Developing designs with BIM at the forefront
The design concepts mainly focused on cleanrooms and mission-critical systems like the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), EMS (Environmental Monitoring Systems), BAS (Building Automation Systems), Pressure Cascades and Airlocks for both staff and materials.
Driven by the priorities at each site, the scope of the programme often evolved to include further critical topics, for example building envelope analysis, fire protection, seismic studies, utilities and process flow improvements as well as CFD simulations – all of which was delivered in BIM.
Meeting global technical standards
To simplify approvals and provide better insight for quality assurance teams, the multi-disciplinary working team developed a framework of standardised deliverables usable across the client’s global portfolio. The team developed a total of 17 Technical Standard documents, which have now become mandatory for all the client’s engineering projects. Detailing best practice for the fit-out of cleanrooms and air locks, layouts for several specific room types, as well as HVAC systems and pressurisation concepts, the documents offer examples of how GMP requirements can be planned and implemented in practice.
Global BIM consultant
As global BIM consultant, we continue to work with the client to implement standardised BIM methodology, including the creation of BIM guidelines and Revit Start Configuration files.
We are also helping with the implementation of BIM standards, processes and templates in projects and across sites, as well as supporting with the planning, procurement and roll-out of an Engineering Document Management System (EDMS) to help with global standardisation, archiving, maintenance and processing of all project data.
Leveraging data and digital tools for the long term
The huge amount of site data and information gathered and generated during the programme has been consolidated into a series of central databases, benchmarks and BIM models to ensure the client can continue to derive value from the efficiencies achieved - even after the programme is complete.
Our contribution to the success of this project has also included developing a range of intuitive online engineering tools based on this data, including a digital Global Manufacturing Practice compliance checker currently in pilot phase, as well as design and cost estimation tools for Personnel Air Locks (PALs) and Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS).
Sustainability: Developing an energy management dashboard
By leveraging data generated during the programme, our consultants are also helping the client with Energy Management. Started in spring 2020, the cleanroom energy usage of the sites is captured in data models that take into account the local climate, GMP specifications and Air Handling Units (AHU) component configurations.
As the number of data models grows, our client will have a powerful tool showing an interactive comparison of energy performance across its global portfolio. The insights provided by these data models will support the life sciences leader in its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, enabling the company to make informed strategic decisions on its sustainability journey.