This project aims to stimulate the circular economy by introducing a Sustainability Enhanced Construction Information Classification System (CICS) to be used by Portuguese-speaking building designers, contractors and managers. It will allow the unification of terminology at all scales, facilitating communication between agents and supporting material and component selection and accurate assessment of the building's impacts over the life cycle in all dimensions. The ultimate goal is to improve buildings’ performance and to reduce waste through the use of digital tools that provide informed management and selection of construction materials and elements. 

Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) accounts for about 10% of European GDP but has a disproportionate energy consumption and environmental impact with half of energy and raw materials and one third of water consumption and 40% of greenhouse gas emissions consumption (link). While other industries embraced more benign materials, and their reduction and reutilization, the AECO industry is notoriously reluctant to adopt best practices and innovation in general. 

Professional building and infrastructure community demonstrates strong and urgent need of a CICS that can be used in national and international projects, but small firms can’t afford to develop and large firms do share their own systems. On the other hand, sustainable construction is not yet a priority for most.

Information technology, in particular BIM methodology, are at the heart of the construction sector’s modernization.  BIM allows the 3D digital building representation by associating the geometric description (3D model) with the diverse information about building components and materials, functions and space activities.  The starting point is the construction of the model using modelling software, then enhanced by energy simulation codes, life cycle analysis (LCA / LCC), clash-detection, quantity take-off, scheduling or facility management platforms. BIM implementation in Portugal is advancing at good pace and professionals have long demanded for a National Classification System. Construction Information Classification Systems create standard codes and descriptions that characterize design and construction, including project organization, information structure, costs, specifications, etc. The univocal classification of building elements, systems and networks, materials and activities is essential for BIM models to be used efficiently throughout constructions life cycle. 

This project will be structuring for the sector and employs a very pragmatic approach: we will offer decision makers a much needed CICS that, while helping in current and urgent needs such as quantity surveying, budgeting, facility management, will provide tools for sustainable choice of materials and components and support energy, LCC, GWP, etc. analyses, satisfying current and future needs.

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With the objective to increase the research activity directed towards the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the possibility of associating scientific projects with the Sustainable Development Goals is now available in Ciência_Iscte. These are the Sustainable Development Goals identified for this project. For more detailed information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.