The Open Data Institute (ODI) and global engineering company Arup have renewed their partnership to work on data sharing, saying it will now focus more on issues connected to net zero.
They are adding three years to an arrangement that has been in place for 11 years and said it will begin with initiatives across the net zero ecosystem in the built environment.
In recent months they have been shaping a programme that builds on the ODI’s work on the issue, with key elements including: the mapping of data sharing initiatives, especially on value flows and identifying key use cases for investment in a net zero data sharing infrastructure; and convening a community of interested organisations and individual to help build an ecosystem.
Last year a roundtable discussion, hosted by ODI executive chair and co-founder Sir Nigel Shadbolt, focused on the relevant issues.
Speaking at the time, Arup director Jim Johnson remarked: “This is the most complex, biggest ecosystem problem that we could possibly be tackling when it comes to open data. The message that really came out loud and clear (at the event) was that we have to focus.
“So my call to action is to commit - to engage with a process that sees us providing education for the wider built environment, identifying the problem that we want to solve quickly to get the momentum going and to commit resources, money - whatever it takes - to make that happen.”
Opportunity for impact
Josh D’Addario, project lead and principal consultant at the ODI, commented: “Working in trusted partnerships over many years allows the ODI the opportunity to create real impact in priority sectors.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with our colleagues at Arup and to embark on the next phase of exciting - and important - work with them. We have seen how committed coalitions can achieve real change.
“We look forward to seeing how our work with Arup will help to facilitate greater sharing of net zero data in the built environment sector and lead to innovation, collaboration and ultimately, climate change solutions.”
The long-standing relationship between the ODI and Arup began in 2013, when - along with the BBC and Deloitte - the firm became a strategic partner for the newly established ODI.
At the time, the aim was to collaborate on the role of open data in the built environment. Over the years, the focus of the two companies’ work together has evolved to include data across the spectrum.
The ODI has invited organisations - and individuals - involved in net zero data sharing in the built environment sector to get involved in the work.
