The Use of BIM Models and Drone Flyover Data in Building Energy Efficiency Analysis

Agata Muchla, Małgorzata Kurcjusz, Maja Sutkowska, Raquel Burgos-Bayo, Eugeniusz Koda and Anna Stefańska ()
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Agata Muchla: Mostostal Warszawa SA, 02-673 Warszawa, Poland
Małgorzata Kurcjusz: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
Maja Sutkowska: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
Raquel Burgos-Bayo: Department of Architectural Construction and Technology, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Eugeniusz Koda: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
Anna Stefańska: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-29

Abstract: Building information modeling (BIM) and thermal imaging from drone flyovers present innovative opportunities for enhancing building energy efficiency. This study examines the integration of BIM models with thermal data collected using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assess and manage energy performance throughout a building’s lifecycle. By leveraging BIM’s structured data and the concept of the digital twin, thermal analysis can be automated to detect thermal bridges and inefficiencies, facilitating data-driven decision-making in sustainable construction. The paper examines methodologies for combining thermal imaging with BIM, including image analysis algorithms and artificial intelligence applications. Case studies demonstrate the practical implementation of UAV-based thermal data collection and BIM integration in an educational facility. The findings highlight the potential for optimizing energy efficiency, improving facility management, and advancing low-emission building practices. The study also addresses key challenges such as data standardization and interoperability, and outlines future research directions in the context of smart city applications and energy-efficient urban development.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; building information modeling; digital twin; drones; energy efficiency; IFC; sustainability; thermography; thermal bridges; UAV (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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