With COP27 now underway, the construction industry will be poised for new recommendations on how to tackle the growing climate crisis. However, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals already provide a framework for creating healthier and happier communities. Lee Jones of Byggfakta Group, explains how digital specification can help the sector achieve these goals and improve lives in the process

With recent reports from the World Meteorological Organisation that Europe is a ‘live picture of a warming world’, the pressure is now on to up sustainability efforts. For the construction industry, it will mean keeping a close eye on developments. As the built environment is responsible for around 40% of all global CO2 emissions, construction has a major role to play in reducing greenhouse gases.

However, whilst decarbonisation efforts are no doubt the priority, COP events can help bring about wider change – those that improve the economic, ethical and social landscape. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for example, offer a framework on how to enhance lives through changes to our built environment.

For architects and specifiers, it means creating unforgettable structures that are a pleasure to live or work in – spaces that are as good for our health as they are for the environment. The UN’s Goal ’03-wellness and wellbeing’ lays out this vision: “promoting mental health, fighting infectious diseases and minimising deaths from pollution and hazardous chemicals’

See the light
Examples of this can be seen in buildings that use light and space to great effect – they boost our mood and calm our minds. However, the sector’s reliance on glass to provide access to direct sunlight has now become problematic. Buildings that weren’t initially designed for record-high temperatures now suffer from overheating, making it uncomfortable for those inside and surrounding outside areas. In turn, there’s now an increasing reliance on mechanical HVAC measures, such as air-conditioning units, to keep people cool. As well as recycling air, which can cause germs to spread more easily, they’re also extremely energy intensive – it’s estimated that cooling buildings with air conditioning systems accounts for almost one tenth of UK electricity consumption.

Managing information
These alarming statistics show exactly why information management is now so important. Improved specification can help ‘design out’ similar problems – in this case, the location of trees and biophilic design could create natural shade, helping with carbon capture and reducing overall temperatures. Alternatively, ‘daylighting’ measures that use diffused sunlight rather than direct access can help maintain regular temperatures whilst improving occupant’s mental health.

However, the sector will need to see an increase in data requirements if it’s to ensure that the most sustainable building materials and techniques have been used each time. This is particularly important as requests for specific design and health requirements increase such as BREEAM, SKA and Living Building.

Digital data has the answer
It also shows why construction data – or more specifically, digitally supplied building product information, is now crucial in tackling the climate crisis. If we’re to overcome this issue then specifiers will need greater access to data that can prove how building products perform. By doing so, they can put their best foot forward, choosing the greenest and cleanest options available.

The increasingly complex legislative landscape is also driving the need for construction data. Specifiers will need to be sure they are meeting legal requirements – changes to Part L, The Future Homes Standard and the Building Safety Act are just a few examples of where detailed digital data can help ensure standards have been met and not overlooked.

However, for this to work, specifiers need to be met half way. This means further responsibility from building manufacturers to ensure that product specs are meticulous in detail and constantly updated. Supplied in a digital format, it allows for more accurate decision making and allows architects to work quickly and efficiently.

It’s been said that digital data ‘is the new oil’ and in the case of the construction industry I believe this to be true. Harnessed effectively, we can ensure that buildings are not just fit for purpose but that they work with our environment rather than against it. As the famous Winston Churchill quote goes: “we shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us”. Only time will tell if COP27 leaders can realise the potential of data to overcome some of humanities biggest challenges.

Lee Jones is head of manufacturing solutions at NBS and acting head of sustainability at Byggfakta Group