(C07) The Power of Open-Access Tools & Data to Empower Climate Action

Building Information Modeling (BIM), often considered the digital transformation impetus for the construction industry, relies heavily on project-related data for success. Access to good real-time data is necessary for teams to meet project goals in terms of timing, budgets, performance and sustainability. However, inaccurate or incomplete data has been a huge obstacle for the construction sector. A recent study found that bad data cost the global construction industry $1.85 trillion in 2020. Beyond cost concerns, this also means that teams cannot access the information needed to identify carbon reduction opportunities and set goals for their projects as the sector continues to act in the fight against climate change. Fortunately, industry leaders and cross-sector collaborators are helping to ensure that teams have access to the data and tools needed to empower low-carbon design decision-making and procurement. From software development to investments in transparency, new innovative technologies and processes are helping to tackle the climate crisis and address the built environment’s impact on global warming. In this session, Greenbuild attendees will hear from diverse perspectives on the impact of data and technology in driving decarbonization strategies. Moderated by Sheena Zhang of Autodesk, this discussion will highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in creating tools that address the construction industry's unique challenges, with focus on the use of Building Transparency's suite of tools. The panelists, who represent Perkins&Will, Silman, and C-Change Labs, will highlight successful models for industry leadership and use of tools to realize low-carbon project outcomes. The panel will also focus on the value of open-access data for product-specific performance and carbon impact, how it can bring embodied carbon reduction opportunities to the forefront of decision-making and enable designers to align their typical digital workspaces and workflows with projects’ sustainability goals.