The Building Data Exchange website has been set up by Digital Catapult – the data collection arm of Innovate UK – to allow building developers and constructors to access and share a wealth of information on energy efficient buildings.

Best practice, common pitfalls and data performance available throughout the site has been gathered over the past six years through Innovate UK’s £8m Buildings Performance Evaluation programme.

Innovate UK’s programme leader for the built environment Simon Hart said: “Homes and offices are not performing as they should do. They are consuming up to 10 times the energy they should, and there are a multitude of factors behind that.

“The programme has amassed so much data that it’s difficult for constructors to process it. There is an opportunity now for digital businesses to create smart home or property technology that could be adopted by the construction industry and help it to tackle these issues.”

The Building Data Exchange incorporates data from various fields such as smart home implementation, the Internet of Things, renewables, energy systems and even wearable tech. The platform aims to give constructors relevant information to tackle challenges, and link them with ‘digital innovators’ in order to implement more modern aspects into a building’s construction.

Poor estimates

The launch of the platform coincides with Innovate UK’s publication of a report analysing the data collected in this area by over a six-year period. The report found that, across 49 case-studied non-domestic buildings, the average total carbon emissions were 3.8 times higher than the design estimate. Only one of the buildings actually matched the targets that were outlined in the estimate.

Non Domestic Building Performance Summary 2016

Last year, the Treasury announced it was scrapping regulations on house building to streamline development -including ending the proposed zero-carbon Allowable Solutions carbon offsetting scheme – and the planned 2016 increase in on-site energy efficiency standards.

As one potential solution, UK solar developer WElink Energy, British Solar Renewables (BSR) and the China National Building Materials Group (CNBM) together agreed a £1.1bn deal to build up to 8,000 zero-carbon homes in the UK.

Green buildings at edie 2016

Green buildings will be a key theme at edielive 2016. Taking place in May at the NEC in Birmingham, the show aims to provide a holistic view of the sustainability industry all in one place, whether you’re focusing on the strategy, operations or specifications for your organisation.

The show will bring to life the major themes of the market, address the biggest challenges in the seminars and provide a showcase of leading suppliers for you to try before you buy.

Find out more and register your interest to attend here.

Matt Mace

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