'Game changing' NBS BIM Object Standard embraced by industry

Press Release
9 October 2014

The NBS BIM Object Standard was launched last month at an event attended by some of the leading figures in the UK BIM industry. Ian Chapman, Director of the NBS National BIM Library introduced the standard, which addresses one of the major barriers to BIM adoption, the lack of consistency in generic and manufacturers’ BIM objects.

The standard has been welcomed by the industry. Dale Sinclair, Director of Technical Practice at AECOM described it as a ‘game changing initiative within the industry’ and confirmed the demand for the standard saying: “It is absolutely essential that we have national standards that we can also push internationally.”

At the launch, David Philp, Head of BIM Implementation at the Cabinet Office spoke of the importance of ‘creating a conversation with industry to create a data set that’s open and engages with all members.’ The standard aims to improve efficiency and make it easier for high quality information to be shared and utilised to its full potential, which in turn will enable greater collaboration across the industry and assist adoption as the 2016 deadline for the use of Level 2 BIM on all Government funded projects rapidly approaches.

The NBS BIM Object Standard is available free on the NBS National BIM Library website and covers both generic and or manufacturers’ BIM objects. NBS will be working with people across the industry to continually develop the standard and is well placed as the leading supplier of technical information for construction industry professionals.

David Shepherd, BIM Manager at HOK reiterated the standard’s importance for the industry:

It gives us a consistent structure for all the information coming from the project, it can only be good for the construction industry.

Speaking at the launch event, David Wigglesworth, Managing Director at Assa Abloy said:

The industry looks for a standard, there is nothing better than the accredited body of RIBA and NBS to set that standard.

Further comment from David Philp, Head of BIM Implementation at the Cabinet Office can be viewed on the NBS National BIM Library.