ETL users to benefit from new additional content on listed products
Technical Specifications and Building Information Modelling (BIM) Objects to be added to listed products
As we begin the new year, we are pleased to announce there’s a brand-new feature being added to the ETL soon. Users, including purchasers, manufacturers, designers and architects, will be able to benefit from downloading Technical Specifications and BIM Object files, on newly listed products.
Technical Specification files will help users work out which energy efficient products to purchase, providing detailed information including dimensions, features and other performance variables.
The upcoming addition of BIM Object files will be an exciting move that will help construction professionals to design and build energy efficient buildings, as the UK moves towards Net Zero.
In this article we’ll explore the benefits of Technical Specifications and BIM Object files on the ETL and how you’ll be able to download them.
What are the advantages of using Technical Specifications?
There are benefits for both purchasers and manufacturers when it comes to Technical Specifications.
Purchasers will be most interested in the Technical Specification files. Alongside the energy efficiency of a product, as listed on the ETL, Technical Specification files include information and data such as product name/model number, size/dimensions, performance, electrical data, components, drawings, features, compliance certifications, installation information, and other technical data and specifications.
Tom Lock, Project Director at the ETL, says:
Purchasers will have more information when buying a product, with all the information in one place on the ETL, including energy efficiency. This information will help them make an informed choice, without having to visit multiple websites.
Manufacturers will benefit by including Technical Specifications for their products on the ETL as purchasers will have more information when deciding which products to purchase, which can encourage sales.
What are the advantages of using BIM Object files?
BIM Object files will be of most use to designers and architects, helping them to include independently verified top performing energy efficient products within their digital designs for buildings and spaces.
It will be free to upload and download BIM files from the ETL, whilst other websites may charge for this service.
Kristine Smukste is the Experience Designer from the ETL Scheme Delivery Team at ICF Consulting. She says:
We are constantly looking at ways to improve user experience and will soon be offering the ability to add and download BIM Objects. BIM Objects enable users to immediately try on products in the design specifications where measurements and dimensions are critical, therefore aiding efficient decision-making.
What BIM is - and why it’s being added to the ETL soon
BIM is a process that allows stakeholders on a building, such as architects, engineers, contractors and building owners, to work in unison when planning, designing, constructing and maintaining buildings.
BIM consists of intelligent objects that store data and allow dynamic updates. This means that software will update any changes to a BIM Object, which are then shared, allowing for consistency in designs going forward. This process makes collaboration easier and more efficient.
As BIM is integrated into construction works, it’s a good thing in terms of increasing energy efficiency, which is why it’s being added to the ETL. To learn more about BIM Objects and how they can be used, you can read our article here.
You can also learn more about the synergies between BIM and the ETL here.
How to access and upload Technical Specifications and BIM Object files on the ETL
Technical Specifications and BIM Objects will be added to the ETL soon, with the functionality going live first for new product applications.
Manufacturers will be able to add Technical Specifications and BIM Object files via the ETL’s manufacturer portal. When submitting an application, there will be the option to upload the accompanying Technical Specification and BIM Object file, although this won’t be compulsory. When submitting an application, there is the option to upload the accompanying Technical Specification and BIM Object file, although this isn’t compulsory.
Users will be able to download Technical Specifications and BIM Object files from product detail pages. They will also be available for users via our API. It’s important to note that with around 8,000 products already listed, this is just the start for Technical Specifications and BIM Object files on the ETL, and many will be added retrospectively.
We will be working directly with manufacturers of already listed products to work out how we can upload Technical Specifications and BIM Object files for their products.
We want to hear your thoughts
The future addition of Technical Specifications and BIM Object files is just the start of offering additional information on energy efficient products. At the ETL, we’re keen to hear from you on what other kinds of information that purchasers, manufacturers, designers and architects might find useful. Please email us on info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk if you have any feedback - we welcome your ideas.
More info on the ETL
For more information on the ETL scheme, check out our website. Purchasers can find out more about energy efficient technology on the ETL.
Manufacturers looking to register their energy efficient products can find out more about how to do this here.