BCI stands for the Building Circularity Index. Often BCI Building is also used because the calculation is for a building. Learn more about BCI here.

There is also a Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). This is also a sustainability label organised by development organisations , environmental organisations and business, but only for cotton. Learn more about these BCI here.

MCI stands for Material Circularity Index. One of the 2 pillars under BCI along with LI. Learn more about BCI here

LI stands for detachability. One of the 2 pillars under BCI along with MCI. Learn more about Datachability here 

The BCI allows you to compare properties with each other. Each property is given a score from 10% to 100%. As a result, circular properties can finally be compared fairly.

The BCI score is improved when the LI and MCI scores are improved. However, it is important to improve the components with e highest MCI value the loosenability the most to get the best results.

BCI Building is a measuring instrument for circularity. It allows anyone to determine and compare the circularity of their building. The comparison is done through a BCI calculation. Preferably, the calculation is prepared by a BCI Expert. BCI Building is a subsidiary of Alba.

BCI works by analysing a building. The quantities of all materials are entered and for each material, how it is attached is entered. This is followed by a score from 0 (linear building) to 100%

Sustainability is a catch-all term and looks broadly. Circularity only looks at the raw materials and elements and whether they can be reused. BCI tries to achieve the highest possible level of circularity by making elements detachable and thus producing in an environmentally-friendly way. Sustainability also looks at energy, health, people and the planet, which circularity also looks at but does not primarily focus on.

Linear building is traditional building without even considering sustainability and circularity. The building has no bio-based materials and no thought has already been given to how connections are detailed in the building.

The BCI can be applied to existing buildings by evaluating their materials and construction and defining adaptations for reuse and mapping all connections.

From BCI Building, there are recognised experts. When an expert draws up the calculation or checks the calculation of someone who is not an expert, the calculation is validated. A validated calculation is outline checked and offers more certainty. There is no BCI certificate.

A high BCI score indicates sustainability and reusability, which can increase a building’s attractiveness and value in the long term.

The BCI encourages sustainable construction by measuring how materials are used, recycled and released within a structure. By building more sustainably, we put less of a burden on the environment. In fact, construction accounts for 25% of CO-2 emissions in Netherlands.

The BCI inspires architects to create innovative designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound. By also designing other details, new construction is already thinking about dismantling in 50 to 75 years.