Global Alliance Formed to Develop Common Data Model to Support Climate Action in the Built Environment

The International Code Council, Standards Australia and the National Building Specification (NBS) have formed a Global Alliance to develop a Common Data Model to support climate action in the built environment through digital engineering.

“The International Code Council has long focused on the importance of providing consistency to support achievement of sustainability and resilience goals. It is natural for us to work with like-minded organizations to develop a global common data model that helps deliver a decarbonized built environment,” said Dominic Sims, Chief Executive Officer of the Code Council.

Through this alliance, the organizations will develop a unified data model for the buildings and infrastructure sector, utilizing existing standards and engaging with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with global protocols.

This initiative recognizes the need for the building industry to share data across platforms to help meet climate and reporting standards while supporting a transition to a low-carbon environment.

“We are delighted to partner with the International Code Council and NBS on this important project,” said Adam Stingemore, Chief Development Officer of Standards Australia. “We believe that a Common Data Model will unlock the full potential of data and digital technologies in the buildings and infrastructure sector, and help us achieve our vision of a safe, sustainable and resilient future for Australia and the world.”

Benefits of Establishing a Common Data Model Within the Built Environment

The Common Data Model will offer a uniform method for describing and exchanging data about buildings and infrastructure, spanning the planning and design stages to construction, operation and maintenance. This will enable improved collaboration, innovation and efficiency across the entire life cycle of construction projects, while also facilitating a shift toward a low-carbon and circular economy.

The Common Data Model strives to:

• Provide a reliable, digitally-enabled approach to specifying, managing and exchanging project and asset data
• Drive innovation and enhance efficiency across the entire life cycle of the built environment, in turn reducing costs
• Allow for alignment and integration of life cycle assessments within the owner’s data ecosystem, which is essential for consistent use of reliable reporting of carbon at key stages of a building’s life cycle
• Enable governments and asset owners to drive strategic industry benchmarking, project specifications, procurement targets and long-term behavioral change throughout the sector

“As custodians of Uniclass, NBS is honored to join hands with Standards Australia and the International Code Council in forging this global alliance for digital transformation in the built environment,” said Phil Simpson, Head of Technical Content and Classification at NBS. “Our commitment to standardization and interoperability through Uniclass underscores our dedication to facilitating global progress. The Common Data Model will serve as a catalyst, enabling seamless collaboration, innovation and efficiency throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. By embracing this initiative, we affirm our dedication to building a future that is not only sustainable and resilient but also inclusive and interconnected on a global scale.”

The Alliance has set an ambitious goal of having the first release of the Common Data Model ready before the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place in November 2024 in Azerbaijan.

Learn more about the Common Data Model, here.