The introduction of BIMs in the application for building permits takes time and progresses gradually. It is precisely through this phased approach that it is possible to manage cost pressures and avoid sudden additional costs, says Jani Kemppainen from RT. He brought the construction industry's perspective to the closing panel of the RavaBIM2026 seminar, which discussed the effects of the amendments to the Construction Act and regulations that came into force at the beginning of the year.
The RavaBIM2026 panel discussion discussed the practical differences and significance of BIM-assisted permit applications and other machine-readable information for different parties in projects.
The panelists believe that the real adoption of BIM is based on perceived benefits, not just regulatory enforcement. Each party must see a clear added value in the change. Although development has accelerated, full standardization of the systems across all sectors will still take several years.
Jani Kemppainen highlighted that the large-scale adoption of information models is likely to proceed through exceptionally demanding and large-scale projects in which new operating models can be tested, developed and established. These projects will create practices, processes and understanding of how information is produced, utilized and where it fits into the whole.
As learning progresses, the operating models gradually begin to move to smaller projects: first to apartment buildings, then to daycare centers, for example, and finally to single-family home projects. It is also important that the introduction of modeling occurs through benefit, not through coercion.
Cooperation and carrots are needed to accelerate the transition
According to Kemppainen, the changes to the Construction Act are not the biggest challenge for construction companies. The law has been in force for over a year, and the new requirements that came into force at the beginning of this year, including the use of machine-readable information, are part of this continuum.
In the initial phase, policies are needed, especially from the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, to clarify practices. Permits are legally applied for using machine-readable information, and in parallel, the utilization of IFC models will develop as expertise accumulates.
The key question for the construction industry is at what point separate machine-readable data is no longer needed and the BIM can serve as the primary source of information for the permitting process. Development is likely to progress more quickly in large cities, but it will take years for uniform practices to emerge nationwide.
The discussion also raised the need for joint development: could the transition be accelerated through cooperation between different actors – and also with so-called carrots?
If a permit application is submitted using a BIM, could this mean faster processing compared to traditional machine-readable material? Processing time is a key incentive, as the ultimate goal of utilizing BIM is to streamline and speed up permit processes.
The following is a summary of the key themes and views from the panel discussion:
Regulatory ambiguities and division of responsibilities
The person undertaking the project is responsible for choosing whether to apply for a building permit in addition to the main drawings in another machine-readable format or as an IFC information model. A key challenge is that the details of the regulations are not yet sufficiently precisely defined. Uncertainty arises, among other things, about what information must be submitted, within what timeframe and with what level of accuracy, if an IFC information model is submitted for permit processing as an official document. The role of information model coordinators is expected to be emphasized in ensuring the correct information content and in cooperation between the client and the designer.
Challenges for building inspectors
The capabilities of building control units vary significantly nationwide. There are significant differences between large and small units in terms of expertise and financial resources. Small municipalities face particular challenges, and not all areas have electronic permit systems in place yet. Officials experience uncertainty in the application of new regulations, and building control is subject to many initial contacts from various parties.
The risk of segregation and its prevention
The differing solutions and requirements of municipalities pose a risk of regional segregation. However, as a positive development, new legislation has encouraged voluntary cooperation between municipalities. Regional cooperation and support from larger cities for smaller municipalities could promote more unified approaches.
Designers' perspective
A significant shift is underway in the historical development of design: the transition from hand-drawn to CAD design and now to information modeling. Architectural firms are calling for systematic training so that information modeling becomes a basic skill and not a separate competitive factor. Active participation in standardization work, such as CEN/TC 442 working groups, is seen as important, especially with regard to product information.
The developer's perspective
For developers, preliminary negotiations with the building inspectorate play a key role in agreeing on the project's prerequisites and requirements. All parties must be able to tolerate the imperfection that exists in the early stages of the project. During the long life cycle of the project, requirements and instructions may change, and these changes must be clearly agreed upon already at the contract stage. The implementation model is a completely new requirement that was not required by previous legislation.
Construction industry perspective
The impacts of the legislative change are seen as manageable in the construction industry. The guidelines issued by the Association of Local and Regional Authorities and other actors will facilitate implementation. The challenge for the future is a phase in which the importance of machine-readable information decreases – nationwide this development will take several years. The implementation of BIM can be promoted with incentives, such as shorter permit processing times or tariff changes.
Special challenges of single-family house construction
In single-family housing construction, resources are limited, and the benefits of BIM are not always perceived as clear. The expertise of single-family housing designers and the tools in use are often inadequate, and the costs can be significant. However, with the right expertise and effective routines, time savings can be achieved. The benefits must be clearly visible to project owners, as the mere mandatory nature of regulations is not enough to motivate implementation.
Developmental stages and training
The development proceeds in stages: first large and publicly funded projects, then residential apartment buildings, daycare centers and finally single-family houses. ATL and educational institutions are key actors in the training of the design side. The Digitalization of the Built Environment project (RYD) supports the integration of product data throughout the project lifecycle. Sharing expertise between municipalities and developing uniform standards are essential prerequisites for development.
EU perspective
The EU is developing a digital building logbook and product passports related to energy efficiency requirements for buildings and the green transition. Finland has made significant progress in these themes at the EU level, and national views should be actively brought forward in standardization processes.
The RavaBIM seminar is an event organized by KIRAHub and its partner Aktive Revenue Operations, which brings together all participants working with building permits and interested in changes and best practices for one annual seminar.
In addition to Jani Kemppainen from RT, the decision-making panel included RTY's Leena Salmelainen, RAKLI Mikko Somersalmi, ATL Sergei von Bagh, Association of Local Authorities Paula Maenpaa, EU Commission Anna Nirkkonen, RIA Tiia Tuomi, RKL Sanna Syrjanen and SPRE Mika Korhola. The moderator was Aktive Revenue Operations Samu Tolvanen.
Jani Kemppainen
Manager, Technical Regulations and Legislation and Quality
jani.kemppainen@rt.fi +358 40 541 8090Building Construction Industry Association