spatial correlation and integration with adjacent masses. This early stage embodied carbon analysis offers a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact embedded in the proposed building design. By leveraging Autodesk Forma simulation tools, designers can prioritize reductions in high-impact systems like structure and interiors and align design choices with sustainability certifications and EU taxonomy regulations. The results underscore the importance of integrating carbon accounting into the design process from the earliest stages to achieve carbon-conscious buildings.
The results obtained from the embodied carbon analysis in Autodesk Forma is effectively integrated into Autodesk Revit model through a structured process that involves mapping key outputs from the simulation to Revit elements via type and instance parameters. This process ensures a direct correlation between design data and sustainability metrics, enabling detailed tracking, reporting, and further analysis during all phases of the project.
Here's how this integration can be realized:
First, the embodied carbon data exported from Autodesk Forma typically includes values like total embodied carbon (tCOze), carbon intensity per square meter (kgCOze/m°), and breakdown by building systems (e.g., structure, envelope, interiors, and MEP). These values can be organized and linked with the corresponding Revit categories, such as structural framing, walls, floors, roofs, windows, and MEP components.
Project dedicated parameters were mapped to all elements categories that mirror the output categories from Forma. For example, parameters such as Embodied Carbon tCO2e, CarbonIntensity kgCO2e m2, or LifeCycleStage A1A3 were created as either instance parameters (if unique per element) or type parameters (if shared across element types).
This mapping allows project stakeholders to visualize embodied carbon values directly in Revit, by applying filters or color schemes, or extract schedules or reports showing environmental performance by discipline, element or construction phase.
It also ensures continuity with sustainability frameworks such as BREEAM Mat 01 or LEED credits, by providing a verified, traceable link between design and sustainability performance.
In summary, the integration of Forma's embodied carbon results into Revit enriches the BIM environment by turning it into a centralized data hub for both geometry and sustainability metrics, enabling smarter decisions, improved compliance with green certification systems, and a measurable path toward carbon-aware design.
DISCUSSION
Two major platforms used in this study, Revit and Autodesk Forma, present specific technical constraints that must be acknowledged.
In Revit, although physical and thermal properties of materials, such as density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity are often embedded within material definitions, these values are not easily accessible or extractable through standard Revit schedules. For instance, while a property like Density is technically present under the Thermal Assets category of a material, it cannot be automatically used or referenced in regular instance or type parameter schedules. As a result, users must manually extract or duplicate these values if they are to be used for calculations, which introduces inefficiencies and increases the risk of human error. This lack of parametric visibility undermines the potential for streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) workflows directly within Revit, particularly when trying to map embodied carbon data onto specific structural or architectural components.
On the other side, one critical limitation of Autodesk Forma lies in its current inability to perform embodied carbon simulations using geometry imported formats from Revit like Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format. In practice, this means that projects developed in other BIM environments and shared through IFC for interoperability cannot be directly assessed for embodied carbon within Forma, significantly restricting its applicability to real-world design workflows where IFC is the standard for crossplatform data exchange.
Encouragingly, both development teams at Autodesk have acknowledged these issues and are reportedly working to improve data interoperability and parameter accessibility across platforms. Future updates may include expanded access to embedded material properties in Revit and support for IFC-based embodied carbon simulations in Forma.
Addressing these limitations is critical for closing the loop between design, simulation, and sustainability evaluation. As BIM continues to evolve into a central tool for decarbonization strategies in the built environment, enhancing cross-platform data transparency and usability will be key to enabling more accurate, efficient, and scalable assessments.
CONCLUSION
The integration of embodied carbon data into the present BIM methodology represents a significant step forward regarding data-driven in decision-making for sustainable design. By leveraging the analytical capabilities of Autodesk Forma and mapping its results directly to Autodesk Revit models, through instance and type parameters, the methodology ensures that early-phase performance insights remain accessible.
The assignment of carbon intensity values via type and instance parameters enables precise tracking and comparison of construction strategies, material choices, and their environmental impacts.
Moreover, this approach allows interdisciplinary teams to go beyond visual coordination and engage in sustainability-led design processes, where carbon footprint becomes a measurable and adjustable parameter, like cost, schedule, or load-bearing capacity. Through structured parameters, embodied carbon becomes an active iterative design refinement, and the methodology facilitates outcomes like automated reporting, integration of LCA tools, and alignment with certification frameworks like BREEAM and LEED.
By embedding this data directly within BIM objects, the digital model evolves into a central repository for both geometric and environmental intelligence, bridging the gap between simulation and execution. The result is a more accountable, adaptable, and forward-looking design process that supports the global ambition for carbon-neutral construction.
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