Rome Hosts the International InData Meeting

On May 7 and 8, ICMQ organized two intense days of work and networking in Rome dedicated to the international InData group. This European network brings together operators and stakeholders committed to sustainability, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and the interoperable management of environmental data within the construction sector.

The meeting took place between the historic center and the Trastevere district, balancing technical discussions with experiential activities designed to allow participants to enjoy the beauty of Rome and its historical wonders.

The first day opened with the meeting hosted at the Libreria Spazio 7 bookstore, located inside the historic Palazzo Cavallerini Lazzaroni—an elegant 17th-century building just a few steps from Largo Argentina. Spread across multiple levels featuring frescoed rooms and spaces dedicated to cultural events, the bookstore provided a particularly fitting backdrop for the international group’s proceedings.

Discussion Topics

During the technical sessions, participants delved into the main developments of the InData network regarding EPD digitalization and environmental data interoperability among various European databases. Particular attention was dedicated to the evolution of the ILCD+EPD format, recently updated to version 1.3, aiming to improve the quality, readability, and compatibility of environmental data across the entire construction supply chain.

Other addressed topics included the harmonization of compliance rules among different European Program Operators, the strengthening of validation procedures for environmental datasets, the integration of digital EPDs into BIM processes and building sustainability rating systems.

The working group shared updates on ongoing activities across the various national nodes of the InData network and discussed prospects for expanding the shared digital infrastructure, which currently enables the integrated consultation of environmental data from interconnected European databases.

Networking and Exchange

Following a light lunch, participants took part in a guided tour dedicated to Imperial Rome. The itinerary covered some of the capital’s most iconic ancient historical sites: from Largo di Torre Argentina—traditionally associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar—to Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano, crossing the Capitoline Hill and the viewpoint overlooking the Roman Forum. The walk continued along Via dei Fori Imperiali, offering views of Trajan’s Markets, the Imperial Fora, the Colosseum area, and the Arch of Constantine. The day concluded with dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant near the Roman Forum.

On May 8, proceedings resumed at Sala da Feltre in the Trastevere district. The second day focused specifically on discussing the network’s future activities, developments in digital verification procedures, and methods for the dissemination and accessibility of environmental data for designers, manufacturers, and construction sector professionals. Updates were also shared regarding collaborations between InData, ECO Platform, and EPDItaly to foster greater uniformity of application criteria at the European level.

After the meeting session, participants joined a cooking class dedicated to traditional Roman cuisine—an experience that allowed the international group to share an informal moment of collaboration and mutual acquaintance.

In the afternoon, a guided tour of Trastevere took place. As one of the city’s most characteristic neighborhoods, it led participants through historic alleys, squares, and monumental churches. The route included the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza San Cosimato, the Church of Santa Cecilia, Piazza in Piscinula, and the Tiber Island, offering participants an authentic glimpse into Roman history and daily life.

This initiative represented a major opportunity for international exchange, confirming ICMQ’s role in promoting collaborative networks and dialogue on sustainability, environmental data digitalization, and innovation in the construction sector.