The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has welcomed a new report on the 'National Existing Buildings (NEB) Database', highlighting its potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across Scotland's existing building stock.

The report, produced by the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), and Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, marks a significant step towards understanding the quality and scope of data held by building owners in Scotland. This improved understanding is seen as crucial for developing effective strategies to enhance energy efficiency.

The central goal of the database is to consolidate information from various sources, including local authorities, social landlords, and private owners, into a single, secure, and automated platform. NFRC believes that having reliable, up-to-date, and easily accessible data will empower decision-makers to allocate investments effectively and prioritise necessary measures to optimise building performance.

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For the roofing industry, the report's emphasis on ensuring all buildings are wind and weathertight underscores the sector's vital role in achieving net-zero targets. NFRC anticipates that by systematically identifying roofs requiring maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, the database will stimulate demand for roofing services across all building types. Additionally, it is expected to lay the groundwork for future solar installations and advanced retrofit measures.

John McKinney, NFRC Scotland Regional Manager and co-chair of the CLF Data Working Group, emphasised the database's potential impact: "To meet Scotland's net zero targets, we must understand what is going on with our buildings so that we can take the right retrofit measures and cut emissions. The National Existing Buildings Database will give key stakeholders the information they need to plan and optimise this work, while its collaborative approach will create a clear pipeline, allowing local contractors to upskill, manufacturers to supply the right systems, and the Scottish economy to benefit through job creation and long-term opportunities."

Looking ahead, the report outlines research packages aimed at further developing the database, including the integration of tools like digital twins and archetypal pattern books. NFRC believes these resources will provide property owners and local authorities with the confidence to model, test, and implement retrofit strategies on a large scale. For the roofing sector, ongoing enhancements to the database are expected to generate new opportunities in both the domestic and commercial markets, as well as ensure stable demand for materials and skilled labour.

NFRC Scotland views this collaborative venture as crucial for accelerating the decarbonisation of Scotland's buildings. By consolidating and refining data into a user-friendly, central resource, the National Existing Buildings Database is expected to enable evidence-based policy and planning decisions, ensuring that every building, starting at the roof, is fit for purpose in a net-zero future.