Specifying Change: Empowering a Generation of Sustainable Designers

It's B Corp Month, a time to reflect on and emphasise our collective responsibility to build a better future. This year's theme, Gen B, resonates deeply with the transformative shift we're witnessing in architecture and specification. A new wave of designers has emerged, a generation here to stay, driven by a profound commitment to environmental sustainability and armed with a keen understanding of data.

Generation B isn't just concerned with aesthetics; they're deeply invested in the environmental impact of their projects. They understand that the built environment plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change, and they're determined to be part of the solution. These architects and specifiers are not satisfied with surface-level "green" claims. They require transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, data. 

Their focus extends beyond operational carbon, encompassing the often-overlooked topic of embodied carbon. They scrutinise material choices, seeking products that minimise their carbon footprint across the entire lifecycle. They understand that a product's lifespan is just as vital as its initial carbon output, recognising that durability and longevity contribute significantly to sustainability. 

This generation is digitally native, comfortable navigating complex datasets and leveraging technology to make informed decisions. They seek readily available, reliable environmental and sustainability data, empowering them to compare products and make choices that align with their values. They want to know the true impact of the materials they specify, from sourcing and manufacturing to installation, reuse potential and end-of-life.

At Bimstore, we recognise the urgency of this shift and are committed to supporting "Gen B" in its quest. We understand that transparency and accountability are paramount, and we're dedicated to providing the tools and information that empower designers to make informed decisions. 

Our recent rebrand, the introduction of new dial features, and our added exposure of products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are testaments to this commitment. Our new dial features, specifically those focusing on carbon output and product lifespan, are designed to address the core concerns of today's and tomorrow's Bimstore users. By providing clear, concise, and comparable data, we're enabling architects and specifiers to assess the environmental impact of products at a glance. These dials act as powerful tools for visualising and comparing the sustainability credentials of different materials and products. 

As a reflection of our evolving role as a platform determined to help decarbonise the industry, we're moving beyond our previous product information offering to become a hub that empowers our community with environmental data. 

"The next generation of architects and specifiers are not just inheriting the future; they are shaping it. Their demand for data-driven decisions, particularly concerning embodied carbon and product lifecycles, is a powerful catalyst for change. With initiatives like Bimstore's recent advancements, we're committed to facilitating these design activists with the tools and transparency they require."

- Rob Charlton, Bimstore Co-Founder and CEO. 

Bimstore is committed to being a partner in this journey, providing the tools and information needed to help make a real difference. By empowering designers with data, we can collectively build a more sustainable and resilient built environment. As we welcome this new age of design, by celebrating and supporting this generation, we pave the way for a future where design and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, ultimately ensuring a healthier, more sustainable world for years to come.