BIM and the baratono decree: the digital evolution for public administrations.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents a digital revolution in the public works sector, capable of optimising the design, management and maintenance of buildings and infrastructures, allowing the creation of detailed 3D models that integrate all the information related to a project and can be integrated with the CDEs of Public Administrations, improving collaboration between different professionals and reducing the risk of errors and unforeseen events. Introduced in Italy with Ministerial Decree 560/2017, BIM has become mandatory for all new public works above €100 million, with a gradual extension to lower value projects. In 2023, the Baratono Decree represented a further step forward for public administrations, with the introduction of measures to encourage the adoption of BIM also in the operation and maintenance phases of existing public buildings.

From 1 January 2025, BIM will become mandatory for public works over EUR 2 million, concerning the design and construction of new constructions or interventions on existing buildings. It will not be necessary, on the other hand, for interventions of less than EUR 2 million, for ordinary or extraordinary maintenance, unless they concern works previously realized with digital methods. In any case, continuity in the use of BIM and the updating of information models in projects already undertaken with this methodology will have to be guaranteed.

From January 1, 2025, BIM becomes mandatory for Public Works over 2 million euros, covering the design and construction of new buildings or interventions on existing ones. It will not be required for projects under 2 million euros, for ordinary or extraordinary maintenance, unless they involve works previously carried out with digital methods. In any case, continuity in the use of BIM and the updating of information models in projects already started with this methodology must be ensured.

Here are the main aspects of the Baratono Decree:

Obligation to use BIM for design and management: the decree does not only cover the design, but also the management and maintenance of public works. Therefore, BIM must be used during all phases of the building life cycle, from initial design to post-construction management and the life cycle of the work

Information Management Plan: the decree establishes the obligation to draw up an Information Management Plan (IMP), which defines the methods and ways in which BIM will be used and managed during the life cycle of the work. The AMP must also specify how data will be exchanged between the various actors involved in the project (architects, engineers, contractors, etc.). It is essential that the plan describes the structure of the information and how to ensure the consistency and accessibility of the data.

Standardization of processes: the decree provides for the definition of standards for the adoption of BIM. In particular, reference is made to international standards (ISO 19650) for information management during the building life cycle, to ensure uniformity and interoperability between different systems and software. The use of open formats is also promoted, so that data can be easily exchanged and shared between the various software and platforms used during the different project phases.

Capacity of contracting stations: the Baratono Decree provides for the training and adaptation of contracting stations (public bodies) for the proper management of contracts with BIM. Contracting stations must be able to request and verify the use of BIM in projects, ensuring that the information is managed effectively; a refresher course has therefore been planned for the staff of contracting stations, so that they are able to assess the quality of the work and ensure that the BIM process is correctly implemented.

Sustainability and cost reduction goals: BIM enables optimized design and management, reduced project times and reduced errors. In addition, the use of UTwin platforms contributes to greater sustainability of buildings by simulating energy scenarios, optimizing energy consumption and monitoring building management throughout their life cycle.

Obligation to use BIM methodology in post-construction maintenance and management: In addition to the design and construction phase, the Baratono Decree stipulates that BIM must also be used in the management and maintenance phase of the building. This ensures that all building information is easily accessible during post-construction management, facilitating predictive maintenance and reducing long-term costs.

Verification and control: A system is in place to verify and control the implementation of BIM, which includes the possibility of audits and the review of data and process quality. This ensures that the information is correct, complete and consistent, to avoid problems during the construction and operation phase.

The introduction of BIM marks an important step for Italian public administrations, making the management of public works more transparent and digital. Contact us to request a demo of UTwin and to understand why we could be your ideal partner in this digitisation journey.