Public sector organisations using the direct award frameworks will benefit from a simplified and consistent approach to BIM, so the latest digital standards in construction can be easily embedded during and after the delivery of their projects.

SCAPE’s new approach to BIM has been the result of a 12-month collaboration between its in-house digital specialists and sector leaders across its construction partners including Morgan Sindall Construction, Willmott Dixon, Kier, Mace, Sisk, McLaughlin & Harvey and Graham. This post-procurement collaboration is a hallmark of SCAPE’s approach, which goes beyond two-stage framework procurement, to bring industry best practice identified in the Construction Playbook to all public sector clients in an accessible way.

As well as reducing project risks and improving programme and cost predictability, this simpler approach can unlock unrealised benefits for clients and will support compliance with the Building Safety Act. It will also provide the regulatory data required for planning the safe use of a building over its lifetime, whilst enabling effective early contractor involvement, supporting lifecycle carbon reduction and delivering future operational efficiencies.

The new BIM approach also makes it straightforward for clients to comply with the ISO 19650 BIM standard. SCAPE has created a ‘Method of Specifying’ document which will guide clients and project delivery teams through the process of accessing BIM. The SCAPE frameworks support several project delivery strategies, including both contractor and consultant-led design and the Method of Specifying document allows for different BIM pathways, whether it be architecture-led or construction, to be accessed via the SCAPE framework.

SCAPE’s new BIM offering is the latest in a number of initiatives that further increase the quality and value provided across its suite of direct-award frameworks.

Chris Clarke, director of performance and improvement at SCAPE, said: “Digitisation and the adoption of BIM is already creating efficiencies through information-sharing and offering the ability to systematically work through common problems at the design and construction stages of projects.

“This offer aims to make it easier for clients to realise the benefits of BIM during and after their projects are completed on site; through improved building safety, carbon reduction during and after project delivery and improved whole life cost effectiveness of buildings. Social value and net zero delivery are key drivers for us at SCAPE, and through digital innovation, we can ensure more effective use of public funds and an enhanced legacy from every project we deliver.”