The aim of this project is to convert the existing NCOS aligned ICM tool of Precinct Carbon Assessment (PCA) from an engineering software tool (MATLAB) to a more user-friendly and interactive cloud-based tool (the existing platform requires the researchers to program and give access to end-users).
Through the recent user engagement activities (such as discussions with Renewal SA in March, a consultation with GBCA in May and the presentation and panel discussion at the ‘Green Building Day’ Conference in June), it is found that having the installation and operation of the PCA tool constrained to a specialised and localised software platform is a major obstacle for the tool to be trialled and appreciated by end-users toward potential utilisation.
By converting the PCA tool to be cloud-based, it will help to serve the follow three objectives, which otherwise cannot be achieved with its current format:
1) Improve visibility and accessibility, which allows end-users to easily interact with the tool to experience and review its functions;
2) Enable utilisation, which can provide a flexible and effective way for the end-users to conveniently adopt the tool for their project work to the extent and level at their discretion and own pace, without overhead and lock-in commitments; and
3) Enhance capability and usability, which provides opportunities for the tool to capture user inputs and test results to enrich its databases and calibrate its modelling and assessment capability.
At the completion, the output will be cloud-based web interfaces with tailored databases and data capturing mechanism to undertake NCOS precinct assessment.