Learning about ETIM Standards: Classification and Digital Transformation in HVAC
The ETIM (Electro-Technical Information Model) standard has become one of the most important classification systems for the HVAC industry, particularly for engineers and product manufacturers. By providing a universal framework for defining and exchanging technical information about products, ETIM plays a key role in digital transformation across the HVAC sector.
How ETIM Works:
The ETIM classification system uses a standardized methodology for categorizing products based on their technical features, specifications, and performance. For HVAC systems, this means categorizing components like pumps, valves, boilers, and ventilation units based on detailed technical data such as flow rates, pressure ratings, and energy efficiency levels. Each product is classified into one of the ETIM-defined class and is given attributes (e.g., size, material, performance data).
For example, an air handling unit (AHU) might be classified under an ETIM class that defines its airflow rate, energy efficiency, heat recovery capabilities, and other critical performance indicators. Engineers using BIM systems or selection tools can then rely on ETIM-compliant data to quickly compare models from different manufacturers, ensuring they select the most technically appropriate product.
One significant aspect of ETIM will certainly be his developing intetgration with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), as sustainability becomes a priority for HVAC projects. Engineers need reliable environmental impact data to make informed decisions, and with ETIM-EPD integration, manufacturers can provide not only technical specifications but also a reliable environmental footprint of their products.
For instance, when selecting a heat pump, an engineer could access not only the unit’s heating and cooling capacity but also its global warming potential (GWP), energy efficiency across seasons (SEER/SCOP), and lifecycle environmental impacts. This data is critical when designing systems for compliance with regulations.
ETIM in Practice: Streamlining Product Selection and Compliance
One of the biggest technical advantages ETIM brings to HVAC engineers is the ability to automate the product selection process while ensuring compliance with local and international standards. When selecting a boiler or ventilation system, engineers can filter products by their ETIM attributes, ensuring the selected unit meets the required performance and regulatory criteria.
For example, an engineer designing a system in a region governed by ErP or F-Gas regulations can use ETIM-classified products that automatically align with these requirements, reducing the risk of selecting non-compliant equipment. This level of automation saves time and improves accuracy in the specification process, particularly in large-scale commercial or industrial projects where compliance is critical.
Our commitment:
As HVAC systems become more complex and interconnected, ETIM will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring data consistency and accuracy across the supply chain. For this reason, ProdBIM's infrastructure is preparing to host and harmonise such type of data-sets. Merged with BIM, ETIM will provide a foundation for the digital transformation of HVAC design and engineering. As manufacturers can currently manage their product entries in ProdBIM fetching technical data and assets (images, brochures, 3D or 2D drawings) together, ETIM datasets will also be integrated, orienting professionals towards data-driven decisions that balance performance, compliance, and sustainability.
