BSI verifies Skanska and BAM as Level 2 BIM compliant

BAM Construct and Skanska have become the first companies to be verified as BIM compliant by business standards company BSI.

BSI, which launched its new product earlier this week at the Excellence through Collaboration event, is now the fourth company in the UK to offer a form of BIM certification, following the launch of accreditation products from BRE Global, Lloyd’s Register and Ocean Certification.

However, despite the growing range of certification options available for companies, so far it is understood that only eight companies in total have become accredited. 

The other BIM-accredited companies are contractor Howard Russell Construction, architecture practice Edwards Architecture, which have been certified by Ocean Certification.

Lloyd’s Register has accredited AEC3, a consultancy run by BIM Task Group member Nick Nisbet, as well as M&E designer and project management consultancy EDC. 

Meanwhile, BRE Global has certified the Manchester, Sheffield, Dublin and Glasgow offices of architect BDP, and contractor Interserve. 

Construction Manager’s sister website BIM+ ran a Twitter poll earlier this week asking if BIM certification would “benefit the industry”. Out of 40 votes, a majority of 55% supported the idea. 

A spokesperson for BSI stated that the company is currently working with several other Tier 1 contractors that are looking at becoming verified under its new system. However, she pointed out that the certification is also relevant for Tier 2 and 3 supply chain companies. 

BIM+ understands that Kier has also been involved in the trial stages of the BSI scheme.

The BSI spokeswoman was unable to give an indicative price for corporate verification, although it is understood that any national company would have to pay for each regional office to be assessed.

Called PAS 1192-2 Information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects, the new BIM “verification” measures companies’ compliance with the PAS 1992:2 and will also incorporate BS 1192, which outlines the common data environment and the standard methods and procedures that must be implemented.

An organisation does not have to have completed a BIM-led project to be compliant with the scheme, but must be able to show that it has the capability do so, in accordance with a documented system.

In addition, a BSI Kitemark for BIM Design and Construction will also be developed in 2016, which will incorporate verification to PAS 1192-2.