The pivotal online event unveiled the Global Building Data Initiative (GBDI)’s most recent development: The Open Building Data Format (openBDF) and the Open Building Data Platform Beta — a transformative tool built to drive whole life cycle decarbonization in the built environment. The launch took place on February 26th, 2025, from 4:00-5:30 PM (CET) and featured an insightful keynote, a presentation of the platform including live demonstrations, and a thought-provoking panel discussion with audience Q&A.

Event Agenda

1. Opening remarks
   
   

2. Keynote: The race to reduce whole life cycle emissions of buildings globally (15 min)
   
   

3. Presentation & Demo: Launching OpenBDF and an Open Building Data Platform (30 min)

   1. Learn about the new Open Building Data Format (openBDF), a common language to facilitate exchange of high-quality building life cycle information across industries and world regions.

   2. Explore the Platform’s features, including its open-source tools, global building database, and actionable data-driven insights for reducing resource use, embodied and whole life carbon.

   3. Learn how to leverage openBDF, the open data protocol, and the Open Building Data Platform for enhanced data exchange and scalability.
      
      

4. Panel Discussion and Q&A Session (45 min)

   1. Gain valuable perspectives from partners and practitioners on the importance of assessing whole life cycle emissions and sharing building data to drive decarbonization in the built environment.

   2. Engage in a dynamic discussion on strategies for improving materials, optimizing building designs, and making informed decisions based on life cycle performance.

Fact sheet

Title: Accelerating Whole Life Cycle Climate Action: Launch of the Open Building Data Platform

Date: February 26th, 2025. 4:00-5:30 PM CET.

Format: Online

Organizers: Global Building Data Initiative (GBDI)

Moderator: David Ruggiero, GLOBE

Keynote: Dima Khoury, Buildings Breakthrough GlobalABC & UNEP

Presenter: Martin Röck, RISE/GBDI

Panelists: Dietram Oppelt ALCBT, Nigel Tonks ARUP, Ommid Saberi IFC, Will Arnold IStructE, Anil Sawhney RICS, Vanderley John USP/GLOBE, Karen Scrivener, EPFL/GLOBE

Missed the event? Rewatch the launch: