Russian Software for Energy Efficiency: A Building Digital Twin That Could Save Billions
Researchers at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI) have developed a unique software suite that uses digital twins to automatically evaluate a building’s energy efficiency — potentially saving billions through smarter design and management.
Accurate Calculations Before Construction Begins
High heat losses, rising utility tariffs, and tightening environmental regulations are forcing the construction industry to adopt innovative solutions at the design stage. A new software platform from scientists at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI) allows developers to analyze the thermal characteristics of a building even before the first brick is laid.
The system processes project data within minutes using the open IFC format — the standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Its algorithm is unique in that it takes a holistic approach: it accounts not only for the thermal conductivity of materials but also for the interaction between structural elements — room geometry, neighboring buildings, and heat bridges, which are typically the main culprits of energy loss.
The results are visualized as a 3D model that highlights problem areas in the insulation layer, giving architects, designers, and energy auditors a powerful tool to make timely corrections. This ultimately leads to warmer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings for residents, while cutting operational costs for management companies.
Part of Russia’s Digitalization Trend
Adopting the MPEI solution across construction and facility management sectors could directly contribute to national energy-saving and digital transformation programs. Reducing heat loss not only saves consumers money but also lowers the strain on municipal infrastructure.
For the Russian IT industry, this marks a strengthening of domestic capabilities in the competitive BIM software market — demonstrating the ability to create complex analytical products. In the medium term, the technology has strong export potential, particularly in BRICS and CIS markets, where energy efficiency remains a pressing issue.
The Russian Path to Digital Twins
MPEI’s innovation is part of a broader national trend toward digital twin technology in construction and utilities. Over the past five years, several flagship projects have been completed. One of the most prominent examples is Rostec City business park in the Moscow region, which hosts one of Russia’s largest digital twins, integrating BIM models, engineering systems, and IoT sensors for optimal performance management.
Another benchmark project is Innopolis in Tatarstan, where the digital twin encompasses not just a building but the entire city. On the policy side, starting July 1, 2024, Russia made Building Information Modeling mandatory for all new residential projects. The adoption of a national standard for information modeling requirements lays the groundwork for broad implementation of digital twin-based solutions like MPEI’s.
From Pilot Projects to Real-World Deployment
The MPEI software suite is a timely and technologically mature response to the urgent challenges of energy conservation and sustainable construction. It clearly demonstrates how science and digital technologies can work together to improve people’s quality of life while boosting economic efficiency.
In the next few years, pilot implementations are expected in specialized construction and energy firms. In the long term, with the addition of real-time monitoring and machine learning modules, the system could become an integral part of Russia’s design and building operation standards — laying the foundation for a smart, energy-resilient urban future.
