NEWS: Impact Infrastructure links cost benefit analysis to BIM

A new tool from Impact Infrastructure allows users of Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, part of the Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite, to input 3D model spatial information directly to the AutoCASE cloud-based Triple Bottom Line [TBL] analysis service.

TBL analysis goes beyond exploring only the engineering aspects of a design to embrace an accounting framework with three parts: social, environmental and financial.

According to Autodesk, providing clients with TBL analysis to evaluate a design has been prohibitively costly and very limiting when it comes to exploring design options. The company says the traditional approach involves hiring an outside analyst service; with fees as high as $100,000 for a single project, resulting in static reports that don’t support exploring “what if” alternatives on-the-fly.

“Autodesk’s support has helped us achieve our goal to automate business case analysis by combining two global standards – Cost-Benefit Analysis with Building Information Modeling,” said John Williams, Impact Infrastructure Chairman and CEO. “AutoCASE will help dramatically reduce the cost of comprehensive business cases making them routine components in project planning, design and development.”

“With direct access to AutoCASE from within AutoCAD Civil 3D, it’s like bringing an economist, ecologist and public health expert to your desk to help prioritize alternative planning scenarios based on societal value,” said Emma Stewart, Head of Sustainability Solutions, Autodesk. “Users will be able to plan, design and finance proposals, placing emphasis on achieving optimal financial, economic, social and environmental returns. AutoCASE generates TBL business cases quickly, so when changes occur, teams can see the impact immediately and use this information to increase their chances to win financing and buy-in from community stakeholders.”

Impact Infrastructure is starting with a stormwater module, which will allow infrastructure professionals to analyse an Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D project design for such factors as public benefits of improved water quality, increased recreational, and property value.