Can the IFC open data standard streamline Golden Thread submissions? A new pilot programme launched in late 2026 is testing the use of IFC to automate data transfer from BIM models to the BSR's safety case portal.. Introduction: The Golden Thread and Digital Interoperability The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) introduces the concept of the 'Golden Thread' of information, a digital record of a building’s design, construction, and ongoing management, essential for ensuring safety. This critical information, mandated for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) and extending to others, aims to provide clear accountability and facilitate effective hazard management. However, the practicalities of exchanging and managing this data across various digital platforms present formidable challenges, particularly concerning interoperability. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a key technology for generating and storing much of this information, yet the seamless transfer of data from BIM models to the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) systems has not been straightforward. This article delves into a novel pilot programme focused on leveraging Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as a standardised open data model to streamline these vital 'data drops' for the BSR. The Challenge of Data Drops for the BSR Under the BSA 2022, Accountable Persons (AP) and Responsible Persons (RP), as defined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005), have significant duties to maintain and provide safety information. For HRBs, this includes regular submissions of safety case reports and other critical data to the BSR. The current landscape often involves proprietary software formats and varying data structures, leading to manual data extraction, re entry, and potential for errors. This process is not only time consuming and resource intensive but also introduces risks to data integrity. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (FS(E)R 2022) further underscore the need for accurate and accessible fire safety information. The BSR requires this data to effectively scrutinise safety cases and ensure compliance, making efficient and reliable data exchange a paramount concern for the industry. IFC: A Solution for Interoperability? Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) are an open, vendor neutral data format for describing building and construction industry data. Developed by buildingSMART International, IFC provides a standardised way to represent building information across different software applications and disciplines. Its hierarchical structure and ability to capture detailed object oriented data make it well suited for the complex information requirements of the Golden Thread. By adopting IFC, the aim is to create a common language for building data, reducing the need for costly and imperfect conversions between software systems. This pilot study, launched in late 2026, aims to test whether IFC can indeed serve as the conduit for automating the transfer of crucial safety information from BIM models directly to the BSR’s digital portal, thereby addressing the persistent interoperability issues that have plagued digital construction and information management. The Pilot Programme: A Collaborative Effort The pilot programme is a significant collaborative undertaking, involving a consortium of prominent software vendors, major contractors, and industry bodies, working directly with the BSR. This concerted effort reflects a shared understanding of the critical need for a standardised approach to data exchange. The programme’s objectives include: Developing and testing IFC export schemas specifically tailored to the BSR’s data drop requirements. Evaluating the accuracy and completeness of IFC exported data compared to traditional methods. Assessing the efficiency gains in terms of time and resource allocation for data submissions. Identifying and addressing any technical challenges in integrating IFC into existing BSR systems. This pilot is a direct response to the industry's desire for a more streamlined and reliable process for meeting the stringent data submission requirements of the BSA 2022, especially for compliance with fire safety standards like those outlined in BS 9991 and BS 9999, which rely on robust information management. Implications for Fire Engineers and Accountable Persons For fire engineers, the successful implementation of IFC for BSR data drops could significantly simplify the process of collating and presenting fire safety information. Currently, the onus is on fire engineers to ensure that their designs and specifications are accurately captured and accessible within the Golden Thread. An IFC enabled workflow would mean less manual transformation of data from design software, reducing the risk of human error and improving the consistency of information. For Accountable Persons, who bear ultimate responsibility for the safety of HRBs, this initiative promises greater assurance regarding the integrity and