CLF report sets direction for a National Existing Buildings Database

The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) has published a new report assessing the quality, usefulness, and validity of data currently held by building owners across Scotland.

Named ‘The National Existing Buildings Database’, this report represents a key step in understanding the information available on Scotland’s building stock. The report findings lay the foundation for a national database that, once developed, will provide local authorities with an invaluable resource to support large-scale retrofitting of housing stock.

Through a series of engagement sessions with key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, the research team made up of Robert Gordon University, BE-ST and CLF’s Data Working Group members identified what data we already have available and commonalities in data sets as well as key challenges, including data gaps, reliability concerns, and the need for a cyber-secure platform that integrates real-time data. Issues around data protection, interoperability, and supply chain alignment were also highlighted as barriers to overcome in the delivery of the database.  

Future developments are expected to incorporate digital twins and archetypal pattern books so that property owners can model and test retrofit strategies with more confidence.

The overarching ambition of the database is to create a single point of access for accurate and up-to-date building data across Scotland. By integrating information from multiple sources, this database will identify and address knowledge gaps on building archetypes, use automation to collate and refine data into a centralised, accessible resource, support informed decision-making for large-scale retrofit programmes, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate retrofit at scale.

A national open-source database has the potential to transform Scotland’s approach to building management, retrofitting, and energy efficiency. It would empower individuals and organisations to make informed investment decisions while ensuring that public funding is used effectively. With coordinated efforts across the country, the project would help stabilise demand, maintain a consistent supply of materials and services, and enhance cost efficiencies by pooling resources from private, social, and owner-occupied housing sectors.

To guide future research and development, the report outlines ten research work packages designed to align with existing national and local initiatives, de-risk the project by ensuring each phase contributes to a broader, coordinated strategy, and ensure that every stage of development delivers standalone value while contributing to the over-arching goal of establishing a National Existing Buildings Database.

To learn more about the report’s findings, recommendations, and next steps, read the report here: National Existing Buildings Database.

Dr. Jonathan Scott, Course Leader of Architectural Technology at Robert Gordon University, said: "Achieving net zero in buildings is complex, requiring a deep understanding of both newbuilds and existing buildings. Collaboration is key, not only to tackling supply chain and material challenges but also to building confidence in retrofit and shifting perceptions towards more sustainable homes.

“A central database or digital twin which brings together vital building data will help local authorities, landlords, and the public make informed decisions about how and when to retrofit buildings. As alive learning platform, it will evolve over time, strengthening Scotland’s readiness for net zero. "

John McKinney, co-chair of the CLF Data Working Group and Build Scotland representative, said:

"To meet Scotland’s net zero targets, we must understand what is going on with our buildings so that we can take the right retrofit measures and cut emissions. The Existing Buildings Database will give key stakeholders the information they need to plan and optimise this work, while its collaborative approach will create a clear pipeline, allowing local contractors to upskill, manufacturers to supply the right systems, and the Scottish economy to benefit through job creation and long-term opportunities."

Gavin Johnston, Impact Manager at BE-ST, said:

“Now we have validated the need and demand for an existing buildings database, the real work of delivering it in a way that solves challenges and unlocks value for the sector can begin. The work packages outline how we can move forward from here to operationalise and develop such a database, and turn it into a coordinated, coherent and accessible asset that will be key to decarbonising Scotland’s existing buildings successfully at scale.”

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