We are pleased to inform you that an extensive analysis of Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption across the EU has been published on the BUILD UP portal, the European Commission’s official platform for energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings.
The report, titled Analysis of the Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Across the EU, provides a detailed overview of BIM implementation in all 27 EU member states. Key findings include:
National strategies and mandates: Countries like Denmark (BIM mandatory since 2007) and Italy lead in public-sector adoption, while others (e.g., Austria, Greece) are in earlier stages.
Education and training: Highlights initiatives in Finland, Estonia, and others to integrate BIM into vocational and academic programs.
Standardization: Reviews frameworks such as Finland’s COBIM guidelines and Germany’s BIM Stufenplan.
Public-private collaboration: Showcases successful partnerships, including Ireland’s Build Digital Project.
This report is a valuable resource for policymakers, industry professionals, and educators working to accelerate BIM adoption and digital transformation in construction.
BUILD UP is the European Union’s trusted platform for sharing knowledge on sustainable building practices. Explore more tools and publications at buildup.eu.
Welcome to the first issue of the BIM4D Project Newsletter. Our initiative, funded under the Erasmus+ Key Action 2, aims to integrate green and digital skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) at the end-of-life phase of building practices.
This endeavor will enhance sustainability and digital transformation in the construction industry through focused vocational education and training.
We are excited to announce that a Final analyses report from the BIM4D project is prepared!
This report examined BIM’s integration in five European countries—Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia—with a focus on its application in deconstruction.
The report provides valuable insights into the skill needs, policy gaps, and the role of BIM in advancing sustainable practices like selective dismantling and material reuse.
The 2nd meeting of the BIM4D EU project was successfully held on the 15th of January at the premises of the project coordinator PEDMEDE GR in Athens, Greece!
The project partners had the opportunity to discuss the results of the research analysis as well as the training content of the BIM4D curriculum.
The main aims of the project are: to increase knowledge and understanding of the current status in regards with the use of BIM in EOL and to enhance the engagement of construction/deconstruction workers and education professionals on the BIM use at deconstruction processes. Additionaly, the project aims to provide a transnational overview of the BIM use in deconstruction as well as to provide the basis for the development of the innovative BIM4D training.
The European Commission has taken a significant step forward in promoting sustainable construction practices by publishing the 2024 Edition of the Protocol for the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). This updated document serves as a comprehensive guideline for contractors, recycling companies, and regulatory authorities to enhance waste management, increase the reuse of materials, and align with the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan.
While non-legally binding, the protocol provides clear recommendations on how stakeholders in the construction sector can optimize CDW management to improve sustainability and material recovery. Given that CDW represents the largest waste stream in Europe—accounting for approximately 25-30% of total waste generated—the effective implementation of these guidelines is crucial.
Key Innovations in the Updated Protocol
The 2024 edition of the protocol introduces several improvements aimed at facilitating the transition to resource-efficient, low-carbon construction:
Enhanced Pre-Demolition Audits
Detailed inspections prior to demolition or renovation, ensuring systematic material classification and planning for recycling.
Stronger emphasis on identifying hazardous substances to protect workers and ensure safe material recovery.
Improved Waste Sorting and Collection
Standardized procedures for on-site material separation to increase recycling rates.
Clearer methodologies for treating and documenting waste flows.
Focus on Hazardous Waste Handling
Strengthened guidelines for safe removal and disposal of hazardous substances like asbestos, lead, and contaminated materials.
Alignment with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Package objectives.
Boosting the Market for Recycled Materials
Strategies for increasing confidence in the quality and traceability of recycled materials.
Support for harmonized End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria across EU Member States.
BIM and Digitalization in CDW Management
Acknowledgment of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a key enabler for structured deconstruction planning.
Digital tools for tracking material recovery potential and optimizing the reuse of construction elements.
How BIM4D Aligns with the New Protocol
The BIM4D project directly supports the implementation of these new guidelines by providing practical solutions for managing CDW through BIM-based deconstruction workflows.
Training and Capacity Building: BIM4D develops six specialized training modules to equip construction and demolition workers with digital skills for material recovery planning.
Optimizing Pre-Demolition Planning: BIM4D promotes the use of BIM tools to create detailed digital models of buildings, allowing precise mapping of reusable materials before demolition begins.
Supporting Circular Economy Goals: By integrating BIM with CEN/TC 350 sustainability standards, the project fosters transparent, efficient deconstruction processes that align with EU priorities.
Policy and Industry Engagement: BIM4D engages policymakers, industry stakeholders, and training institutions to accelerate the adoption of digital tools for waste management.
Why This Matters for the Construction Sector
The construction industry is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions, resource consumption, and waste production. The new CDW Protocol 2024 provides a structured approach to mitigate these challenges by promoting:
Higher recycling rates and circular material use.
Reduced reliance on virgin raw materials.
Stronger data tracking for sustainable deconstruction.
Compliance with EU sustainability and climate goals.
Welcome to the first issue of the BIM4D Project Newsletter. Our initiative, funded under the Erasmus+ Key Action 2, aims to integrate green and digital skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) at the end-of-life phase of building practices.
This endeavor will enhance sustainability and digital transformation in the construction industry through focused vocational education and training.
