A common carbon database for the built environment is being developed by a consortium of construction industry stakeholders.
Set to be launched in stages next year, the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD) will comprise a section containing data at entity level, providing benchmark-type data points to support the feasibility, early design, and end-of-life stages.
It will also include a section that contains data at product level, which will support the evolving and detailed design, construction, and operational stages, as well as provide product data to allow for more reliable assessments.
Both database sections will be fully digital in order to allow data import and export through appropriate data formats and dedicated APIs (application programming interfaces).
The consortium noted: “Data input by professionals conducting carbon assessments is essential for the BECD to remain up-to-date and relevant, but this will need to be supported by validation procedures to ensure the data is reliable.”
Both sections will be launched in progressive stages, according to the consortium, as this will allow users to get acquainted with the digital platform and provide feedback on functionality and user experience.
The first stage of the first section will be available in early 2022.
It will comprise building data imported from various existing sources.
The first stage of the second section is set to be launched in the second half of 2022.
It will comprise product data imported from existing environmental product declarations, as well as other sources.
The consortium includes:
- Chartered Institute of Building
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
- BRE
- Carbon Trust
- Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
- Construction Industry Council
- Institution of Civil Engineers
- Institution of Structural Engineers
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- UK Green Building Council
Image: metamorworks/Shutterstock
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