## 4 Data Analysis and Results
### Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Energy Consumption Simulation Based on BIM  
The standard operating procedures (SOP) for energy consumption simulation based on BIM are developed in Figure 28, and the comparison and contrast between traditional and BIM-based energy consumption analysis is presented in Table 4. The use of this standard operating procedure (SOP) of BIM-based energy simulation provides architects and designers with a better standardized process for natural environment analysis in the design stage, providing a reference for the replacement or modification of the design scheme, rather than relying on traditional CAD methods for calculation and design, reducing model redesign. Compared with traditional methods, the BIM-based approach could conduct more functional analyses, such as sunlight analysis, orientation optimization, psychrometric chart analysis, wind analysis, thermal environment analysis, optical simulation analysis, and energy consumption simulation, which could also be demonstrated in a simple and visualized way. In traditional energy consumption analysis, most of the energy consumption analysis begins after the construction drawing is completed, and the construction project design scheme has been roughly completed. Data exchange could be conducted directly using Revit in different file formats to reduce modeling time. Meanwhile, the exported data could also be used for subsequent analysis by other applications. The calculation function becomes more powerful in the BIM-based approach, making the climatic information of geographical location more complete and accurate. Compared to traditional approaches, the BIM-based approach could identify problems earlier in the design stage. Table 5 lists the BIM-based simulation focus at various design stages, such as the conceptual design stage, detailed design stage, and the final design stage. The application of BIM simulation technology at different stages will have a certain impact on the design and selection of architectural plans, through the analysis of climate, resources and materials, and on the overall planning in the conceptual design stage. Thus, technical changes after the start of construction can be reduced. In the detailed design stage of construction, the best solution or alternative is selected through the analysis of solar energy utilization, natural ventilation, daytime lighting, and the acoustic environment. In the final design stage, other facilities of the building, such as the lighting system, water supply, and drainage system, can be reasonably analyzed, imported, and exported.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline
**Items** & **Traditional Energy Consumption Analysis** & **BIM-Based Energy Consumption Analysis** \\ \hline Participants & Professionals specializing in energy analysis & Developers, designers \\ \hline Software & PKPM, DeST, Designbuilder, DOE2D & Ecotect, Sustainable Building Studio \\ \hline Analysis process & Most energy consumption analysis starts after the construction drawing is completed, when the construction project design scheme is generally finished. PKPM software is based on the energy-saving design standard, and the calculated results can only meet the design standard limit. The modified model should be designed separately. \\ \hline Display of analytical results & The analysis results are mainly expressed in figures. & Besides chart and figures, animation is also exported. \\ \hline Model follow-up usability & The model is only used to simulate the energy consumption of the project. & With the progress of the construction project, the model is constantly refined in real-time, which could, in turn, guide the on-site construction. \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 4: Comparison between traditional and BIM-based energy consumption analyses.