The fragmented data paradox

Buildings are some of the most valuable and impactful assets in human society. They shape every aspect of our lives. Yet, despite their significance, there’s a surprising lack of continuity in how buildings are documented throughout their life cycle. A disconnect we call The Building Data Paradox. Information generated during planning, construction, and operation phases is rarely carried forward, leaving building owners, tenants, investors, and operators with outdated, fragmented, or entirely missing data.

A true digital building passport

To manage our buildings effectively and efficiently, we need to bring together and align existing data and fill data gaps. In order to enable scaling this needs to be done digitally. The vehicle to do this are digital builing passports. Data repositories linked to buildings that hold all relevant data on that building in digital and processable form. While this sounds self-explanatory, not all digital data is processable. It requires the data points being clearly and transparently defined – not an easy task in a sector in which different countries cannot even agree on a definition for net floor areas...

CAPSA solves this by flanking each and every data point with information on how and under what jurisdiction it was generated.

Data quality is the elephant in the room

A persisting challenge is data quality. Existing data is often outdated and analogue data is challenging to quality check. Data imported in CAPSA is checked on feasibility. Spatial data is turned into a 3D model, making missing elements immediately obvious. Other data is benchmarked against similar building typologies so that outliers can be identified and checked in detail.

New data in CAPSA is typically flanked with photos so checking can also be done remotely. Data sets in which all data points passed the quality check get the CAPSA data certifcate. The result is a gold standard data set that only gets better the more you work with it.

All data belongs to the building owner, is stored securely, and is never commercialized or shared with third parties. With an open interface, export options, and full control over access, CAPSA gives you complete transparency and flexibility.

A true digital building passport

The most fundamental sector

Humans have been building since the start of civilization. You could even argue that the first buildings are what started civilization. Buildings provide shelter but also are important factors in our health, comfort and wellbeing. There is strong evidence that greener buildings make their inhabitants not only feel better but also be healther and more productive – there is a reason that office buildings with sustainability certifcations are desired as workplaces. Better data lowers your costs to inform sustainability certification schemes and enable you to set up your own benchmarks.

From fragmented data to trusted insights

Step 1 – set up your account

You set up your domain via an administrator account that you receive. You can tailor settings, frame conditions, access rights and assign regular accounts to people working in your domain. You decide who can see and overwrite what.

Step 2 – import data

We are sure that you already have some data on your buildings. In this step we help you evaluate what data is worth importing and what is actually more cost-efficient to generate from scratch. We offer a wide array of import options.

Step 3 – fill data gaps

However good your existing data is, there will be gaps. The CAPSA process of data collection has been extensively refined, ensuring minimal personal bias, focussing on clearly identifiable data points and complementing data entries with photos for context and later checks.

Step 4 – data quality checks

While building your data set, CAPSA allows you to closely monitor the incoming data and give it a through check. CAPSA will automatically flag data outliers against what is likely the largest data set of building typologies globally. It will also check against frameconditions such as present and past legislation and construction habits. Once a data point passes all checks it is marked as CAPSA certifed. You will always be able to track how a data point was generated and see its history.

Step 5 – your data works

Once you have established your data set, CAPSA gives you access to a wide range of tools and functionalities. You can visualize and export your data in various forms, from tables to graphs or maps. Use report templates or have CAPSA inform your existing reporting structures. The increased efficiency will save you money from day one. You can make your data accessible to third party service providers, reducing for example the cost for energy performance or sustainability certificates, extreme weather risk assessments or brokerage for a green loan.

Step 6 – run scenarios

CAPSA also allows your to run analytics on your building and test modifications. Test what an energy efficiency upgrade will costs and what its effect will be across scope one, two and three. Benchmark against other buildings, national or international benchmarks. Best of all – CAPSA allows you to all the above on a portfolio level, identifiying the low hanging fruits in your buildings and assign limited resources optimally. Create your roadmap for your portfolio at any granularity that you like – from one ruleset for all to individual solutions for each building.

Step 7 – monitor and update

Keep your data up to date by linking external data sources such as infrastructure data and connecting check lists to components in your buildings. Digitize your surveys and your maintenance documentation. Link your smart meter data to compare your assets real consumption against its theoretical demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the data?

The data on your buildings is exclusively owned by you. We do not use it for third party servcies in any form without your consent. You can flexibly give third parties access to your data or withdraw that access at any time.

Does it pay off?

It does. Typically, you save three to five times what you pay through increased efficicency in your day-to-day work. This does not yet include benefits such as access to green finance or preferred interest rates by banks and insurances.

I already have a lot of data. Can I import it?

Of course you can. CAPSA can read Excel files as well as a number of established data formats. And, yes, you will later be able to export it as well.

How can I partner with you?

Please send an email to our contact person responsible for your regions and we will get in touch.

How does CAPSA calculate?

CAPSA uses EnergyPlus, a globally recognized open source dynamic energy model. It is widely used by leading universities world-wide and commonly held to be the gold standard in terms of felxibility and transparence. You can literally look into every line of code – and could even program your own modules.

Does CAPSA work everywhere?

Yes, you can use CAPSA globally. Its unique way of registering buildings makes it applicable across different regions. While some countries have better default data or life cycle inventories for materials, you can still register a building wherever you are and get solid results.

Why do you cooperate with national partners?

CAPSA benefits from as regional and granular data as possible. We have to admit – while we do have a lot of data from our works with UNEP, a local partner often knows better. That is why we have national partners in many countries. These partners curate each country’s datasets, from the language to the material lists to age categories and construction solutions.

Still have questions?

Reach out and let's talk through it.