TM65: Embodied Carbon in Building Services — CPD Recap with a Digital Twin Lens

TM65: Embodied Carbon in Building Services — CPD Recap with a Digital Twin Lens

Event: TM65 – Embodied Carbon Calculation in Building Services & Student Prize Giving
Date & Time: Tuesday, 25 February 2025 · 17:30–20:00 GMT
Venue: Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED
Context: CIBSE-aligned CPD delivered with Dextra Group PLC, focused on lighting, pragmatic calculations, and what this means for real projects in NI, UK, Ireland and EU.

1) Setting the scene

A full room, plenty of questions, and a topic that finally has teeth. TM65 is about estimating embodied carbon when full EPDs aren’t on the table—and then using that estimate responsibly. For us, it’s the kind of data you want sitting beside assets in a 3D Digital Twin, so decisions aren’t made from gut feel but from something concrete.

2) TM65 in plain English

TM65 focuses mostly on A1–A3 (materials + manufacturing). It’s not a full LCA, and it’s not an EPD—but it standardises how we estimate carbon so we can compare products earlier and push manufacturers toward better disclosure.

3) Route #1 — TM65 Basic

Basic uses total weight and broad material splits with standard factors plus a couple of multipliers. It’s quick and good for early design. The trade-off: uncertainty—especially around electronics.

4) Route #2 — TM65 Medium

Medium swaps the “complexity” multiplier for simple, specific entries: transport to factory, manufacturing energy, transport to site, waste processing/disposal. It’s the sweet spot for tenders when you can get a short BOM from suppliers.

5) Route #3 — EPDs

EPDs (EN 15804) are independent, cover more impacts, and spell out exactly which modules are in scope. When you have an EPD, use it. When you don’t, TM65 is your lifeline—just keep the boundaries straight.

6) Why operational often dwarfs embodied (and when it doesn’t)

TM65 excludes operational electricity. That’s not a flaw; it’s a boundary. But you need to keep it in mind:

  • Example A (operational dominates): a 1500 mm batten at ~52.9 W, running 24/7 for 10 years on a typical UK grid ends up around 960 kgCO₂e in use vs ~55 kgCO₂e embodied—roughly 19× higher.
  • Example B (embodied can dominate): a 600×600 modular panel with integral emergency gear, 21.6 W, used ~2,080 h/yr for 10 years can show embodied (~118 kg) overtaking operational (~93 kg).

7) How to compare manufacturers fairly

To avoid apples-to-oranges:

  • Match function: lumen output, CCT/CRI, optics, lifetime.
  • Match boundaries: TM65 Basic/Medium vs EPD; list the modules.
  • Ask for electronics mass (drivers/boards) and materials (alloys, polymers, finishes).
  • Check serviceability: replaceable drivers/boards beat sealed units for life extension.
  • Expect an uncertainty band on TM65 estimates.

8) What to expect from manufacturers

As TM65 adoption grows, brands will publish Medium-level certificates per SKU and be challenged to improve them over time. That’s the direction of travel.

9) How product design will change

Expect more design-for-disassembly, higher recycled aluminium, simpler polymers, and a push to right-size luminaires so you need fewer of them. Also: be thoughtful with integral emergency—it adds mass, so use where it truly helps.

10) The honest limits

TM65 is a helpful estimate, not a whole-life answer. Electronics can be under-represented in Basic; comparisons go sideways if scopes don’t match; and, unless verified (like an EPD), data is self-declared. Note it, use it, and keep the context visible.

11) Five simple moves to cut whole-life carbon

  1. Meet the standard, don’t overshoot illuminance.
  2. Cut hours with daylight and presence controls, plus practical schedules.
  3. Choose serviceable luminaires with replaceable drivers/boards and a spares plan.
  4. Prefer recycled/mono-materials, minimal coatings.
  5. Ask early for data: EPDs where possible; otherwise TM65 Medium with assumptions noted.

12) Student Prize Giving

The best part of the evening? Seeing students celebrated for exactly the kind of thinking the industry needs—repairability, sensible materials, clear reporting. The future looks capable.

13) Where this meets Digital Strada’s 3D Digital Twins & Facility Management Assets

Capture once, trust always. We use LiDAR scanning to capture buildings accurately and build clear 3D Digital Twins. From that, we deliver the essential CAD/BIM drawings and a clean asset register—so every luminaire, driver and emergency pack is recorded in the right room with the right notes. TM65/EPD details (where available) sit beside each asset in plain language, making choices faster and easier during design reviews and refurb cycles.

Make day-to-day FM simpler. Facilities teams don’t need to hunt through PDFs and emails. In the twin, you can pull up a space, see what’s installed, check service notes/warranty, and view simple carbon info when planning replacements. It’s a straightforward way to balance reliability, cost and carbon without getting tangled in spreadsheets.

Handovers that actually help. Each project handover includes the twin, the drawings, and tidy asset schedules—ready for operations. That consistency makes audits painless and lets you line up like-for-like upgrades across the portfolio when standards or hours change. It’s a practical, low-friction path to smarter maintenance and lower whole-life impact.

14) Ready to make this real? (CTA)

See what we already do

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Digital Strada Founder Joins Software NI Working Group: Sector Futures – Shaping the Future of Northern Ireland’s Tech Sector

Digital Strada Founder Joins Software NI Working Group: Sector Futures – Shaping the Future of Northern Ireland’s Tech Sector

Digital Strada Joins Software NI: Advancing 3D Digital Twin Innovation in Northern Ireland

Digital Strada Joins Software NI: Advancing 3D Digital Twin Innovation in Northern Ireland

We are thrilled to announce that Digital Strada has officially become a member of Software NI, the leading trade body representing the software industry in Northern Ireland with the Founder of Digital Strada becoming an individual member of Software NI 🎉. 

This strategic move aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver cutting-edge 3D Digital Twin solutions and immersive experiences for businesses across various sectors. 💼

 

You can Connect with us with us on Software NI Directory: https://softwareni.glueup.com/my/memberships/1978998/

digital strada joins software ni

Embracing Northern Ireland’s Tech Vision 🌟

As a Belfast-based company specializing in 3D Digital Twins, we are excited to be part of Software NI’s ambitious ‘50 and Five by 35‘ strategy. 📈

This initiative aims to grow the local software sector to 50,000 jobs and £5 billion in gross value added (GVA) by 2035. By joining Software NI, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s burgeoning tech landscape. 🌱

 

Leveraging Opportunities for Growth 🚀

Our membership in Software NI opens up new avenues for collaboration and growth. We look forward to:

  • Participating in industry-focused forums and events 🗣️
  • Accessing valuable resources and support for scaling our business 📚
  • Contributing to the development of software workforce programmes 👥
  • Exploring potential partnerships with other innovative companies in the region 🤝

Advancing Digital Twin Technology 🔮

Digital Strada’s expertise in creating immersive, 4K-resolution, photo-realistic 3D digital twins for hotels, restaurants, venues, and various other building types aligns perfectly with the region’s focus on digital innovation. 🏨

Our technology has the potential to contribute significantly to the UK Digital Twin Centre recently announced for Belfast, which aims to revolutionize how industries develop products, services, and systems across the UK.

Commitment to Northern Ireland’s Tech Ecosystem 🌿

As a member of Software NI, we are committed to playing our part in establishing Northern Ireland as a global centre of software excellence. 🌍

We believe our specialized focus on 3D Digital Twins, virtual tours, and immersive experiences will contribute to the diverse and innovative software landscape that Software NI is fostering. 🕶️ 

 About Software NI 🔭

Software NI was established in 2022 by a group of independent companies as the representative body for software engineering companies in Northern Ireland. 

Founding member companies have underwritten the organisation for its first three years of operation as it works towards an independent, fully sustainable industry funded model. The founding member companies are:

As a not-for-profit organisation, we exist to champion the NI software sector which contributes £1.7 billion annually and employs 23,000 people across approximately 2,200 businesses. We work with key decision makers to create the best conditions for people and companies in the sector. This includes the areas of Education, Skills, Sales and the future of the sector itself.

Vision  

Our 50 and 5 by 35 vision is to double the Software job footprint in NI to 50,000 jobs by 2035, at which point we estimate the software industry will contribute around £5 billion in Gross Value Added to our local economy.

Mission Statement:

“We are the voice of the software industry in Northern Ireland. We exist to lobby and support strategy and policy development to ensure that Northern Ireland becomes the world leading region for innovative software businesses leading to a sustainable and prosperous economic future.”

Looking Ahead 🔭

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we integrate into the Software NI community. 🌠

Our team is eager to collaborate with fellow members, share our expertise, and contribute to the growth of Northern Ireland’s software sector. 🤓

By joining forces with Software NI, Digital Strada is not just expanding its network; we are actively participating in shaping the future of technology in Northern Ireland. 🔮

We look forward to this new chapter and the innovative solutions we will create together. 💡

 

🚀 See our Digital Twins portfolio and Contact us for a new project.

🎉 Help your customers to Experience Immersive Communication with a Digital Twin for your hotelresortrestaurantmuseumfactory, real estate project or space.

☎️ Leave a comment with your business and let’s connect to deliver a 3D Digital Twin Solution for your Facility Managemnt Team.

Revolutionizing Industrial Ecosystems with 3D Digital Twins: A Visual Communication Asset for Manufacturing

Revolutionizing Industrial Ecosystems with 3D Digital Twins: A Visual Communication Asset for Manufacturing

👨‍💼 As the Founder and Solutions Architect of Digital Strada, a UK-based 3D digital twins and 3D laser scanning company, I’m excited to share how our services can transform visual communication within industrial ecosystems.

🚀 Recent insights from the World Economic Forum have highlighted the potential of digital technologies in reshaping manufacturing landscapes, and I’d like to explore how 3D digital twins can specifically benefit factory owners and managers in enhancing communication and decision-making processes across their industrial ecosystems.

The Power of 3D Digital Twins in Industrial Ecosystems 💡

🌐 3D digital twins are visually rich, interactive virtual replicas of physical assets, such as factories, buildings, and equipment.

🏗️ Detailed 3D models offer an invaluable comprehensive view of a facility’s layout, infrastructure, and assets at an Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) level of detail. This enables manufacturers to visualize their industrial ecosystems more effectively, communicate ideas clearly, and make informed decisions about facility management and modifications within their broader industrial network.

🔄 Here are the top 10 reasons why leaders in industrial ecosystems should consider implementing 3D digital twins as visual communication assets:

  1. Enhanced Stakeholder Communication in Industrial Ecosystems 🗣️
    Digital Strada’s 3D digital twins provide an intuitive, visual platform for communicating complex facility information to stakeholders at all levels of the industrial ecosystem. From supply chain partners to regulatory bodies, everyone can easily understand and interact with the facility’s layout and features.
  2. Improved Project Planning and Visualization Across the Industrial Network 📊
    When planning facility upgrades or renovations that may impact the broader industrial ecosystem, our 3D digital twins allow you to visualize proposed changes in context. This helps in making more informed decisions and reduces misunderstandings between different teams and partners involved in the project.
  3. Effective Training and Onboarding for Industrial Ecosystem Participants 🎓
    New employees and partners within the industrial ecosystem can familiarize themselves with the facility layout and equipment locations through interactive 3D models, even before stepping onto the factory floor. This visual approach enhances learning and reduces the time needed for physical orientation.
  4. Enhanced Safety Briefings for the Industrial Ecosystem ⚠️
    Use the 3D digital twin to conduct virtual safety walkthroughs, highlighting potential hazards and emergency routes that may affect various participants in the industrial ecosystem. This visual approach makes safety information more engaging and memorable for all stakeholders.
  5. Streamlined Contractor Briefings within the Industrial Network 👷
    External contractors and service providers within the industrial ecosystem can be given virtual tours of relevant areas before arriving on-site. This helps them prepare more effectively, reducing time spent on physical orientations and minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations.
  6. Improved Cross-Departmental and Inter-Company Collaboration 🤝
    The 3D digital twin serves as a common visual reference point for different departments and companies within the industrial ecosystem. Whether discussing production flow changes, maintenance schedules, or safety protocols, all teams can refer to the same visual model, enhancing understanding and cooperation.
  7. Enhanced Presentation of Facility Capabilities to Industrial Ecosystem Partners 🎥
    When showcasing your facility to potential clients, investors, or partners within the industrial ecosystem, a 3D digital twin provides an impressive and comprehensive view of your capabilities. It allows you to conduct virtual tours and highlight key features without the need for physical visits.
  8. Simplified Regulatory Compliance Demonstrations for Industrial Ecosystem Oversight 📋
    While not at a millimeter-level accuracy, our AEC-level 3D models can still be used to visually demonstrate compliance with various regulations that govern the industrial ecosystem. This can be particularly useful when communicating with inspectors or auditors.
  9. Efficient Space Utilization Planning within the Industrial Network 🏢
    The visual nature of 3D digital twins makes it easier to identify underutilized spaces and plan for better usage, considering the needs and interactions within the broader industrial ecosystem. Teams can collaboratively explore different layout options and visualize their impact before making physical changes.
  10. Enhanced Historical Documentation of Industrial Ecosystem Evolution 📚
    As your facility and its role in the industrial ecosystem evolves over time, the 3D digital twin serves as a visual record of changes. This can be invaluable for understanding the facility’s development, planning future changes, and maintaining institutional knowledge within the industrial network.

The Digital Strada Advantage for Industrial Ecosystems 🌟

At Digital Strada, we specialize in creating visually rich and interactive 3D digital twins using advanced scanning and modeling techniques. Our services go beyond simple 3D rendering – we provide a comprehensive visual communication tool that can be easily understood and utilized by various stakeholders across the industrial ecosystem. 🔧Our approach involves:

  1. Comprehensive 3D Scanning of Industrial Facilities 📸
    We use advanced equipment to capture the overall layout and key features of your facility, focusing on creating a visually accurate representation at an AEC level of detail that highlights its role in the industrial ecosystem.
  2. Interactive 3D Modeling for Industrial Communication 💻
    Our team of experts processes the scan data to create an engaging, navigable 3D model of your facility, optimized for visual communication within the industrial network.
  3. User-Friendly Interface for All Industrial Ecosystem Participants 👥
    We ensure that the 3D digital twin is accessible through an intuitive interface, allowing easy navigation and interaction for users with varying levels of technical expertise across the industrial ecosystem.
  4. Customization for Industrial Ecosystem Communication Needs 🎨
    We work with you to highlight key areas or features in the model that are most relevant to your communication objectives within the industrial network.

Conclusion 🏁

In today’s complex industrial ecosystems, clear and effective communication is crucial. 3D digital twins offer a powerful solution, providing a visually rich, interactive representation of your physical assets that can be used for a wide range of communication and decision-making processes across the industrial network.

🌐 3D models AEC-level detail is more than sufficient for most communication needs in industrial settings. They serve as an invaluable tool for enhancing understanding, facilitating collaboration, and improving decision-making across all levels of your organization and its place in the broader industrial ecosystem.

🤝At Digital Strada, we’re committed to helping UK, Ireland and European  manufacturers harness this technology to drive innovation in visual communication within industrial ecosystems. By partnering with us, you’re not just investing in a 3D model – you’re investing in a transformative tool that will enhance how you communicate about your facility, both internally and externally, strengthening your position in the industrial network.

💪 Don’t let your competitors gain the edge in effective communication within the industrial ecosystem. Contact Digital Strada today at digitalstrada.com to learn how we can help you create a 3D digital twin of your manufacturing facility and unlock its full potential as a visual communication asset for your entire industrial network. 

 

🚀 See our Digital Twins portfolio and Contact us for a new project.

🎉 Help your customers to Experience Immersive Communication with a Digital Twin for your hotelresortrestaurantmuseumfactory, real estate project or space.

☎️ Leave a comment with your business and let’s connect to deliver a 3D Digital Twin Solution for your Facility Managemnt Team.

Unlocking Global Growth Potential at Northern Ireland’s In-Person Export Networking Event with the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Belfast

Unlocking Global Growth Potential at Northern Ireland’s In-Person Export Networking Event with the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Belfast

Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking

On November 11, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking event at Erskine House, Belfast. Hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of their International Trade Week, the event brought together a network of driven entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts with a shared vision: to support Northern Ireland businesses in going global. 

🌐 It was a fantastic chance for #DigitalStrada to connect with others who have international ambitions and to gather insights on growing beyond the UK. 

🌟 A Valuable Networking Experience
The event was a true networking hub! Alongside businesses from Northern Ireland, we had the chance to present our own ventures and plans for global expansion, sharing our aspirations with supportive professionals and peers.

💬 It was energizing to meet and exchange ideas with employees from the Federation of Small Businesses in the UK, representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, and fellow attendees from Small, Medium, and even Large Enterprises.

🤝 With such a dynamic mix of participants, the atmosphere was both collaborative and insightful. We gained valuable perspectives from others, learned new approaches to tackling challenges, and had a genuinely great time connecting and learning together.

📈 Highlights from the DBT and the UK Export Academy
One of the event’s highlights was hearing from Richard Elliott, Head of Creative Services at DBT, who provided practical advice and guidance on export growth strategies.

🎤 With years of experience in both public and private sectors, Richard’s insights emphasized the importance of effective strategy and preparation when aiming to enter international markets.

🌎 His presentation was especially relevant for businesses like mine, where the creative industry’s potential to attract global clients can be a game-changer.

✨ The event was also a chance to learn more about the UK Export Academy.

📚 For any business owner considering international expansion, this program is a crucial resource. Here’s what they have to say:

💬 “The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. Over 18,000 businesses across the UK have already joined our free training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started.”

🚀 With a foundation course, market access events, sector-specific webinars, and masterclasses, the UK Export Academy equips businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in international trade. Having access to this type of expertise can be transformational, especially for small businesses venturing into exporting for the first time.

 

🌐 Export Support from the Department for Business and Trade

The Department for Business and Trade is dedicated to helping Northern Ireland businesses grow internationally by offering a range of programs and resources.

💼 With a network of market specialists across over 100 markets worldwide, DBT’s focus on Northern Ireland is helping to drive local businesses towards global success.

📊 Their team includes Sector Leads in key industries such as Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Creative Industries, Agri-Food and Drink, and Health and Life Sciences.

🏆 This expertise makes them a valuable partner for businesses seeking to make informed, strategic moves into new international markets. 🌎

 

🌅 Key Takeaways for #DigitalStrada and Our International Ambitions

For #DigitalStrada, the event was a motivating experience.

💪 Meeting other business owners with similar ambitions was a great reminder of the wealth of support available for those looking to take their services overseas.

🚀 Our vision of providing world-class 3D scanning and virtual tours isn’t limited to the UK; we’re excited about the possibilities of working with clients in various markets who can benefit from immersive 3D experiences.

📸 With the resources from the DBT, the knowledge from the UK Export Academy, and the inspiration from networking with like-minded businesses, we’re energized to pursue our international goals.

🌐 The combination of strategic insights, practical support, and a community of export-minded entrepreneurs has strengthened our resolve to scale globally.

💼 Why Events Like This Matter for Businesses in Northern Ireland

Events like these are essential for Northern Ireland businesses, especially in today’s globalized economy.

🌎 They offer a platform for networking, peer-to-peer learning, and access to valuable information about the export process.

📊 The Department for Business and Trade’s continued support, combined with initiatives like International Trade Week, provides Northern Ireland businesses with the tools needed to thrive beyond borders.

🌐 For any business considering exporting or even expanding into a single international market, I can’t recommend these events enough.

🙌 With practical resources, industry connections, and the invaluable expertise of the DBT team, businesses of all sizes have the chance to take their first (or next) steps towards international growth.

🚀 If you’re thinking about taking your business global, don’t wait. Check out the UK Export Academy and see how its free training program can equip you with the skills and confidence to land your first—or next—overseas deal. 

 

See our Digital Twins portfolio and Contact us for a new project.

🎉 Help your customers to Experience Immersive Communication with a Digital Twin for your hotelresortrestaurantmuseumfactory, real estate project or space.

☎️ Leave a comment with your business name and let’s connect destinations around the world.

Highlights from Ready Steady Grow! Belfast 2024

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📅 Just attended Ready Steady Grow! Belfast

Had an incredible time at Ready Steady Grow! hosted by the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) at Ormeau Labs. It was inspiring to see Belfast’s hashtag#EIS and hashtag#VC ecosystem come together and connect!

🎙️ Highlights from the Event:
Claire Halliday kicked things off with a warm welcome at Ormeau Labs.
Susan McKane from British Business Bank shared insights on support for small businesses.
Bronagh Duggan of Sapphire Capital Partners LLP gave some invaluable “dos and don’ts” for EIS.
• A fantastic investor panel led by Olivia Wing (EISA) and Michael Mcdowell (Raise Ventures) offered deep insights into the investment landscape.
Joanne Cole from BrokerIQ Solutions and Gary Davidson from Ormeau Labs wrapped up with a fireside chat on the startup journey.


Wrapped up the evening with networking over drinks and canapés—great conversations and connections made!

📈Excited to see how these initiatives will continue driving growth in hashtag#Belfast’s investment space.

⭐️I had a good chance to meet with people from Invest Northern Ireland and also the Department for the Economy NI.

It was good to offer feedback about the gap I see in the tech industry from the support perspective.

⚠️ There has to be a place and an environment to help tech entrepreneurs grow their business AFTER they have been through Programmes like Go Succeed NI, but BEFORE they meet the requirements to become an Invest Northern Ireland client.

📧 If interested to get in contact please leave a message on my Digital Strada for 3D Digital Twins

contact webpage: https://digitalstrada.com/contact/

hashtag#northernireland hashtag#technology hashtag#entrepreneurship hashtag#vcfunding hashtag#investment hashtag#preseed hashtag#businessgrowth hashtag#funding hashtag#ormeaulabs hashtag#eisa

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