In the ongoing battle to reduce carbon emissions, the construction industry has made some commendable strides. We’ve embraced cutting-edge tools and platforms, each promising to weave sustainability into the very fabric of our projects. Yet here we are, still grappling with the same challenge: why do our carbon reduction goals seem perpetually out of reach? 

It’s not for lack of trying. The tools are there. The technology is there. But here’s the crux of the issue: we’re not using these tools to their full potential. The construction industry realized years ago that platforms like Building Information Modeling (BIM) could integrate carbon management across the value chain. What we didn’t realize is that these tools are only as powerful as the people who use them—and this is where we’ve fallen short. 

While the work of product developers, environmental engineers, and material scientists is crucial, the greatest leverage lies in empowering our construction professionals with the digital tools and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change. At Madaster, we believe that the future of sustainable construction hinges not just on innovation in materials and processes but on the effective utilization of digital information to make informed decisions that minimize carbon impact. 

Digital information: The Catalyst for informed decision-making 

In today’s construction industry, the importance of understanding the carbon impact of every decision cannot be overstated. Whether you’re evaluating the emissions of a wooden roof or deciding whether to renovate or demolish a building, data is the key that unlocks sustainable choices. Yet, without a robust digital foundation, these insights remain out of reach, leaving professionals to navigate in the dark. 

“Adopting digital methods, like BIM, isn’t just about technology adoption—it’s a crucial strategy in reducing our environmental footprint. By accurately modeling and managing our resources, we ensure sustainable practices become standard in our industry,” Pablo van de Bosch. 

 Digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), are essential. BIM allows for the integration of vast amounts of data, enabling construction professionals to assess the carbon impact of materials and processes with precision. However, the adoption of these tools is not yet universal, and therein lies both the challenge and the opportunity. By integrating digital information effectively, we can make informed decisions that significantly minimize our carbon impact. 

The breadth of data: Understanding environmental impact 

To truly assess the environmental impact of construction materials—whether for a building, a road, or an entire city—we must consider their effects on land, water, and air across their entire lifecycle. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) provide this crucial information, which is then stored in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These declarations are indispensable, as they offer detailed insights into everything from the carbon emissions produced during steel manufacturing to the water consumption involved in concrete production. 

Consider this: even a simple building might require a few hundred products, while larger structures like offices, hotels, or factories involve tens of thousands. This results in enormous datasets that must be meticulously analyzed to determine the true environmental impact. The challenge is clear, but so is the potential for significant carbon reduction if we get it right. 

The power of BIM: Connecting the dots for carbon reduction 

While the task may seem overwhelming, the tools to navigate this complexity are already at our disposal. Hundreds of databases with environmental product information are available, and more manufacturers are actively publishing their data. By registering the data of your building, environmental impact tools or platforms can automatically calculate the carbon impact per square meter. 

To connect these dots and trigger the necessary calculations, professionals can either hire a consultant or leverage the information already being gathered during the design and construction process. The latter is far more efficient. With BIM, professionals can upload their digital models into an environmental impact tool that automatically calculates the impact by connecting all the relevant data points. 

However, the full potential of BIM remains underutilized. Many architects, engineers, and construction companies use BIM software, but like with tools such as PowerPoint or Excel, the average user only scratches the surface of its capabilities. This is often due to a lack of training and awareness. 

Training: The key to unlocking BIM’s full potential 

Here’s the reality: Consultants are often brought in to bridge the gap between potential and practice. They come in, work their magic, and leave, taking their expertise with them. It’s a solution, but not a sustainable one. The dependency on consultants is a symptom of the deeper issue—a lack of comprehensive training across the value chain. We’re using powerful tools but only unlocking a fraction of their potential because we’re not investing in the knowledge needed to fully harness them 

Training professionals in the full use of BIM is not just beneficial—it is essential. By maximizing the use of digital tools, we can automate environmental impact analysis, saving time and resources while incentivizing the construction of buildings with lower environmental footprints. At Madaster, we recognize this need and offer comprehensive BIM training resources, including online videos and modules, to help professionals optimize their use of the technology. 

Imagine if every professional, from architects to contractors, was equipped with the knowledge to manage carbon calculations in-house. No more last-minute calls to consultants, no more scrambling to meet sustainability targets. Training turns that toolbox of advanced technology into a set of familiar, easy-to-use instruments, ready to be deployed at any moment. 

“Through comprehensive training, construction professionals can leverage platforms like Madaster to not only access but also interpret environmental data. This capability is fundamental in making informed decisions that lead to significant carbon reductions,” Dr. Patrick Bergmann. 

 A call to embrace training and innovation 

The path to carbon success in construction isn’t just about having the right tools; it’s about knowing how to use them effectively. If we’re serious about meeting our carbon goals, we must prioritize training. It’s the key to unlocking the full potential of the tools we have, reducing our dependence on external consultants, and the first step towards a more sustainable future in the built environment. At Madaster, we are committed to leading this charge, one project at a time. 

Contact us if you are interested in: 

• Comprehensive data integration: Madaster connects to nearly 100 different EPD databases, ensuring that our users have access to the most accurate and comprehensive product and material data available. 

• BIM training and resources: We offer a range of training resources designed to help design and construction professionals fully harness the power of BIM. 

• Smart contracting: For our partners, we provide ‘Request for Proposal’ templates that ensure the right questions are asked before contracts are signed, helping to avoid unnecessary costs and delays. 

Join us in transforming the future of building—together, we can make a lasting impact. 

Authors:

• Frederique van Erven Global Expansion Manager
• Patrick Bergmann Managing Director Germany
• Pablo van den Bosch Board Member