BRE launches new business assessment and certification scheme for BIM

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has developed a new scheme for assessing and certifying businesses as providers of the Government’s BIM Level 2 services.  Delivered on site, it is designed to help companies provide evidence that they have the policies and procedures required to deliver level 2 BIM in line with the Government’s strategy, as well as acting as a strong marketing tool. The scheme is available for businesses and comprises evidence-based assessment of BIM business and management systems in line with Level 2’s process requirements. Those that successfully meet the criteria are awarded Certificated BIM Capability Assessment status by BRE Global, the BRE Group’s independent certification body. The process includes providing businesses with a full post-assessment report that details areas of compliance and, if applicable, non-compliance. A yearly site audit and review is performed to verify that standards and criteria continue to be met, with a full reassessment carried out every three years.

Paul Oakley, associate director of BIM at BRE said: “As well as speeding up the tendering process, certification offers significant benefits all round. It saves businesses the time and costs involved in responding to ever-varying tender questions, and for those issuing tenders, having a BRE BIM-certified business in the running removes the need to check replies or employ someone to do it for them.”

Ahead of the launch, BRE has been trialling the scheme with three companies – BDP, David Miller Architects and Heatherwick Studio. “We’re thrilled to be part of the pilot scheme”, said practice director David Miller. “In a climate where accurate, fast and reliable information is required as a bare minimum, it makes sense to us to put measurement procedures in place that will help us to maintain and progress these workflows within our practice.”

The scheme is launching alongside BIM Level 2 training and certification for professionals. Delivered by BRE Academy, training and an examination are available for three competency areas, task information manager, project information manager and project delivery manager, with independent certification similarly issued by BRE Global. Both schemes get underway on the first of July 2014.