BSI: First BIM Kitemark indicates qualified use of digital technology in construction

by Brianna Crandall — December 19, 2016 — BSI, the U.K.-based business standards company, recently launched a new Kitemark (product and service quality certification mark) for BIM (Building Information Modeling), helping construction businesses around the world prove their capabilities in delivering projects at the design and construction phase. The first organizations worldwide to achieve the BIM Kitemark for PAS 1192-2 are Balfour Beatty Plc, BAM Ireland, BAM Construct UK Ltd, Gammon Construction Ltd, Skanska UK Plc, and voestapline Metsec Plc.

BIM is an increasingly important part of the global construction market place, with governments around the world starting to make it a condition of contact, points out BSI. Seen as a game-changer for the construction industry, BIM is a collaborative way of working that uses digital technologies to enable more efficient methods of design and construction, ultimately driving out waste and inefficiency.

BIM Kitemark

BSI’s new BIM Kitemark will help construction businesses around the world prove their capabilities in delivering more efficient projects at the design and construction phase.

The Kitemark was developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that it adds value and addresses the key issues that will help the construction industry with BIM implementation.

Andy Butterfield, product certification director of Built Environment at BSI, noted:

In a competitive marketplace, companies delivering BIM projects need to find a way to differentiate themselves, regardless of whether they are tendering for public- or private-sector projects. The BSI Kitemark does just that, helping companies to demonstrate their commitment to best practice. BIM helps companies drive out waste and inefficiencies in their projects, reducing costs and environmental impact. Having the Kitemark for BIM will mean that companies are able to build their business in the new era of digital technology and access global markets, giving clients reassurance that they are working with partners at the highest possible standard.

The BSI Kitemark for PAS 1192-2 Information Management for the Capital/Delivery Phase of Construction Projects is available to all companies that have already achieved verification stage and are certified to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. It is aimed at both Tier 1 and non-Tier 1 organizations and will provide the most robust measurement of a company’s delivery of BIM projects, certifying businesses for their diligence in design and construction, supply chain management, and delivery of customer service excellence.  As with other Kitemarks, organizations holding the Kitemark will be routinely assessed, providing clients with complete confidence in their delivery to industry standards.

The BIM Kitemark builds on the verification program (PAS 1192-2) and will involve sampling of completed projects and assessment of customer satisfaction through ISO 10004 Customer Satisfaction Guidelines for monitoring and measuring, and will use additional assessment parameters through BS 11000 Collaborative Business Relationships. Like the verification program, the BSI Kitemark for PAS 1192-2 is an important component of BIM Level 2 and sets out the requirements for the design and construction phase.

PAS 1192-2:2013 Specification for Information Management for the Capital/Delivery Phase of Construction Projects Using Building Information Modeling is an existing code of practice for the collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information. PAS 1192-2 builds upon BS 1192:2007, which established the foundations for how to share information collaboratively within a common data environment (CDE).  The purpose of the PAS is to define the procedures required for BIM Level 2, including mandating the use of the CDE.

The BSI Kitemark is a recognizable trust mark around the world, demonstrating that each Kitemark-approved product or service has gone above and beyond the normal requirements to achieve the highest standards. For over a century, it has safeguarded consumers and helped businesses demonstrate clear commitment to excellence across everyday goods such as locks and windows, gas appliances, motorcycle helmets and smoke detectors.