A new paradigm in construction has been emerging in recent years. Reaching a methodology of circular economy is now our goal and our duty, for this there are different initiatives that promote this movement, as is the case of the Sustainable Development Objectives or the European framework that we will talk about today, Level(s).

Level(s) helps to design and build sustainable buildings taking into account the whole life cycle. In Europe, the building sector is one of the most resource-consuming sectors, therefore, the purpose of Level(s) is to implement a regenerative economic system that minimizes resources and energy consumption. Level(s) helps the user to identify critical points and shows how to reduce the environmental impact through level indicators.

The project is divided into 6 macro objectives and 16 indicators distributed in 3 thematic areas according to their behavior:

• Level 1: Simple level of conceptual design of the construction project. Qualitative evaluation for design and reporting.
• Level 2: Intermediate level of detailed design and construction performance of the building. Quantitative evaluation of designed performance and construction monitoring according to standardized units and methods.
• Level 3: Advanced level of performance type as built and use of how the building performs after completion and delivery to the client. Quantitative assessment of design performance and construction tracking according to standardized units and methods.

ITeC has participated in order to know the different levels of application in the level(s) framework as well as to respond to its indicators. With our software TCQi GMA we have been able to calculate some of these. Among others, we highlight its application for the determination of 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 or 2.3 through the reports issued by the software.

ITeC, as a reference institution in training, innovation and sustainability, has participated in the Level(s) project for several years. Together with the Level(s) team and the Joint Research Centre of the European Union, we have developed an evaluation framework that provides a common language in the performance of sustainable buildings.

This is the information you need to get started with the framework and indicators.

Today we continue working on the incorporation of new functionalities and indicators in TCQi GMA that facilitate the work of professionals.

The cooperation with Level(s) and ITeC has been very useful, as it has helped us to set new goals for our programs and advance in what we predict will be a circular future.