Building information modeling (BIM) has revolutionized integrated planning by optimizing costs, schedule, and material use. However, building energy modeling (BEM) remains underutilized in early design stages due to interoperability challenges between BIM and BEM tools. This study addresses these challenges by exploring standardized exchange requirements and introducing a novel toolchain that bridges BIM and BEM workflows. In the BIM2IndiLight project, over 400 standardized properties for daylighting, artificial lighting, and façade systems were validated, revealing the advantages and limitations of parameter standardization. Building on these insights, the BIM2BEM-Flow project developed a three-step toolchain that efficiently manages project- and company-specific properties, defines mapping rules, and integrates parameters via a BIM plugin for validated IFC export. The results demonstrate that combining standardized properties with a flexible, workflow-driven toolchain significantly enhances data exchange and interoperability between BIM and BEM. This integrated approach supports early-stage energy performance optimization and offers a promising pathway toward more efficient design processes in the AECO industry.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables the optimization of costs, time, and material consumption in integral planning processes. However, the adaptation of Building Energy Modeling (BEM) in the early planning phase is not fully exploited yet, although it is important for optimizing the energy efficiency of buildings. While BIM adaptation is increasing in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry, BEM integration faces major challenges, including interoperability issues between BIM and BEM tools. These challenges are enhanced by the fact that the current planning practice does not focus on early design optimization in the case of energy performance. Current research reinforces the importance of standardizing exchange requirements to tackle these interoperability challenges. The BIM2IndiLight project validated and documented over 400 properties for daylighting, artificial lighting and façade systems. However, feedback from the industry showed that standardization of properties alone is not enough. In the follow-up project BIM2BEM-Flow, a 3-step toolchain was devel-oped to efficiently manage and transfer project- or company-specific properties. This workflow defines parameters, assigns responsibilities and coordinates information via a BIM plugin that enables a validated export of IFC files for energy simulation. This paper presents the results from both projects, emphasizing the potential of stand-ardized properties and toolchain integration to close the gap between BIM and BEM for optimizing energy efficiency in the AECO industry.

This project presents the design, construction and evaluation of a photovoltaic (PV) shutter system for windows, developed as a demonstrator to evaluate its performance through both simulation and real-world measurements. The PV shutter combines energy generation with daylight control, providing shading while simultaneously producing electricity and affecting daylight by reducing glare and regulating indoor illumination.To assess its effectiveness, simulations were conducted to compare the indoor illuminance, PV electricity generation and surface temperatures achieved with the PV shutter. The results highlight the potential of PV-integrated shading systems to balance visual comfort and daylight availability while enhancing building energy efficiency. This demonstrator serves as a proof-of-concept for innovative façade systems that combine occupant comfort with renewable energy integration.