Discoverable construction knowledge specification
The Discoverable Construction Knowledge specification was launched by the Construction Knowledge Task Group (CKTG) on 27 August 2020. It is a common standard for the way construction knowledge is described that makes it easier to identify the right knowledge in every situation.
The standard was developed by the CKTG with technical authoring by Barbal Limited. It was funded by the Lloyd's Register Foundation with the support of the Open Data Institute.
The standard can be used to identify construction knowledge resources, to define their type, subject and location, and to describe the circumstances in which they might be useful. Adopting the standard across the industry will allow the creation of tools that can search, filter and manage all construction knowledge, whatever its source, and to integrate it into project environments.
The standard includes 2 mandatory fields, 11 recommended fields, and 16 that are optional. It builds upon well-known and well-used open standards, such as the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) and Friend Of A Friend (FOAF), using the terms most applicable to construction knowledge. Other existing classification systems are also referred to and recommended for use, such as Uniclass 2015, Thema, Media Type and ONIX Product Form. Discoverable Construction Knowledge extends on these standards by including knowledge ‘types’ and a new vocabulary for classifying knowledge.
Anyone can adopt the scheme. It has been designed to be applied across the whole spectrum of knowledge for the construction industry. It can be used by formal and informal knowledge organisations, as well as any company that publishes content that it considers to be knowledge. The specification has been designed for both digital and physical resources.
It is free to access, and is available at: Specification for Discoverable Construction Knowledge
Guidance for applying the standard to a web page is available here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building information modelling.
- Construction information.
- Construction knowledge sources.
- Construction Knowledge Task Group.
- Data.
- Fit for purpose - Big data reveals the construction knowledge gap.
- Is construction knowledge fit for purpose?
- ISO 30401 Knowledge management systems.
- Knowledge management.
- Knowledge pyramid.
- Uniclass.
Featured articles and news
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.