BLOCKCHAIN | REAL-LIFE APPLICATIONS THE VALUE CHAIN Blockchain is fuelling the digitisation of the built environment by providing a secure method of data exchange. IN2 Engineerings Samreet Singh explores how it could revolutionise the use of BIM, energy microgrids and the circular economy D igital technology is forging ahead in various aspects of the built environment. Drones are used to map sites, digital models are creating virtual environments before the first ground is even broken, and data analytics is shaping how we design buildings for the future. Each new technology or iteration presents vast data opportunities, so how can we ensure a secure and accessible platform by which to collate this digital revolution? The solution lies in a system known as blockchain-paired currencies. What is blockchain? stamps and a party responsible for the change. When discussing BIM models, issues of intellectual property and ownership can possibly be foreseen. As multiple disciplines work on digital models, contributions will be made from each party involved. Building services engineers may contribute with air handling unit models, for example, while structural or civil engineers will have their equivalent contributions. Having blockchain tied to these BIM elements means there is undisputed ownership and unauthorised use of intellectual property is prevented. If required, ownership of such intellectual property can still be transferred. A good example of this is Bimchain.io it implements accountability and incentive mechanisms in BIM workflows that, according to the company, puts the BIM model at the centre of the contractual and Blockchain is a shared digital ledger that records transactions. It enables the tracking and trading of virtually anything of value, as well as storing transactionrelated data. As new entries are made onto this digital ledger, a number of transactions are grouped together and become known as blocks. Newly formed blocks are then chained to older ones hence the term blockchain. Blockchain has been transformative in the financial sector, but it lacks the same presence in the built environment. Its implementation can bring positive developments, however, to enhance the already rapidly developing digital mediums in this sector. Some of the changes it can bring are in building information modelling (BIM), internet of things (IoT) devices, the circular economy, smart contracts, and energy microgrids. BIM with blockchain With the increasing use of BIM, blockchain presents opportunities to further accelerate the digital evolution in the built environment. Linking digital entities in BIM to their physical real-world counterparts through blockchain has more advantages over traditional radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking. RFID tracking can, generally, do what is possible with blockchain, but the control of data is usually by a single part and not open. Blockchain does the opposite, tracking vastly more data publicly while providing a more secure tracking base. With blockchain, a components life-cycle can be tracked from its manufacture to installation on site. This allows the precise measurement of quantities needed, preventing needless waste from overproduction. It also enables live progress tracking for project management, to minimise delays and plan efficiently. Plus, with blockchain, each change to the project model can be recorded with corresponding data, such as time 34 September 2022 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Sept 22 pp34-36 Blockchain.indd 34 26/08/2022 14:06