Schneider Electric has announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding. According to this agreement, Schneider Electric and Autodesk plan to collaborate to enhance current practices for building lifecycle management based on Building Information Modeling (BIM).
As part of the collaboration, the two companies are exploring ways to complement each other’s strengths to make buildings more energy efficient from the design and construction through operation and end-of-life phases. The collaboration may include new solutions and services in the areas of energy management, building automation and control, and workspace management.
The joint efforts look to combine Schneider Electric’s expertise in electrical distribution, energy and building management solutions with Autodesk’s portfolio of BIM-based design and construction software such as Autodesk Revit and Autodesk BIM 360.
Today, buildings consume about 40 percent of global energy, 25 percent of global water, 40 percent of global resources and they emit approximately one-third of GHG emissions. Residential and commercial buildings consume approximately 60 percent of the world’s electricity. Yet, buildings also offer the greatest potential for achieving significant GHG emission reductions. The shift toward digital BIM processes is part of the solution to more energy efficient homes and buildings by delivering greater agility and long-term sustainability.
BIM is a process that begins with the creation of an intelligent 3D model to capture, explore, and maintain building data associated with planning, design, construction, and operations. The information in the model remains coordinated and consistent throughout the project and supports simulation, analysis, and collaboration for better decision-making.
“The journey to sustainable high performance buildings starts with taking a comprehensive holistic view of a building lifecycle, from design, construction, and operation including adaptation to ever changing needs of businesses and organizations,” says Jean-Luc Meyer, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Schneider Electric. “Today’s announcement builds on decades of Schneider Electric integrated approach to building management that can reduce energy, reduce capital expenditures, decrease operating expenditures and improve overall business performance. We see a huge potential in digitizing buildings project lifecycle. We believe that the cooperation with Autodesk will help drive a deep and long-term transformation in the construction industry, providing greater value to each user and contributing to solve the energy challenge.”
“Autodesk has been an active proponent of sustainable building design and construction for years, in part by equipping our customers with BIM tools to do rapid and meaningful energy analysis. The operation and maintenance phase of the building presents a huge opportunity to drive greater energy efficiency over the long-term for building owners, and we’re thrilled to be teaming with Schneider Electric to explore how we can bring new solutions to market that connect energy efficiency throughout the entire building lifecycle,” said Amar Hanspal, Autodesk Senior Vice President, Information Modeling & Platform Group.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 29, 2015
Tenn. startup uses freeform 3D printer to build full-size walls
Branch Technology used the world’s 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 provide just the right mix of equipment, tools, spaces, and disciplines to spark innovation.
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 stylus’ 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.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 14, 2015
New city-modeling software quantifies the movement of urban dwellers
UNA for Rhino 3D helps determine the impact that urban design can have on where pedestrians go.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 14, 2015
Nation’s first 'drone park' breaks ground in North Dakota
This is one of six testing sites around the country that are developing flight standards and evaluating the utility of drones for different tasks.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 6, 2015
BIM/VDC training is more than learning the features
Training can be a taxing experience for both the class and the instructor. CASE's Nathan Miller offers four ways to make training more relevant to practitioners.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 6, 2015
Researchers increase GPS precision to centimeter-accurate
A new startup is working with Samsung to develop a snap-on accessory for centimeter-accurate global positioning.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 6, 2015
New documentary shows Legos as touchstones of creativity
The film's narrator, actor Jason Bateman, says it’s a story “about a simple toy and how its unique properties ushered in a new era of creativity for a whole generation.”
