Building Transparency

Building Transparency, based in Seattle, Washington, provides innovative tools aimed at reducing embodied carbon in the construction industry, focusing on sustainability through its proprietary software. Founded in 2020, Building Transparency specializes in providing solutions that help stakeholders in the construction sector assess and minimize carbon emissions. The firm operates from Seattle, Washington, and has not undergone significant changes in its business strategy since its inception. The company's tools serve a diverse clientele including architects, engineers, and contractors across North America and Europe.

The co-founders have experience in environmental sustainability, although specific details about them are not available. Building Transparency has raised funding through several rounds, with the latest round contributing to its total funds raised. Building Transparency specializes in providing tools and resources aimed at reducing embodied carbon in the construction industry, specifically through its core offerings: the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) and tallyLCA. EC3 is a free, open-access tool that facilitates low-carbon design, specification, and procurement by allowing users to assess the embodied carbon emissions of building materials throughout their lifecycle.

TallyLCA is a whole-building life cycle assessment tool that empowers architects and engineers to evaluate the real-time impact of design decisions on a project's carbon footprint. Since its establishment in 2020, Building Transparency has sought to serve a wide range of stakeholders within the construction sector, including architects, engineers, contractors, and policy-makers, in markets across North America, Europe, and beyond. By providing a robust database of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the organization enables users to identify, compare, and select materials that align with sustainability goals, thereby promoting informed decision-making and supporting the industry in its transition to low-carbon practices. Revenue generation for Building Transparency primarily stems from partnerships and collaborations with industry stakeholders, including corporate and enterprise partners that support the organization’s mission.

The firm engages in transactional relationships with clients through subscription-based access to its tools and services, providing a platform for continuous use and updates. Clients, including construction firms and governmental organizations, utilize the EC3 and tallyLCA tools to assess and reduce their carbon emissions in building projects. These transactions are structured to encourage long-term partnerships that facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices in construction. Specific pricing plans for these services are structured to accommodate varying levels of access and support, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its client base.

Building Transparency is developing new products aimed at enhancing the functionality of its existing tools, with potential releases planned for the coming year. The company is also focusing on expanding its presence in international markets, particularly targeting growth in Asia and Latin America by mid-2024. Recent funding will be utilized to support these initiatives, enhancing product offerings and facilitating market entry strategies.