Standardising

Construction Object Data

for Digital Use
Last updated: June 2021

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Introduction
The international construction industry is in a state of change with regard to how projects are defined, described,
built and managed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the foundation. This change has created some
confusion in the market as different public and private initiatives have emerged with various guidance regarding
the implementation of robust digital practices.

Moreover, the digital shift has been complicated by the fact that different organisations faced the global trend
towards BIM at a different stage of their digitisation journey. Currently, approaches to managing digital
information are already established and widely applied in many organisations. This has created adverse
implications for the industry as no single uniform approach is applied to make the flow of information universally
sustained so that all actors, regardless of their particular context, can leverage the benefits of digitisation.

To address this issue, European and International standardisation bodies (CEN, ISO) have set up technical
committees solely responsible for the development of a set of standards that specify methodologies to define,
describe, exchange, monitor, record and securely handle all data used within the construction sector.
Furthermore, International industry organisations such as buildingSMART International, FIEC (European
Construction Industry Federation), CPE (Construction Product Europe) etc. are also involved with this
standardization work. This creates a community of international stakeholders who bring expertise to the process
and help for the co-creation and implementation of standards across the global construction industry.

Due to the novelty of this standardisation work, however, there is still some confusion in the market regarding
issues such as what is the standard way to define and structure construction object data for construction works
and building services in the built environment in order to make it suitable for digital use. ‘A construction object’ in
the context of this document can be defined as object of interest in the context of construction process (ISO 12006-
2:2015). Therefore, ‘a construction object’ can be used to denominate product, system, assembly, space, building,
etc.

To provide some plain language explanations of what this ongoing regulatory and standardisation work has set
out for the industry and put forward some practical considerations for construction actors worldwide, this paper
will focus on the following:

• Where does construction object data come from?

• Smart CE marking and BIM Standardisation
• Why does standardised content need to be placed within a data dictionary?
• How to structure construction object data?
• How to classify construction object data?
• How to use interoperable construction object data across different systems?

Note! This paper represents the most current development on this topic.

Its contents will be updated regularly as changes and novelties in the ongoing standardisation work occur.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Where does construction object data come from?
According to the BIM principles, any object used into a digital model should corresponds to something in reality,
i.e. a real product/component or system/assembly. А very obvious and yet highly underrated point has to be
made here. The manufacturer is the only actor fully responsible for supplying data about the ’real’ product. At
the end of the construction phase, any digital object has to represent a real physical product that has to comply
with the requirements set in the digital world but also make sure that those requirements correspond with
reality. After all, the product information that would be delivered in Asset Information Models and then used by
end users, should be information provided by the manufacturer. Manufacturers are the most credible source of
information about the products they fabricate as they already follow robust processes for defining the
information about their assets. For clarity, let us look at the case where assets defined as construction products
are concerned. The next point will exemplify how construction product manufacturers have already been testing
and certifying their products against European, International and National standards.

Smart CE marking and BIM Standardisation

Information about construction products is heavily regulated at the European level by Regulation EC 305/2011
(Construction Products Regulation or CPR). The Construction Products Regulations is an EU regulation aimed at
harmonizing construction products information. Its goal is providing reliable technical information in regards to
product performance, fire safety, sustainability, testing criteria etc., by setting a common technical language and
consistent assessment methods on the EU and EEA market. Standards included in the CPR are developed by
experts who participate in Technical Committees and Working Groups that bring together all interested parties
such as manufacturers, regulators, and consumers. The CPR provides a common technical language used by:

• Manufacturers who declare their products information and test them against harmonized assessment
methods
• End users who use this information to choose products most suitable to their needs and requirements
• National authorities that monitor the compliance of products manufactured, for example, outside their
country of power
• Designers and specifiers who set requirements based on reliable and credible sources

According to the CPR, manufacturers of construction products covered by a harmonised European standard
(hEN) (or subject to a European Technical Assessment (ETA)), are obliged to issue documentation that declares
the performance of the products. This document is the Declaration of Performance (DoP) and is required when a
manufacturer wishes to affix the CE mark to a product. In the Declaration of Performance, the product’s
performances are always declared in relation to the test methods outlined in the relevant harmonised standard.
These characteristics are specified in Annex ZA, an obligatory part of any harmonised standard. By drawing a
declaration of performance and affixing the CE mark to a product, the manufacturer demonstrates compliance
with EU requirements for construction products. The DoP and the CE mark also ensure the unrestricted
distribution of the product within the entire EU and EEA market. They also enable comparison between products
and products’ data, thus providing informed choices and information transparency.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Figure 1 illustrates the process of sourcing product characteristics from a credible source.

The CPR explicitly sets a framework for the use of a common technical language detailed by the relevant
harmonised product standard, in order to ensure the unambiguous communication of construction product
information. This technical language, however, is still primarily available as analogue data, which is not in
alignment with the growing need for digitised product information in a machine-readable digital format.

The recent Smart CE marking initiative, led by Construction Products Europe (CPE), has come to address this
issue and to expand and promote the use of harmonised product standards in digital construction. The Smart CE
marking initiative puts forward the notion, also supported by the ongoing work by CEN (see below), that data
regarding the characteristics that qualify and quantify a product is already available in harmonised product
standards. This creates a huge amount of standardised content about construction products that can be aligned
with further data standardisation initiatives to ensure the use of a common technical language and standardised
product data in BIM. This combination will allow all users to exploit the data manufacturers provide to the fullest
potential.

The Smart CE marking initiative in itself aims to get aligned with the ongoing standardisation of digital processes
in the construction industry. Driven by the fast shifts towards digitalisation in the construction industry, the EU
has set up a programme to develop and define standards for BIM across all European countries.

Within the European standardisation body CEN, The Technical Committee TC/442 was set up to take charge of
the standardisation work regarding all information in the built environment.

Among the first standards adopted by the European standardisation body CEN, under the careful work of the
Technical Committee 442 were the three openBIM standards. In October 2016, the buildingSMART International
standards: IFD (ISO 12006-3:2007), IFC (ISO 16739:2013) and IDM (ISO 29481-2:2012) were officially adopted as
EN standards as part of the BIM standardization agenda of CEN/TC 442.
Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 These standards are widely known as the three pillars of interoperability. They set out a common format for data
exchange, a common structure for defining data-semantic concepts and the relations between them into a data
dictionary, and a standard to specify how to describe the required information supporting a given process.

In relation to the CPR and the Smart CE marking initiative, this means that to ensure that standardised content is
defined and structured in a way fit for digital use (it is interoperable), it has to be placed within a common data
dictionary according to the IFD standard.

The quality and consistency of this alignment is further supported by the work of CEN TC/442 WG 4 ‘Support
Data Dictionaries’. Here is a summary of the three standards that the group has been working on:

EN ISO 23386: Building information modelling and other digital processes used in Construction –
Methodology to describe, author and maintain properties in interconnected dictionaries

Provides a methodology to define and manage construction object characteristics for digital use. The principle is
to connect every characteristic (called ‘property’ in the digital world) to attributes such as the definition derived
from a reference standard within a particular local context. The process creates a rigorous system of validation
of all digital content and defines how ‘properties’ shall be established by experts in a data dictionary, as well as
how this content shall be mapped to other data dictionaries. The objective is to allow quality information
exchange between industry players for multiple uses such as the digital model, also for international trade, and
the needs for maintenance.

EN ISO 23387: Data templates for construction objects used in the life cycle of any built asset —
Concepts and principles

Sets out the general structure that can be used to digitally describe any construction object within the
construction works and building services. This structure is called a Data Template and should be based on
concepts and the relationships between concepts sourced from a data dictionary. A Data Template is a collection
of standard-based properties which can be traced to credible sources, such as harmonised standards under the
CPR, other European standards defining construction object characteristics, etc.

CEN/TC 442/WG 4 (WI=00442035): Data templates for construction objects used in the life cycle of
built assets - Data templates based on European standards and technical specifications

Provides a methodology to create data templates for construction objects that are based on European standards
and technical specifications. It provides a process and detailed specification allowing domain experts to
implement the content in domain standards for construction objects in a machine readable and interpretable
format, by means of property definitions and template definitions on the basis of data dictionaries.

Why does standardised content need to be placed within a data

dictionary?
Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 How is a simple concept used within the construction industry to denote an object such as a ‘door’? The term
‘door’ in some countries, for example Norway, means the ‘door leaf’ together with the ‘door frame’, while in
others, such as the UK, it only means the ‘door leaf’. A ‘door leaf’ together with a ‘door frame’ in the UK is
known as a ‘door set’. In many similar cases, the terminology used for similar concepts such as a ‘door’ can differ
(e.g., door and ‘door set’ meaning the same thing) or the same terminology can be used to denote different
concepts (e.g., ‘door’ is a door leaf in the UK and it is a leaf and frame in Norway).

While people can easily sort out such issues by referencing a standard that defines what a door is, computers
definitely cannot do it on their own. That is why to help machines understand the intended meaning of
information, there is a need for a common semantic framework of concepts, grouping of concepts, and the
relationships between concepts to be used.

The International Framework for Dictionaries (IFD – EN ISO 12006-3) sets the rules for building a language
independent information model that allows all sorts of systems to take advantage of concepts that can be
referenced from within a common framework.

The Global Unique Identifier (GUID) is the most essential element in this common framework. It serves as a
unique, language-independent identifier of each concept and each relationship between concepts. This allows
for a common understanding of terminology as equivalent concepts should always be connected to the same
meaning, no matter the different context (national standard, national languages, languages used within different
software) and similar terms that denote different meaning should be connected to their specific meaning.

In practical terms, a data dictionary is a connection box, that contains all the technical terms actors need,
mapped towards translations and other related concepts, so that when one gets something out of the box it
contains a unique ID that keeps all the relevant connections and meanings attached regardless of the language
you export it to.

GUIDs allow for a concept within a data dictionary, such as a ‘door’, to be logically related to GUIDs of other
concepts, such as property, measures, units etc. Using all these GUIDs and relationships, the subject ‘door’ is
related to its property ‘fire rating’. The ‘fire rating’ has a specific assessment method - measure, which is then
expressed by a specific value with a specific unit.

This is how construction object data sets are created in a data dictionary. Ideally, a data dictionary would hold
the complete diversity of concepts and relations between them. As it is a dictionary, however, it does not single
out all the concepts and relations that are specific to a singular type of product. The content that is credibly
sourced from EU and International standards and has been properly stored and defined for digital use in a data
dictionary, has to be organised into data structures called Data Templates. Data Templates collect the standard-
based information for specific construction objects. The methodology for creating Data Templates via the data
dictionary and a standard process for defining and approving the appropriate data sets is described in the three
standards currently developed by CEN TC/442 WG 4.

How to structure construction object data?

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 In summary, A Data Template is a common data structure containing the ‘properties’ (construction object
characteristics e.g. fire rating and colour), ‘measures’,’units’,’values’ stored in a data dictionary. Data Templates
describe any type of object for construction works and building services in a way that can be traced to a credible
source. Such credible sources are standards declaring the performance characteristics of construction objects
and the methods they should be tested against.

In order to make a Data Template applicable to different international contexts there is a specific hierarchy of
credible data sources taken into account in the DT structure. Legal data sources such as European Harmonised
standards (under the CPR) and other non – harmonised European standards are with greater priority than
national standards that have greater priority than industry and user recognized requirements (like BREEAM,
COBie). This is how Data Templates are created to serve as a common framework for anyone to use
internationally in order to manage construction object data in a systematic way.

Fig. 2: Illustrates categorisation of properties from different sources as part of the Data Template categorisation
process

Data Templates can be used for structuring data needed to complete tasks at different construction stages. Any
actor involved in a construction project can use them to set data requirements, populate them with actual data
and verify input data against requirements. With regard to the Smart CE Marking initiative, Data Templates are
especially useful for manufacturers who can populate them with the most up-to-date and accurate information
about their products. Once complete, this populated template is called a Product Data Sheet (PDS).

Because the Data Template methodology is developed in conjunction with the IFD standard and credible sources
such as the CPR within their logic, they provide the link between the real and the digital world and make sure
that construction object data is truly interoperable.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 How to classify construction object data?
As parallel digitisation efforts have started to emerge regarding the use of properties, especially within the logic
of classification systems, it is important to look at some considerations which will demystify the use of
‘properties’ in classifications and how this relates to the ongoing standardization work discussed above in order
to align both approaches.

Firstly, we shall look at why people need classification systems. The very basic purpose of a classification system
is to enable anyone to put a label on something in order to know what it is and how to store it. Then to be able
to find this same thing by using the label and give it to someone else who would also understand what it is and
what to do with it.

ISO 22274 defines a classification system as ‘a systematic collection of classes organized according to a known
set of rules, and into which objects may be grouped’. Simply put, a classification system is the means of grouping
objects based on common characteristics.

Historically, construction classification systems were developed mainly to serve the needs of data ‘requesters’
such as wholesalers, specifiers, cost estimators etc. who need to make informed decisions by distinguishing
between the objects provided by data ‘providers’. As there are many types of data ‘requesters’, in order to
classify an object, it is first necessary to define the purpose of the classification system and then to define the set
of characteristic which will be used to define classes and subclasses, i.e. ‘type-of’ relation. For example,
OmniClass has defined a generic level ‘23-17 13 00 Windows’ and based on the property ‘material’, they have
further specified subclasses using the combination between the property and possible values, i.e. ‘23-17 13 13
Metal Windows’, ‘23-17 13 15 Wood Windows’. Another essential consideration, which has to be handled by
classification systems, is systems and components or ‘part-of’ relations.

Recently, classification systems are becoming a part of ‘identification approaches’. As an addition to the
grouping of similar objects, a.k.a. classification of objects, the combination between a classification system, a
numerical system, and/or reference designation system allows users to group objects based on similar
characteristics and at the same time identify objects’ occurrences.

The result of the combination of a classification code and a numerical or other notation is a TAG for an object.
The TAG is identified based on a specific characteristic(s) and purpose the product needs to fulfil. For example,
an electrical engineer might want to know which exact type of sensor has been installed in the building
management system and/or where physically it has been installed, i.e. room or space number in a specific
project.

By joining classification and identification, users are able to handle complexity in project data and
documentation, regardless of the view or purpose for an object.

Construction object characteristics or ‘properties’ within

classification systems
Because of the emerging need of structuring information not only regarding subjects with ‘type-of’ and ‘part-of’
relations but also object characteristics or ‘properties’, the industry has started the development of a ‘new age’
classification systems. Those classification systems tend to add a ‘property’ level of information within their
classification logic. As this approach is quite new, there are many variations between different classification
systems.

There are some classification systems which associate properties with some or all classes, i.e., generic and more
detailed classes. Sometimes classification properties exist on their own, i.e., they are an independent table

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 structured hierarchically and properties do not point into a specific class but can be assigned to any class. (e.g.,
OmniClass). There are also classification systems which have defined property groups at the lowest level class
which aim to allow further specification of objects by using their properties. Examples are eCl@ss, ETIM, coClass,
CCS and others.

The newer classification systems in the construction industry, which are more in line with digitalisation needs,
are following ‘a framework for the development of built environment classification systems, which identifies a
set of recommended classification table titles for a range of information object classes according to particular
views’, i.e. ISO 12006-2. It is part of a series of standards, together with EN ISO 12006-3, which is ‘proposed as a
bridge between classification systems described in ISO 12006-2, and product modelling’.

It is important to note that this standard does not provide a complete operational classification system, nor does
it provide the content of the tables, though it does give examples and recommendations. ISO 12006-2 sets a
general framework for the structure of classification systems in order to make them comparable to each other,
which is required for their digital use. The standard also suggests the use of properties without actually giving a
clear idea and reference on how to define a single property and how to relate it to an object class. Examples of
classifications systems which follow the framework are Uniclass, Omniclass, coClass, Cuneco Classification
System (CCS) etc. (more information regarding the different classification systems would be given in Annex A).

As stated above, ISO 12006-2 suggests the use of properties in classification systems. As an example, coClass is
one of the ‘new age’ classification systems which tends to have properties defined for each class level. The aim is
to further describe objects no matter if they are systems or products.

CoClass has defined appropriate properties and has organised them into categories depending on their intended
use, i.e. geometrical properties, acoustical properties etc. Some of the properties defined by coClass are referred
to European or International standards, but some are not referred at all or are referred to a specific national
standard. Even when properties are referred to European standards, they do not take into consideration any test
methods which can result in complications and confusion. This creates an alternative process to the one
described above as part of the ongoing standardisation work and might create inefficiencies for the market.

Let us look at an example case scenario which will illustrate the benefits of structuring and defining construction
object data in accordance with the ongoing standardisation work:

A Procurement specialist has a requirement to comply with a specific value for the property ‘luminance’
regarding a ‘fixed vertical road traffic sign’ which is specified. He/she sends this requirement to two
manufacturers and expects a price offer from both of them based on the requirements set by him/her. The first
manufacturer sends back an offer which states that the value for the property ‘luminance’ is ‘pass’. The second
manufacturer also sends back an offer which states that the value for the property ‘luminance’ is ‘L1’. Are the
values wrong? Why are they different for the same property?

Both of the provided offers state a correct value. They both comply with the same harmonised standard for the
relevant product, but they are tested against two different test methods which are described in the harmonised
standard. This is why there is need for the common technical language set by standards to be stored within a
data dictionary and accessed through a data template. Knowing the exact definition of the two different test
method would provide the possibility of actually comparing products and their performances, and will allow for
better-informed choices.

Another example of a classification system with properties is Cuneco Classification System (CCS). CCS has also
defined appropriate properties to classes and has organised them into categories as suggested in ISO 12006-2,
e.g. geometry, performance etc. Additionally, they have looked at test methods. This is another step towards
alignment between classification systems and the ongoing standardisation work in CEN/TC 442. The work done
in this classification system is a good starting point and an example of how properties in classification systems

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 can be mapped to properties in Data Templates, relying on credible sources, i.e. European and International
standards.

Figure 3 Illustrates categorisation of properties from different sources as part of the Data Template
categorisation process and a possible mapping to CCS, or any classification system with properties

How classification systems relate to CEN/TC 442 and Data

Templates (DTs)?
Many classification systems include properties following the framework described in ISO 12006-2. However, they
also combine this framework with national frameworks based on cultural, technological, legal and other
specificities ss the standardised framework does not include a specific guidance for the use of properties and it
allows for different interpretations in classification systems. As classification systems are very useful and
purpose-driven they are widely used and required by actors. However, because of the specifics discussed above
the data held within classification systems might be hard to use in a future driven by interoperability.

There are also difficulties regarding the mapping of data between classifications. There is a variety of
classification systems on the market today. They are all structured in different ways depending on the specific
domain of knowledge they cover, national legal frameworks, cultural and technological requirements, and many
others. This is why mapping two and more classification systems might be a very difficult task. Some mappings
will be one to many, many to one, many to none etc.

This is why there is a need of a common understanding of what is what, i.e. what is a ‘door’, what properties
belong to this ‘door’, and where are they sourced from in order to support the use of classifications in the digital
age. Here is where the abovementioned standardisation work comes in handy.

Regardless whether classification systems have properties or not, no matter what their purpose is, they need a
stable source of truth that will allow the mapping between all of them. Such a stable ‘core’ is one well defined

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 ‘concept system’. A concept system is not an arbitrary collection of terms but a coherent collection of concepts
based on the relations established between them and credible sources providing traceable knowledge within a
specific domain (ISO 704).

To provide such a ‘concept system’ is the main aim of CEN/TC 442 and the newly proposed standards for Data
Templates, following strict processes of property definition and approval by domain experts. Data Templates are
well-defined concept systems, free from limitations in terms of area of applicability, providing expert
information that already exists in standards. BIM is a collaborative process and without having a proper and
robust concept system, based on credible sources and processes, which the classification system can be derived
from or mapped to, the communication and data usage will be a mess.

Figure 3 Illustrates two alternatives. On the left classifications are connected via complicated mapping
mechanisms. On the right classifications are mapped to a single concept system allowing for interoperability.

In order to overcome such issues there is a need for a firm dialog between standardisation experts involved with
CEN TC/442 and organisations creating classification systems. On the one hand, the classifications community
can really help the industry by striking a continuing dialogue with high-level standards policy makers to highlight
the impacts, benefits and, really, the implications of standardization for their work. On the other hand,
standardisation experts can take advantage of taking the specifics of classification work within their scope.
Uniting classifications and a standards-based framework could provide a common and scalable approach that
could be used by industry and government in a manner that is consistent with their existing business processes
and approaches.

Conclusion

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 International, European and industry standards play a key role in digitalisation strategies in the construction
industry that aim to foster technologies such as BIM, digital twins, smart cities, cloud computing, cyber security
etc. Getting a firm grip of the ongoing standardisation work regarding digitisation is essential for every
construction industry actor.

Even though digitisation is an evolutionary process, it creates great turbulences within the construction sector.
This opens opportunities for different actors to capitalise on different guidance that is in many cases related to
their own business growth strategies. This is why, in order to avoid confusion such document summarising the
current standardisation work on relevant topics should be produced regularly.

This paper has looked at the current state of standardisation of construction object digitalisation processes
within the known scope of CEN/TC 442 and the Smart CE marking initiative. It has looked at the application of
‘properties’ within classification systems as a practical case of misalignment between practice and
standardisation in order to suggest a firm dialog is needed to allow for the efficient use of interoperable
construction object data.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Resources:

EN ISO 29481-2:2016, Building information models - Information delivery manual - Part 2: Interaction
framework (ISO 29481-2:2012)

EN ISO 16739:2016, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the construction and
facility management industries (ISO 16739:2013)

EN ISO 12006-3:2016, Building construction - Organization of information about construction works -

Part 3: Framework for object-oriented information (ISO 12006-3:2007)

ISO 12006-2:2015 Building construction -- Organization of information about construction works -- Part
2: Framework for classification

ISO 704:2009 - Terminology work - Principles and methods

ISO 22274:2013 Systems to manage terminology, knowledge and content -- Concept-related aspects
for developing and internationalizing classification systems

The Smart CE marking initiative: https://www.construction-products.eu/our-topics/smart-ce-

marking.aspx

CEN/TC 442 Business Plan, Date: 2017-11-22 available online at:

https://standards.cen.eu/BP/1991542.pdf

EN ISO 23386 : Building information modelling and other digital processes used in Construction –
Methodology to describe, author and maintain properties in interconnected dictionaries

EN ISO 23387: Data templates for construction objects used in the life cycle of any built asset —
Concepts and principles

CEN/TC 442/WG 4 (WI=00442035): Data templates for construction objects used in the life cycle of
built assets - Data templates based on European standards and technical specifications

Kereshmeh Afsari, Charles M. Eastman (2016): A comparison of construction classification systems

used for classifying building product models:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303484920_A_Comparison_of_Construction_Classification_
Systems_Used_for_Classifying_Building_Product_Models

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Annex:

There is a variety of ways to group different classification systems in the construction industry at present. The
grouping could be done based on different criteria in the same way classification systems can define their classes
based on different properties. We have chosen to stress on the most essential criteria which classification
systems used the most in the market can be compared against:

• Country of use
• Area of applicability, e.g., specifications, cost estimates, electronic product catalogues etc.
• Structural organization of classification systems, i.e. enumerative, faceted or mixed classification
systems
• Frameworks used to define the structure of the classification system and its compatibility with data
dictionaries
• Use of properties in classification systems
• Framework/sources on which properties are based on

Uniclass 2015
Uniclass 2015 is a voluntary classification system for the construction industry that can be used to organise
information throughout all aspects of the design and construction process. Adopting a standard classification
facilitates interoperability between different systems.
(https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Uniclass_2015)

Country of use

Uniclass first published in 1997 in the UK is supported by Construction Project Information (CPI). In 2011, the CPI
Committee (CPIc) endorsed NBS (National Building Specification) proposal to unify Uniclass (Gelder, 2011b).

The classification system is widely used across Europe, at most in the UK, and in countries which have not
adapted their own national classification systems, like Italy, France etc. Uniclass 2015 is also a requirement for
the BIM Level 2 mandate in UK.

Area of applicability

Uniclass 2015 is meant to be used for object libraries, specifications, cost estimates, maintenance schedules, and
many others besides these.

Structural organization

Uniclass 2015 is a faceted classification system. It includes facets covering architectural works, infrastructure
works, quantity surveying, and others. The facets/tables in Uniclass 2015 are compatible, i.e. they have similar
terminology, logic of grouping and sequencing, in order to provide a smooth transition between different project
stages and information maturity.

Framework

Uniclass 2015 is published in compliance of ISO 12006-2 and it integrates classification table and codes from
other existing domain specific classification systems, such as CAWS, EPIC, CESMM. It combines the framework
defined in ISO 12006-2 with other frameworks.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Properties

No facet/table with properties.

OmniClass
The OmniClass Construction Classification System (known as OmniClass or OCCS) is a means of organizing and
retrieving information specifically designed for the construction industry. (www.omniclass.org/about/)

Country of use

OmniClass is designed to provide a standardized basis for classifying information created and used by the North
American architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. (www.omniclass.org/about/) The
classification system is also used in countries which have not adapted their own national classification systems,
like Italy, France etc.

Area of applicability

OmniClass is developed to assist the organization, sorting and retrieving information for the use of cost
estimates, specifications, and other information gathered through the life cycle of a built asset.

Structural organization

Omniclass is faceted classification system. It consists of 15 tables which represent different facets of information.

Framework

OmniClass is published in compliance of ISO 12006-2 and it integrates classification tables and codes from other
existing domain specific classification systems, such as UniFormat, MasterFormat, and EPIC. It combines the
framework defined in ISO 12006-2 with other frameworks.

Properties

Properties in Table 49 of OmniClass serve as modifiers of the objects represented by the contents of other
tables. As the total number of properties is almost beyond calculation, the table is focused primarily on providing
a hierarchical context for organizing and presenting properties. Properties included have been intentionally
limited in number to properties that are common to, or shared by, multiple construction entities. The names of
very specific or finely tailored properties that may be unique or specific to individual construction objects do to
not currently appear in this table.

Property sources

Some of the sources used to define the properties in Table 49 are buildingSMART Data Dictionary, Green
Building XML Schema (GBXML), Autodesk Revit MEP, BS 6100, ISO 12006-2, and many others.

UNSPSC
The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code® (UNSPSC®), managed by GS1 US™ for the UN
Development Programme (UNDP), is an open, global, multi-sector standard for efficient, accurate classification
of products and services. (http://www.unspsc.org/)

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Country of use

UNSPSC content has been translated in several languages and thus, it allows for the use of it worldwide.

Area of applicability

By embedding UNSPSC classification standards into your management systems - purchase orders, invoices,
electronic documents, product catalogues, websites - all parties throughout the extended supply chain benefit.

Structural organization

UNSPSC is a hierarchical convention which is multidisciplinary, i.e. it covers different industries such as
construction, food, clothes etc. UNSPSC is an enumerative classification system.

Framework

The UNSPSC was jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Dun &
Bradstreet Corporation (D & B) in 1998. It has been managed by GS1 US since 2003, but it is not aligned with ISO
12006-2 framework.

Properties

Properties are not included.

eCl@ss
eCl@ss is the worldwide ISO/IEC compliance data standard for the classification and unambiguous description of
products and services using standardized ISO compliant features. The eCl@ss standard enables limitless, digital
sharing of product master data across industries, countries, languages or organizations. Particularly in EPR
systems, the use of eCl@ss as basis for a department structure or with product describing characteristics of
master data, is widespread. As am ISO compliant standard and globally unique – based classification standard,
eCl@ss also serves as the ‘language’ for industry 4.0 (IoT). eCl@ss is multidisciplinary, i.e. covering different
industries such as construction, automotive, food and beverages, etc. (Wikipedia)

Country of use

eCl@ss was founded in 2000 by 12 major German companies and it is mostly used in Germany.

Area of applicability

Fundamental to electronic procurement of services – as well as physical products – is a standard for information
exchange between suppliers and customers.

Structural organization

eCl@ss is a hierarchical system for grouping materials, products and services according to a logical structure with
a level detail that corresponds to the product-specific properties that can be described using norm-conforming
properties.

Search terms and synonyms permit targeted sourcing of products and services within the classification. Property
bars with standardized properties and value tables enable accurate description and subsequent identification of
products and services. (http://wiki.eclass.eu/wiki/Main_Page)

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Framework

The standard development process, the derivation formats and data modelling fundamentals are based on
international standards. The data model is based on ISO 13584-12/IEC 61360. Each element has a Global Unique
Identifier, this IRDI (International Registration Data Identifier) is based on international standards ISO/IEC 11179-
6, ISO 29002 and ISO 6523. The release process complies with ISO 22274.

Properties

eCl@ss is a system for classification and product description. For eCl@ss as a system to describe products, the
most fundamental structural element is the property. A property describes a characteristic of a product. With
the help of classification classes products are divided into certain categories of similar products, the product
groups. These product groups can be unambiguously described by properties (e.g. material, color, article
number). A property can have relations to values which determine the most useful characteristics of the
property (e.g. property: color, value: red). Every property has a unique identifier (IRDI), a preferred name, a
definition and a datatype.

Property sources

Properties are sourced mainly from the DIN 4000 and DIN 4002 German standard series. Properties can also
refer to European and International standards.

CoClass
CoClass is a Swedish classification system published in late October 2016. It provides a common structure
throughout the life cycle for all built environments.

Country of use

CoClass is used in Sweden.

Area of applicability

CoClass is used for efficient creation, exchange and management of digital information in the planning and
building process.

Structural organization

CoClass is faceted classification system.

Framework

The classification system is based on ISO 12006-2 which describes the principles for classification systems for the
built environment. Some of the tables are based on IEC 81346-2 and ISO 81346-12. CoClass has adapted those
standards to the Swedish needs.

Properties

Properties are used. They are connected to objects and are suggestions on relevant properties. Users are free to
use them, remove the ones irrelevant and add additional ones if needed.

Property sources

Properties are sourced from European, International and National standards. This is an ongoing work.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 ETIM
ETIM offers an open standard for the unambiguous grouping and specification of products in the installation
sector through a uniform product classification model. This classification uses: product classes, features, values
and synonyms that make it easy to find the right product. The product classification itself is no “final product”
but offers a structure for an electronic product database and applications such as an online web shop, search
engine or configuration software. ETIM classification is multilingual, media neutral and supplier neutral. (ETIM
guideline)

Country of use

ETIM International is a non-profit association governed by the provisions of the Belgian law and has its seat in
Brussels. (ETIM guideline) It has been translated into several languages and thus, can be used in different
countries.

Area of applicability

The integration of the ETIM structure in the product information management systems of international
companies gives suppliers and wholesalers a strategic option to standardize the flow of data and exchange the
product information between different countries for all available products.

Structural organization

The ETIM model is a two-level classification model. The two-levels consist of the product group and product
classes. The product group is used to order the product classes. Every product class is assigned to exactly one
product group. Nevertheless, ETIM is organized flat, because the groups are only for the convenient organization
of the management of the product classes. Essential – and that is the real focus of ETIM- is the definition of
product classes and their features. (ETIM guideline)

Framework

The classification system is following the framework of ETIM International standard. ETIM will be aligned with
IFD (ISO 12006-3). This is ongoing work.

Properties

To each product class features are assigned, at least one. The features characterize the most important objective
technical properties. Ideally, all features of an ETIM class fit to all products which can be assigned to that class.

The features should enable the user of product data a useful pre-selection within a large range of products. They
are not intended to describe a product in such detail that it finally enables to select between the last two
remaining products in a selection. (ETIM guideline)

Property sources

Some properties might have a European or International standard as a source.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Cuneco Classification System (CCS)
CCS (Cuneco Classification System) is a structured system that should be able to handle all types of information
regarding the built environment. The idea is to soon replace the other classifications used in Denmark – SfB and
DBK. CCS deals with classification, identification, properties, measurement rules and levels of information.

Country of use

CCS is mainly used in Denmark.

Area of applicability

CCS is purposed for use during all stages of a construction projects and its aim is to structure any information in
regards to a project.

Structural organization

CCS consists of different tables covering construction elements, construction entities, construction spaces and
construction aids as they all have a hierarchal structure. CCS also contains a single-level classification (grouping)
of properties.

Framework

CCS is following the ISO 12006-2 framework, ISO 22274, ISO 704, as it is also mapped with older classification
systems - SfB and DBK. It is also aligned with EN ISO 12006-3 and the standard series IEC /ISO 81346.

Properties

CCS properties are used to handle information about objects. Each property has a class code. Properties have
also definitions, reference to European and International standards, reference to IFC property (if applicable) and
values. They are also structured into ‘categories’, e.g. performance, form, location, economy etc. and can be
structured into other sets, i.e. purposes, in order to allow different actors to communicate with the right set of
properties in a specific context.

Property sources

Properties are referenced to sources such as IFC, DGNB, European standards etc., as the properties definitions
are referenced to these sources.

ISO 81346-1, -2 and -12

Together these three parts of the ISO/IEC 81346 standard series establish rules for structuring of systems and
the formulation of reference designations, and provides classes for systems in the field of construction works
and building services. This standard series also specifies a classification of objects and corresponding letter codes
for use in reference designations of object occurrences.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Country of use

This standard series is intended for an international use and form the basis for standardising the use of
classification systems and reference designations in Lithuania, Sweden, and Denmark.

Area of applicability

It supports planning, erection, utilization, and operation of construction works.

Structural organization

The classification system consists of classification tables for spaces and construction elements as functional,
systems, technical systems and components all structured hierarchically.

Framework

The classification part of the ISO/IEC standard series is aligned with ISO 12006-2, ISO/IEC 11179-1 and ISO 1087-
1.

Properties

The standard suggests on the use of properties and how to display them together with the reference
designations, but it does not propose the content of such a table with properties.

Property sources

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the end, all examples of classification systems currently used, show that the responsible organizations for
these classification systems are doing a great job. Even though, a common framework set by ISO 12006-2 exists,
there are different interpretations of it and this results in a variety of differences between the classification
systems’ content and structure. Without having a common understanding and ‘language’ for things, everything
would be just the same, or moving backwards and not towards interoperability.

The following table aims at summarizing the facts about current classification systems described above as it
draws a clear idea of the differences between all of them.

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX
 Annex Table
Uniclass 2015 OmniClass 2015 UNSPSC eCl@ss CoClass ETIM CCS IEC/ISO
81346-1,2
and 12
Country of use UK, and other EU Mainly US, but Worldwide Mainly Germany Mainly Sweden Across Denmark Denmark,
countries also EU countries European Lithuania,
countries Sweden
Area of Whole Whole A variety of A variety of Whole Mostly electrical Whole Whole
applicability construction construction industries – industries – construction domain, but construction construction
process process construction, construction, process also sanitary, process process
food, clothes food, clothes HVAC, and small
etc. etc. part of
construction
Structural Faceted Faceted Enumerative Enumerative Faceted Enumerative Faceted Faceted
organization
Frameworks ISO 12006 – 2, ISO 12006-2, United Nations ISO 13584-12, ISO 12006-2, ETIM ISO 12006-2, EN ISO 12006-
CAWS, EPIC, MasterFormat, Development IEC 61360, IEC/ISO 81346-2, International ISO 12006-3, 2, ISO/IEC
CESMM, CI/SfB UniFormat, EPIC Programme ISO/IEC 11179- ISO 81346-12 standard IEC/ISO 81346, 11179-1,
(UNDP), GS1 US 6, ISO 29002, ISO 22274, ISO ISO 1087-1
ISO 6523, ISO 704
22274
Properties No Yes, independent No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Property sources - buildingSMART - Mainly DIN European, Rarely a IFC, DGNB, -
Data Dictionary, 4000 and DIN International and reference to European or
Green Building 4002 German National European or International
XML Schema standard series standards International standards
(GBXML), standard
Autodesk Revit
MEP, BS 6100, ISO
12006-2, and
many others

Cobuilder AS
Vollsveien 9-11, Postboks 426, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
[email protected] T: +47 (0) 67 51 61 00

Org.nr. NO 979 198 175 MVA

Bank: 1644 33 04057 | IBAN: NO91 1644 3304 057 | BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX