The IBU is celebrating the success of its event “Future-oriented technologies – EPDs in the digital transformation”, which attracted around 260 interested parties from the construction, IT and environmental sectors.
With exciting presentations and innovative approaches, the hybrid event offered in-depth insights into the digital transformation of environmental product declarations (EPDs) and their central role in sustainable construction.
Inspiring opening with keynotes
Hans Peters, long-standing Chairman of the IBU Board, opened the event with a look at the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR): The IBU and its members have been preparing for this moment for 20 years, when environmental requirements for construction products will have to be declared in the future and life cycle assessment data will become an essential part of the sustainability discussion.
In his keynote speech, Dirk Scheinemann, Head of Department at the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB), emphasized the political relevance of sustainable construction and that “the future of construction must beCO2-neutral, circular and also digital”. As a recognized and one of the leading program operators for EPDs, the IBU is of great importance. In her welcoming address, IBU President Dr. Barbara Hendricks emphasized the relevance of environmental and climate protection even in economically challenging times and referred to the current COP 29 in Baku. She emphasized the role of IBU members who voluntarily provide EPDs and thus set standards for sustainable construction, which are reflected in the new Construction Products Regulation.
Focus on digitalization and innovation
In his presentation, Dr Daniel Wehner from the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) showed how artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are revolutionizing the collection and analysis of environmental and product data. He emphasized the opportunities that arise from digitalization, but also the challenges to the quality of the data and the need for competent handling and continuous monitoring.
Stefan Zwerenz, Head of the IBU Verification Body, presented three tool models that enable construction product manufacturers to create large numbers of EPDs automatically and efficiently. He also explained how the IBU is actively promoting the provision of digital EPD data and its harmonization.
Pitch series: future technologies for EPDs
One highlight of the event was the series of pitches from leading software providers. The companies Makersite, Emidat, Ecochain and Sphera presented innovative solutions for EPD automation. These technologies offer the possibility of scaling EPDs in large numbers, significantly simplify and accelerate the creation and verification processes and promote the digitalization of environmental and product specifications.
Digitalization as the key to the future of construction
All speakers agreed that digitalization is an indispensable driver for transparency, efficiency and resource conservation in the construction industry. The new BauPVO regulations and standardization in the field of digitalization have accelerated this trend. Florian Pronold, Managing Director of IBU, concluded by announcing a research project that aims to leverage efficiency potential in the verification process in particular.