In the heart of Beijing, a groundbreaking approach to engineering construction standards is taking shape, promising to revolutionize the energy sector and bolster environmental sustainability. Led by Song Han, a researcher at the Research Institute of Standards and Norms under the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, this innovative system leverages Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the construction industry today.
The construction sector, a significant contributor to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, is under increasing pressure to adapt to the dual-carbon goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Traditional text-based standards, while foundational, are proving insufficient in supporting this transition. Han and his team aim to change that with a novel engineering construction standards system tailored to the unique characteristics of China’s building industry.
At the core of this system is the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), a graphical modeling language that allows engineers to visualize, specify, construct, and document the aspects of a system under development. By integrating SysML into the MBSE approach, Han’s team has created a comprehensive framework that addresses requirements, behavior, and structure, all while promoting energy efficiency, emission reduction, and resource recycling.
“The potential of this system is immense,” Han explains. “It’s not just about creating new standards; it’s about transforming the way we approach construction and energy management. By focusing on both energy and environmental economics, we can drive significant changes in the industry.”
The implications for the energy sector are vast. As buildings become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, the demand for sustainable energy solutions will rise. This, in turn, could spur innovation in renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, and smart grid solutions. Moreover, the system’s emphasis on resource recycling could lead to a more circular economy, reducing waste and conserving valuable materials.
To validate their approach, Han’s team applied the MBSE-based system to carbon dioxide capture standards. The results were promising, demonstrating the system’s potential to support energy economic sustainability and environmental protection. This success story, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Environmental Science’ (translated from Chinese as ‘Environmental Science Frontiers’), underscores the system’s viability and sets the stage for broader application.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, innovations like Han’s MBSE-based engineering construction standards system offer a beacon of hope. By bridging the gap between engineering, energy, and environmental sustainability, this research could shape the future of the construction industry and the energy sector at large. As Han puts it, “The future is not just about building structures; it’s about building a sustainable future.” The question now is, how quickly can the industry adapt and embrace this transformative approach?
