Translated using ChatGPT service.
Starting January 1, 2025, Building Information Modeling (BIM) will be introduced as a requirement for the construction of new third-group buildings financed by public entities. The requirement to develop a BIM model as a mandatory component of the construction project will apply to new third-group buildings funded by public legal entities. Consequently, the building information model will become part of the construction project composition for third-group new building construction—covering architecture, structural design, and internal engineering systems.
The widespread use of BIM in public third-group new building construction projects represents another step toward promoting digitalization in the construction sector, improving the quality and efficiency of the construction process, and enhancing the productivity of the industry. The public sector will serve as an example in utilizing these digitalization opportunities, making efficient investments, and fostering higher-quality construction.
As demonstrated by the experience in the United Kingdom, skillful use of BIM can save up to 30% of construction costs and helps ensure that construction projects are completed on time. Until now, BIM usage in Latvia has been voluntary, but its application in the construction of new third-group buildings has already been relatively common, particularly in private sector construction projects.
A building information model is a digital three-dimensional representation of a building that contains information (e.g., textual, graphical) about the building’s physical and technical properties and functions. It significantly enhances the quality of the construction project and reduces risks during the subsequent construction process by identifying all "clashes" and inconsistencies between project sections. During the construction process, BIM enables optimal organization and execution of construction works, helping to avoid delays. BIM is also an effective tool for building operations, creating an optimal operational model (e.g., maintenance schedules, and better navigation of the building's structure).
The requirement to apply BIM for publicly funded third-group new building construction projects from January 1, 2025, is stipulated in the amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 529 of September 2, 2014, "Building Regulations," approved by the government on September 26, 2023.