What is gbXML?

gbXML stands for Green Building XML. It is an open and free XML schema that allows for the transfer of building information amongst disparate BIM authoring and building analysis software tools. Currently, there are 346 elements and 167 simple types in the gbXML schema that describe all of the properties of a building that are required to perform analysis whether we are talking energy analysis, hvac load calcs, lighting analysis, and computational fluid dynamics.

For example, a 3D model of a large high-rise designed in a BIM authoring tool can be “saved as” a gbXML file that subsequently can be imported into a building energy analysis software tool to calculate total yearly energy usage.

If you attend any energy modeling conference whether it’s ASHRAE or IBPSA, you will always hear about how important interoperability is. BIM is not possible with interoperability, and interoperability is not possible without schemas like gbXML. It’s the glue that ties all of these BIM authoring and analysis tools together, no matter who the vendor is.

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