Use of the digital twin using the example of the LUX pavilion at Mainz University of Applied Sciences

Integration of building automation & Building Information Modeling (BIM)
The LUX Pavilion serves as an exchange and presentation platform of Mainz University of Applied Sciences for students, lecturers and external partners from business, culture and research. In addition to its function as an event venue, it is used as a pilot project for a complete digital twin based on a BIM model. The aim is to demonstrate the link between building automation (BA) and BIM in order to optimize energy efficiency, operational management and maintenance - and ultimately to implement the concept of an intelligent, digital and sustainable building.
As part of a real-world laboratory led by Prof. Thomas Giel and Fabian Naethbohm (Mainz University of Applied Sciences) - with the participation of lecturer Christian Wild (Mainz University of Applied Sciences) and Frank Schröder, Director of Efficient Technologies at Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG - is developing a continuous data flow from the building automation (BA) into the BIM model. This also includes data from facility and asset management.
The concept aims to fully integrate all relevant building data and functions of the BA, including technical building equipment (TBE) such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The approach developed enables the live transfer of building services data directly into the BIM model and thus forms the basis for a dynamic, continuously updated digital representation of the building.

From building automation to the digital twin - core elements

• Live data transfer from the building automation system (BMS) to the BIM model
• Efficiency gains for all project participants
• Applicability to new and existing buildings
• Use of standard interfaces
• Automated support for data acquisition and processing
• IT security and data protection
• Establishment of a continuously updated digital twin

Digital mapping of the envelope, building services and building automation functions
The basis of the modeling is the digital recording of physical building elements (e.g. façade, roof, walls, doors) and technical systems (e.g. heating, ventilation, air conditioning). This is supplemented by the modeling of building automation functions such as indoor climate, lighting or shading.
The link to live data supports both classic optimization methods and AI-supported analyses, which enables data-based operational management and energy optimization.

Technical integration and data standardization
Integration takes place via established interfaces such as BACnet, M-Bus, Modbus or LoRa. The aim is standardized and manufacturer-independent addressing, especially in heterogeneous existing buildings.
A central building block for standardization, especially in existing buildings, is the BACtwin data model, which was recommended by the AMEV in 2024. It enables cross-system, manufacturer-neutral and sustainable use of technical building data (e.g. BACnet). The technical implementation is being carried out using research by Dr. Maximilian Both (Entendix GmbH).
The next step is to transfer the standardized data into internationally established ontologies such as Brick or RealEstateCore. This will ensure a consistent flow of information between GA, BIM and other systems.

ESG reporting and sustainability
As part of the EU Green Deal, ESG reporting is mandatory for many companies. The digital twin provides the data required to monitor CO₂ emissions and comply with regulatory requirements such as the EU Taxonomy and the CSRD. Simulations and forecasts help to achieve targets.

Challenges: Shortage of skilled workers and maintenance
With the shortage of skilled workers, efficiency in operation and maintenance is becoming more critical. Standardized data enables AI-based operational optimization and early fault detection. In combination with augmented reality and AI-supported knowledge management, less qualified specialists can also be supported in the future.
A digital twin provides information on components, condition and maintenance, which enables predictive maintenance and targeted use of resources.

Smart buildings and IoT
Buildings are becoming more complex and more and more sensors are being installed. The management of sensors and the data they collect is becoming increasingly important for smooth and safe building operation. The digital twin enables monitoring and provides information on the make, condition and installation location as well as any necessary safety-relevant software updates.

Legal framework: GEG §71a
From 01.01.2025, the Building Energy Act (GEG) in §71a requires the integration of BA systems and digital monitoring in non-residential buildings with a heating or cooling capacity of over 290 kW. In addition to digital energy monitoring, a manufacturer-neutral data exchange via freely configurable interfaces is required. The legislator is thus actively calling for standardization in building management.

Implementation: Scan2BIM, AI and low code
Scan2BIM uses 3D laser scanning or photogrammetry to digitally capture real buildings. Together with the BIM lab at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, an interdisciplinary team is working on automating the creation of the BIM model with the help of AI and standardized workflows. The aim is to efficiently create the digital twin with minimal effort - especially for existing buildings.
Low-code solutions such as Autodesk Tandem enable the simple connection of sensor data to operational use cases without the need for complex programming.
AI-supported data analysis and mapping should be increasingly automated in order to reduce the burden on human resources and improve the quality of data processing. The AI is to be trained with plans, control schemes and other building data.

Use cases in operation

• ESG reporting (EU taxonomy, CSRD, CO₂ footprint, etc.)
• Support for technical operations management
• Maintenance alerts (filters, spare parts, etc.)
• Asset information and localization
• Efficient deployment of personnel and materials
• Operation in a Common Data Environment (CDE) with SSOT principle
• Warranty and legal certainty
• Provision of information for dismantling

Conclusion
The LUX Pavilion is an example of the potential of the digital twin in building management. The integration of BA and BIM leads to measurable efficiency gains, cost reductions and sustainable operational optimization. Automated data processes, AI and IoT enable future-proof, intelligent building management.

Participants
Prof. Thomas Giel (Mainz University of Applied Sciences)
Fabian Naethbohm, Marvin Passekel, Martin Salewski (Mainz University of Applied Sciences, Energy Lab & TGM Lab)
Christian Wild (Lecturer at Mainz University of Applied Sciences)
Frank Schröder, Director of Efficient Technologies, Corporate Facility Management, Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
Christian Deichmann, Philipp Schäfer, Süleyman Sari and David Wolf (Scan 2 BIM Mainz University of Applied Sciences)