Ahead of the launch, we asked our colleagues Nick Dodd, Mauro Cordella, and Shane Donatello from the EU’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) for a preview of the improved framework features.

The first point they  emphasised was that Level(s) will have a more user-friendly and straightforward approach to assessing building sustainability. “The new Level(s) guidance document will be more accessible, with less technical language, and divided into separate parts for each indicator. It will include step-by-step instructions on how to report a given indicator at different levels of a building project.”, said Nick.

And there is some very good news for architects: “The starting level of the framework will now help architects to 'apply design principles to building concepts, designs and construction activities for each indicator'.”, added Mauro. “This will allow Level(s) to be used qualitatively on early planning stages of a building – which was one of the big requests for improvement received from architects and designers”.

Finally, Shane made the point that “through its new “principle of equivalence” for each indicator, Level(s) will be easier to adopt at national and regional level”. This means Level(s) users will now have more flexibility in adapting default assumptions or calculations to their national context.

Level(s) will be officially launched in early autumn (including a revamped webpage on the DG ENV website) – so please keep reading the Level(s) newsletter for further insights!