Ramboll has launched CO2mpare, an open-access carbon analysis benchmark database.
CO2mpare draws on data from more than 130 building projects across six countries (the UK, Germany and the major Nordic states). It covers the upfront carbon footprints (for lifecycle stages A1-A3 and A1-A5) of 11 different building types:
- cultural;
- educational;
- heavy industry;
- hospital;
- hotel;
- laboratory/life science;
- light industrial/warehouse;
- office;
- other;
- residential; and
- retail/restaurant.
Ramboll claims it is the first international open-access carbon database of its kind.
The data is drawn from carbon assessments carried out by Ramboll. It intends to continue growing the database.
Better quality and more consistent data is critical to improving the sustainability of buildings as it enables the industry and policymakers to draw comparisons and set sustainability benchmarks for specific building types, Ramboll said. Until now, this data has not been shared publicly, leading to slower uptake of best-practice solutions.
“We have a huge problem with the climate impact of buildings. The only way we can move forward is by sharing knowledge about what works and what does not work. As one of the leading advisers in the field, we see it as our responsibility to share our knowledge,” said Lars Riemann, executive director for buildings at Ramboll.
“Property developers and contractors want to reduce CO2 in their projects and ensure that it is an attractive investment object, and this new database is designed to help all industry actors benchmark their targets. And they have the investors behind them when pension funds, for example, put their money into funds and decide that the fund should invest in buildings with targets for low-carbon emissions,” Riemann added.
Don’t miss out on BIM and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.
