Survey shows building-services sector poorly prepared for BIM Level 2

BIM, building information modelling
A major survey reveals that only a small minority of firms in the building-services sector are fully ready for BIM Level 2.

Only 16% of firms in the building-services sector are fully ready to use BIM (building information modelling) on projects, according to a survey from the Electrical Contractors’ Association. With the Government deadline for the mandatory use of BIM Level 2 (managed 3D environment held in separate discipline 'BIM' tools with data attached) in all Whitehall-procured contracts just months away (March 2016), 57% of firms said they were not fully ready and 27% said they were not ready at all (see chart).

This sector-wide ‘BIM-readiness’ survey was held in conjunction with CIBSE and BSRIA.

Despite the findings of the survey, 65% of respondents say that BIM Level 2 will be ‘good for the industry’ and 57% say it will be the ‘future for building services’.

Commenting on the results, Paul Reeve, the ECA’s director of business services, commented, ‘The survey results show that “BIM awareness” is generally high across building services, but many contractors and others associated with our sector still have a long way to go to be ready for the Government’s 2016 BIM deadline.

‘The results indicate that while some companies have already engaged successfully with BIM, many more have yet to engage with the aspects that allow effective information sharing with others in their supply chain.

‘In addition to flagging up our findings to government and the industry, we will be working with our “BIM-readiness” partners to tackle the important gaps identified by the survey, as soon as possible.’

CIBSE’s technical director Hywel Davies said, ‘This survey confirms that whilst there is a growing awareness of Level 2 BIM in the MEP sector, there is still a real need for more information.

‘There is also a requirement for specific tools and guidance for the MEP sector, which CIBSE is working closely with industry partners to develop.’

BSRIA's principal consultant and BIM specialist John Sands commented, ‘The ECA BIM survey shows just how much work is still to be done within the building services industry to be ready for Level 2 BIM.

‘However, it also demonstrates the positive approach to the changes it will inevitably bring, and that is an important aspect of this survey.’

The full results of the survey, which attracted hundreds of responses from contractors and others associated with the sector, will be released shortly.

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