There’s a fortnight left for the industry to have its say on the development of PAS 1958, the draft standard that will provide a framework for how existing built environment standards combine.
PAS 1958 (Built environment – Data and information standards landscape – Guide) is out for consultation now. The deadline to respond is 10 October.
PAS 1958 covers:
- key concepts from existing data and information management standards;
- connections between the key concepts; and
- opportunities for further standardisation. It does not cover how to meet the requirements or recommendations of standards referenced within.
It is of use to those who interact with the built environment, including individuals in organisations who are responsible for, or influence, data and/or information management activities across any stage of an asset lifecycle.
The draft standard is the result of research by the government’s BridgeAI programme (delivered by Innovate UK). BridgeAI is focused on accelerating SME activity around AI. Its research suggested that construction professionals want clarity around the relationship between built environment data standards and digital standards.
Working together harmoniously
PAS 1958 co-author and BSI built environment sector lead Dan Rossiter explained: “PAS 1958 looks to sit above [existing] standards to provide guidance about how they fit together. PAS 1958 doesn’t add to the list of provisions, it won’t add to training courses or make certification more difficult, and isn’t a standard an organisation should ‘conform to’ as part of contract obligations. This standard looks to provide a consensus-based interpretation of how these standards can work together harmoniously.
“It does so by establishing the tenets – principles, concepts, domains, etc – that are common between these standards and establishes a framework they can be set against.”
Co-author and RLB Digital head of information management strategy Emma Hooper emphasised: “It acts as a signpost to existing standards, not a replacement for them. It is not intended for direct referencing on projects.
“It is about making sense of the information foundations we currently have so we can create meaningful progress and drive more effective outcomes. By treating information as a valuable asset and simplifying how standards interact, we’re empowering organisations to make smarter decisions.”
Construction professionals can join a webinar about PAS 1958 on 1 October before giving feedback. Both Hooper and Rossiter will be on the webinar, along with Innovate UK innovation lead Emmanuel Ewah. Register for the webinar.
The BSI plans to formally publish PAS 1958 in early 2026.
