New sustainability search engine for built environment

The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) has launched a free online tool to help organisations find the most relevant sustainability information and guidance, and share best practice

The new pinpoint platform, which is supported by IEMA, holds links to more than 200 useful sustainability resources related to the built environment, from reporting tools and guidance to case studies and training courses.

The tool allows users to search for resources by type, such as measurement tool or software, or sustainability topic, as well as by the type of building they are working on and its life-cycle stage – development, refurbishment or demolition, for example.

Each of the resources has been checked by the UK-GBC and users are able to review each of the items, and add their own.

UK-GBC says the tool is been designed to help practitioners to find the most useful and relevant pieces of information, and avoid greenwash.

“Pinpoint has been created by the industry, for the industry. It is the result of extensive research, development and contributions from many people right across the built environment sector, including many of the major professional institutes and industry bodies,” said Paul King, chief executive of UK-GBC.

“We hope pinpoint will provide the much needed clarity, support and guidance for those who are working to create a sustainable built environment.”

UK-GBC predicts the tool, which is being launched at Ecobuild, will expand to include 500 resources by the end of 2013.

Martin Fahey, sustainable solutions manager at Mitsubishi Electric, which contributed to the creation of the tool, said: “This platform is just what is needed to create the collaborative approach and knowledge sharing needed to deliver more sustainable buildings and is being made available at a vital time.’’

To use pinpoint visit ukgbc.org/pinpoint