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Building Transparency Unveils EC3 2.0 at Greenbuild 2026

Building Transparency, a nonprofit entity dedicated to facilitating the decarbonization of the construction sector, is gearing up for an important event at the upcoming Greenbuild International Conference + Expo, scheduled for October 20-23, 2026, in New York City. This event marks a pivotal moment as the organization will showcase the highly anticipated EC3 2.0, an upgraded version of its Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator.

A First Look at EC3 2.0

Attendees at Greenbuild will have the unique opportunity to preview the EC3 2.0 Beta and learn about a new membership program aimed at enhancing the accessibility of trustworthy data across the construction industry. EC3 serves as the largest open-access platform geared towards providing essential life cycle assessment data for construction materials. The incoming version is expected to significantly elevate user experience by integrating enhanced data quality and additional functionalities.

Alison Kinn Bennett, the organization's Executive Director, expressed excitement over the potential of EC3 2.0, stating, "Greenbuild marks an important milestone for Building Transparency as we advance EC3 and the open data infrastructure needed to drive meaningful embodied carbon action. EC3 2.0 builds on years of progress while expanding access to trusted data, strengthening our global reach and engaging the community that relies on these tools every day.”

Evolution of EC3

The EC3 platform currently houses over 250,000 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) covering more than 200 material categories and serves a diverse user base of over 70,000 individuals, including 2,000 manufacturers and 19,000 projects in over 80 countries. The imminent upgrade to EC3 2.0, supported by significant funding from prominent organizations such as the ClimateWorks Foundation, Amazon, and Google, paves the way for more reliable data critical in the realms of design, carbon accounting, and building standards.

Noteworthy advancements include a broader array of data types, enhanced AI-driven data quality controls, improved clarity in data visualization, and a complete overhaul of features designed for streamlined user interactions. Mark Chen, National Carbon Manager at Skanska, remarked, "The experience is streamlined and more intuitive, with new functionality that makes it even easier to use."

Emphasis on Open Infrastructure

In tandem with the EC3 Beta launch, the organization is also introducing a membership program that permits practitioners and organizations relying on EC3 to contribute directly toward its foundational infrastructure at this crucial juncture. Attaining membership will ensure ongoing access to vital tools while upholding the platform's commitment to neutrality. Notably, core functionalities will remain free, but membership will introduce elements such as premium features, insights into data developments, and opportunities to influence the platform's future direction.

Shane Mulligan from Heidelberg Materials noted the necessity for reliable EPD data, stating that it forms the bedrock of low-carbon decision-making processes.

Addressing the Global Carbon Data Gap

An additional focus during Greenbuild will be the Open Data for Climate Initiative (ODCi), an effort aimed at bridging the gap in environmental data related to construction across various regions. This initiative strives to deliver methodologically consistent life cycle assessment datasets where product-specific data may be lacking, thereby supporting international climate commitments and policy development.

The ODCi is currently piloting datasets across 58 material categories, funded by the Autodesk Foundation, which will eventually be shared through platforms like EC3 and provide critical baseline data moving forward.

Join the Movement

Building Transparency invites industry professionals and curious minds alike to engage with the EC3 2.0 at the Autodesk booth (#1137) during the Greenbuild event. Additionally, Executive Director Alison Kinn Bennett will lead a session titled “In a New York Minute: Innovators Bridging the Digital Materials Divide,” which will delve into digital trends and innovations transforming material selection and reporting processes in a sustainable context.

To discover more about Building Transparency and participate in the EC3 2.0 Beta program, interested parties can visit the organization's website for more details.

In summary, as Building Transparency showcases EC3 2.0 at Greenbuild, it represents more than just an upgrade; it signifies a strategic move toward a more sustainable and transparent future within the construction industry, with a dedicated focus on data accessibility and community engagement.