Vonovia Launches BIM.permit Software to Revolutionize Construction Approvals and Enhance Efficiency

Vonovia Launches BIM.permit Software to Revolutionize Construction Approvals and Enhance Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) Vonovia has successfully implemented its new BIM.permit software, developed in collaboration with VSK.software, to streamline the approval process for new construction projects by checking 3D models for compliance with building regulations. The initiative marks a significant advancement in the digitalization of the construction industry, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up application approvals. Supported by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry with a funding of €400,000, the software allows applicants to verify compliance early in the planning stages, potentially shortening the average approval timeline from ten months to just a few weeks. This project reinforces Vonovia’s commitment to innovation and enhances collaboration with local authorities, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.

(PRESS RELEASE) BOCHUM, 9-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Vonovia, a leading name in real estate services, has announced the successful implementation of its innovative software solution, BIM.permit, designed for the assessment of 3D models in new construction projects. Following an extensive test phase, this software marks a pivotal advancement in the digital transformation of the construction sector, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles associated with building applications.

The BIM.permit software, developed in collaboration with the local startup VSK.software, streamlines the building application process, enabling quicker and more efficient approvals. This initiative not only enhances the operational framework for Vonovia but also positions the city of Bochum and the broader North Rhine-Westphalia region as leaders in digital construction innovation.

“The integration of BIM.permit is a significant step forward in our commitment to modernizing the construction industry. By using this cutting-edge software, we can now assess compliance with building regulations directly within planners’ 3D models, thus eliminating the previous need to convert to 2D plans,” explained Daniel Riedl, Chief Development Officer at Vonovia. “Our goal is to facilitate an efficient approval process that benefits not just Vonovia, but all stakeholders involved in the construction landscape.”

The project received strong support from the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Regional Identity, Communities and Local Government, Building, and Digitalisation, with funding amounting to approximately €400,000. Ina Scharrenbach, the state minister, highlighted the initiative’s potential to set a standard in the region’s construction portal, enabling a smoother transition to digital processes across the board.

“The use of BIM technology allows applicants to verify compliance early in the planning stages, reducing the likelihood of setbacks and enhancing the overall efficiency of the approval process,” stated Bochum’s Mayor, Thomas Eiskirch. “This collaboration between Vonovia, VSK.software, and our municipal authorities exemplifies a true win-win situation for all parties involved.”

BIM.permit, which was awarded a special prize in the start-up category of the “Built on IT” competition, utilizes platform-independent data formats to allow for standardized 3D building models. This innovative approach is expected to drastically shorten the approval timeline from the current average of ten months to just a few weeks, thereby addressing critical delays in project initiation.

André Vonthron, founder and Managing Director of VSK Software GmbH, emphasized the balance between technology and human oversight in the approval process. “While our software automates many aspects of the review, it’s crucial that the human element remains integral to decision-making, particularly for discretionary approvals.”

With the launch of BIM.permit, Vonovia is paving the way for the digitalization of construction permitting processes, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the industry. This initiative not only reflects a proactive approach to modernization but also contributes significantly to the sustainable development of the construction sector in North Rhine-Westphalia.

About Vonovia
Vonovia SE is Europe’s leading private residential real estate company. Vonovia currently around 543,000 residential units in all attractive cities and regions in Germany, Sweden, and Austria. It also manages around 71,000 apartments. Its portfolio is worth approximately € 82.5 billion. As a modern service provider, Vonovia focuses on customer orientation and tenant satisfaction. Offering tenants affordable, attractive, and livable homes is a prerequisite for the company’s successful development. Therefore, Vonovia makes long-term investments in the maintenance, modernization, and senior-friendly conversion of its properties. The company is also creating more and more new apartments by realizing infill developments and adding to existing buildings.

The Bochum based company has been listed on the stock exchange since 2013. Since September 2015 Vonovia has been a constituent in the DAX. Vonovia SE is also a constituent of additional national and international indices, including DAX 50 ESG, Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe, STOXX Global ESG Leaders, EURO STOXX ESG Leaders 50, FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Europe, and GPR 250 World. Vonovia has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees.

Media Contacts:

Marc Friedrich
Press Officer
Tel: +49 234 / 314 – 3074
Marc.friedrich@vonovia.de

Nina Henckel
Head of Corporate Media
Tel: +49 234 / 314 – 1909
nina.henckel@vonovia.de
www.vonovia.de

Silke Hoock
Spokeswoman
Sustainability, New Construction (Serial-Modular), Renewable Energy, Skilled Workers
Silke.Hoock@vonovia.de
Tel: +49 234 314 – 1582

SOURCE: Vonovia SE