Building Transparency EC3 API Access & Pricing​
Building Transparency provides access to EC3 data through a standardized API program designed to support open access, technical scalability, and long-term stewardship of EC3 as public infrastructure. The EC3 API enables organizations to integrate trusted embodied-carbon data into research, tools, and production systems, while ensuring consistent governance, attribution, and service reliability across the ecosystem.
What Paid API Access Includes
API access grants permission to:
- Access, store, cache, and reuse EC3 data during the contract term
- Use EC3 data in commercial and production applications
- Increased API rate limits
- Priority technical support
API access is governed by the EC3 API Data Usage Agreement and EC3 API Terms of Service.
API Access Tiers
API pricing is based on organizational scale and intended usage. Tier selection is self-reported using the organization’s most recent 12-month revenue or valuation (whichever is higher).
| Tier | Annual Fee | Organization Type (Self-Reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Research, learning, pilots |
| Paid | $5,000 | Small firms / early startups ($0–$1M) |
| $10,000 | Small established organizations ($1–$2M) | |
| $25,000 | Mid-sized organizations ($2–$10M) | |
| $50,000 | Large-scale organizations ($10M+) |
Payment options
- Two-year prepayment (10% discount)
- Monthly payments (10% premium)
API fees apply solely to data access and usage volume. They do not include customization, consulting, enterprise instances, implementation support, or preferential assistance.
Rate Limiting & Reliability
API usage is subject to rate limits associated with each tier. If usage reaches approved thresholds, requests may be rate-limited (slowed) rather than terminated, helping protect platform reliability and service integrity for all users. Rate limit information is available in BT’s user guide and may be adjusted from time to time.
Data Rights, Attribution & Neutrality
- All intellectual property rights in EC3 data remain with Building Transparency or its licensors
- API users must comply with published attribution guidelines
- API access does not confer:
- Governance or decision-making rights
- Influence over EC3 roadmap, standards, or policies
- Preferential data treatment, visibility, or priority support
Building Transparency operates EC3 as a neutral nonprofit steward and applies API terms consistently across all users.
Term & Termination
API access is granted on a time-limited basis, typically one year, and may be terminated by either party with notice. Building Transparency may suspend or terminate access immediately in cases of misuse, abuse, or security concerns.
Fee Waivers & Discounts
Building Transparency offers discretionary, time-limited API fee waivers to support research, education, and mission-aligned work that advances embodied-carbon reduction and public benefit.
Fee waivers:
- Are granted for a defined duration (up to 12 months)
- May be renewed, subject to review
- Do not modify API governance, attribution, or access terms
- Do not confer preferential access, influence, or control
Eligible organizations may apply for a waiver by describing their project, anticipated API usage, alignment with BT’s mission, and need for support.
Optional Charitable Contributions
API access fees are separate from charitable giving.
Organizations may independently choose to make an unrestricted charitable contribution to support Building Transparency’s mission and the continued operation of EC3 as open, trusted public infrastructure.
- Contributions are voluntary
- Contributions do not affect API pricing, access levels, or rate limits
Contributions are acknowledged in accordance with IRS regulations
Next Steps
- Free access or pilot use: Get started with basic, rate-limited API access
- Production or commercial use: Request paid API access
- Research or public-benefit work: Apply for a fee waiver
Fill out the form to Request API Access or Apply for a Fee Waiver
