UK experts have agreed to work with their US counterparts to help develop the country’s BIM capabilities
Over the next two years, the UK’s Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) will work in partnership with the US National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) to develop the US’s National Building Information Management (BIM) Program.
The US intends to adapt the UK’s national BIM development programme so that its own BIM capabilities are aligned with international standards. The memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries also encourages public and private entities to share knowledge and best practice in the area.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) deputy director for construction Fergus Harradence said the agreement marked “a major step forward” for global construction: “The collaboration will lead to economic and environmental benefits for both countries by boosting the economic performance of the construction sector and helping to improve social outcomes and trade opportunities,” he said.
CDBB head of international Adam Matthews said: “The partnership continues the global trend of knowledge sharing between countries that is accelerating and aligning the construction sector's digitalisation journey.”
The landmark deal comes as the construction industry increases its use of digital tools in a bid to increase efficiency. Last month, Tilbury Douglas appointed Aneesa Mulla as its first head of digital, while US software firm Autodesk used BIM to develop a digital model of France’s Notre-Dame Cathedral in April, which will aid the restoration project after the iconic building was partially destroyed in a fire in 2019.