Written by an authorship team from the buildingSMART Germany community in 2023, the report explores digitalisation measures for the water industry to manage future tasks. An international working group of water utility players has reviewed the report and recognises its value as an introduction to the proposed program. The report is now being used to support the buildingSMART International ‘Call for Participation,’ aiming to attract more water utility players and establish a program of work focused on developing openBIM solutions for the sector.

https://www.buildingsmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bSD_Whitepaper_Wasserwirtschaft_E-Book-en-bm.pdf

buildingSMART Germany

Germany

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) was commissioned by Ofwat to assess the water industry’s progress on Open Data in response to H2Open. The process involved developing an assessment framework in collaboration with Ofwat, water companies, and stakeholders. Key steps included desktop research on Open Data maturity models, organising workshops with industry stakeholders to refine the framework, and creating a comprehensive questionnaire to gather company responses. The evaluation was based on these responses, with one-page summaries highlighting best practices and use cases.

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PwC-Open-Data-Assessment-Report-Executive-Summary.pdf

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)

UK

The MMC definition framework is a new seven category definition framework that enables a full and future-proofed range of “Modern Methods of Construction” used in homebuilding to be better understood with regularised terminology.

The definition framework spans all types of pre-manufacturing, site based materials and process innovation.

This definition framework is an output of the MHCLG Joint Industry Working Group on MMC which is tasked with improving stakeholder education and understanding of MMC with particular reference to enabling better access to mortgage finance, insurance and assurance.

https://www.buildoffsite.com/content/uploads/2019/04/MMC-I-Pad-base_GOVUK-FINAL_SECURE-1.pdf

UK HM Government

UK

https://www.cast-consultancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MMC-I-Pad-base_GOVUK-FINAL_SECURE.pdf

Cast Real Estate & Construction Consultancy

UK

The UK government is eager to transform the construction industry as part of the broader Digital Built Britain agenda, recognising the significant opportunities for national growth and global market advantages in a digitally enabled construction sector. However, the adoption of digital technologies and modern methods of construction (MMC), such as offsite manufacturing (OSM), remains low.

This report aims to explore the current state of OSM in the UK construction industry, identify barriers, and outline key research needed to overcome these challenges, ultimately accelerating the widespread adoption of OSM to transform the industry.

https://www.cchpr.landecon.cam.ac.uk/system/files/documents/state_of_the_nation_osm.pdf

Cambridge centre for housing and planning research

UK

The Centre for Digital Built Britain commissioned this study to explore the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the UK house building industry, and to consider the opportunities and barriers to its wider uptake. The study included a review of existing evidence and literature. Telephone interviews were conducted with practitioners from the industry about the use of BIM. A round-table discussion was held with key stakeholders in the house building industry.

https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/system/files/documents/BIMandUKHouseBuildingFinalReportforCDBB.pdf

Cambridge centre for housing and planning research

UK

A global review of initiatives promoting DFMA with timber, supported by BIM, highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness and offer solutions for industry advancement. Significant work is being done to demonstrate the benefits and move the sector forward. Various tools and technologies were explored, providing options for project teams looking to adopt these practices.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329337062

UBC Vancouver BIM Topics Lab/ Forestry Innovation Investment

Canada

Modular construction, where building components are prefabricated off-site and then assembled on-site, is gaining traction across various markets. This method integrates design, manufacturing, and construction processes, enabling higher efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.

https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2019-03/Materials_Practice_Guide_Modular_Construction.pdf

AIA/ National Institute of Building Sciences

USA

Off-site manufacturing has brought significant benefits to industries like automotive and food and beverage, but its adoption in construction, particularly in the UK, has been slower. Led by Dr. Mohamed Zaki, Deputy Director of the Cambridge Service Alliance, CDBB researchers focused on studying global business models and digital services used in construction.

https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/research/digitally-enabled-living/facilitating-digitisation-site-manufacturing

CDBB

UK

Research on the quantification of value from Prefabricated, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (P-DFMA), and digital delivery methods in construction. Discusses the role of digital tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), in improving efficiency, quality, and collaboration within the construction sector.

https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/news/forge-quantifying-value-p-dfma-and-digital-delivery

CDBB

UK