# A Case Study on Integrating an Eco-Design Tool into the Construction Decision-Making Process
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Communication with BIM  
The communication or articulation of the eco-design tool output with BIM was engineered through a visual programming software application (Dynamo) of the BIM family. A routine was created to import information consisting of interconnections between predefined nodes existing in the software, represented by black boxes in Figure 5. Each node has connections, represented by lines, that allow data to be transferred. The nodes are divided either as \"inputs\" and \"outputs\", and the connection can only be established if the data are comparable. In Figure 5, five groups of nodes are represented by color, and each group is responsible for different tasks: (i) blue group: communication with the Excel tool; (ii) orange group: material category in BIM; (iii) pink group: communication of the code entered into the BIM; (iv) grey group: the values to be searched in Excel and BIM; and (v) green group: parameters to be filled in the BIM.  
To enhance communication, a summary spreadsheet was introduced in the tool to filter the most relevant parameters from the EPDs (Table 11). After selecting the preferred building solution, the user simply enters the associated code, and the information is automatically imported to BIM. Only two additional items must be indicated by the user prior to data import: the material category in the BIM (orange box) and the spreadsheet location (blue box). The material category must be modified according to the material being evaluated. The same parameters are then created in BIM as \"Shared parameters\", generating a \"*.txt\" file that can be easily related to any type of project or material in BIM (Figure 6a).  
To validate the communication between the eco-design tool and the BIM, PVC window frames were selected, as they demonstrated the best overall performance. In the present case-study, the \"Windows\" category and the \"A11\" code were selected, as pre-defined earlier. The routine created in Dynamo was executed and the data imported automatically (Figure 6b). The routine developed in Dynamo allowed effective communication between the eco-design tool and BIM, enabling environmental data storage in BIM models associated with the case study under analysis. It should be mentioned that the data entered are not intended for calculations but rather for future memory, facilitating access to the information throughout the building's life cycle. This data storage method can also be useful in design maintenance, rehabilitation, and demolition actions and serve as a reference point given the continuous evolution of standards, materials, and EPDs.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l c} \hline \hline
**Parameter** & **Material** \\ \hline Code & - \\ Material/solution & - \\ Origin classification & - \\ Registration program & - \\ EPD registration code & - \\ ECO platform code & - \\ Publication date & - \\ Validity date & - \\ Manufacturer & - \\ Region & - \\ System boundary & - \\ Global warming potential—total (kg CO\({}_{2}\) equiv.) & - \\ Ozone depletion (kg CFC 11 equiv.) & - \\ Acidification (kg SO\({}_{2}\) equiv.) & - \\ Eutrophication (kg (PO\({}_{4}\))\({}^{3-}\) equiv.) & - \\ Photochemical ozone formation (kg C\({}_{2}\)H\({}_{4}\) equiv.) & - \\ Abiotic depletion potential—non-fossil resources (kg Sb equiv.) & - \\ Abiotic depletion potential—fossil resources (MJ, N.C.V.) & - \\ TRR—total use of renewable primary energy resources (MJ, N.C.V.) & - \\ TRNR—total use of non-renewable primary energy resources (MJ, N.C.V.) & - \\ MS—use of secondary material (kg) & - \\ CSR—use of secondary renewable fuels (MJ, N.C.V.) & - \\ CSNR—use of non-renewable secondary fuels (MJ, N.C.V.) & - \\ Use of net freshwater (m\({}^{3}\)) & - \\ Recycled in composition & - \\ Incorporated recycled material & - \\ Reuse potential & - \\ Repair potential & - \\ Recycling potential & - \\ Potential for energy recovery & - \\ Landfill & - \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 11: List of parameters considered when connecting the UAveiroGreenBuilding project eco-design tool with BIM.