NFRC Welcomes New ‘National Existing Buildings Database’ Report
NFRC is pleased to support the newly published National Existing Buildings Database report, produced by the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), and Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
The central aim of the database is to pull together information from multiple sources, like local authorities, social landlords, and private owners, into a single, secure, and automated platform. Having reliable, up-to-date, and easily accessible data will help decision-makers allocate investment effectively and prioritise the measures needed to optimise building performance.
For roofing, the report’s emphasis on ensuring that all buildings are wind and weathertight underlines our industry’s pivotal role in the journey to net zero. By systematically identifying where roofs need maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, the database will help stimulate the market for roofing services across all building types, while laying the groundwork for future solar installations and advanced retrofit measures.
John McKinney, NFRC Scotland Regional Manager and co-chair of the CLF Data Working Group, highlights the database’s potential impact: “To meet Scotland’s net zero targets, we must understand what is going on with our buildings so that we can take the right retrofit measures and cut emissions. The National Existing Buildings Database will give key stakeholders the information they need to plan and optimise this work, while its collaborative approach will create a clear pipeline, allowing local contractors to upskill, manufacturers to supply the right systems, and the Scottish economy to benefit through job creation and long-term opportunities.”
Looking ahead, the report outlines a series of research packages designed to further develop the database, integrating tools such as digital twins and archetypal pattern books. These resources will give property owners and local authorities the confidence to model, test, and implement retrofit strategies at scale. For the roofing sector in particular, ongoing enhancements to the database promise new opportunities in both the domestic and commercial markets, as well as a stable demand for materials and skilled labour.
For NFRC Scotland, this collaborative venture is crucial for accelerating the decarbonisation of Scotland’s buildings. By consolidating and refining data into a user-friendly, central resource, the National Existing Buildings Database will enable evidence-based policy and planning decisions, ensuring that every building, starting at the roof, is fit for purpose in a net zero future.