Building Transparency EC3 API Access & Pricing​
Last modified: May 22, 2026
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.
Free API Access
Individuals affiliated with a verified organization or institution can access the EC3 API at no cost. Complete your profile with your institutional email and employer information — access is activated automatically once your account is verified.
Register with your org email
Sign up using an email address from your institution, employer, or organization (e.g., .edu, company domain). Personal addresses are not eligible.
Register with your org email
Sign up using an email address from your institution, employer, or organization (e.g., .edu, company domain). Personal addresses are not eligible.
Complete your profile
Add your employer name, job title, and profession under account settings. This information is used to verify your organizational affiliation.
Complete your profile
Add your employer name, job title, and profession under account settings. This information is used to verify your organizational affiliation.
API access is activated
Once logged in, find your API keys and documentation under Settings → API & Integrations. Free tier provides rate-limited access suitable for exploration and feasibility testing.in is verified, free API access is granted automatically — no approval process required.
API access is activated
Once logged in, find your API keys and documentation under Settings → API & Integrations. Free tier provides rate-limited access suitable for exploration and feasibility testing.
Notify us before integrating
Our API Terms of Service require that you notify us at support@buildingtransparency.org before integrating EC3 data into any platform, even during development. Attribution to Building Transparency and EC3 is required.
Notify us before integrating
Our API Terms of Service require that you notify us at support@buildingtransparency.org before integrating EC3 data into any platform, even during development. Attribution to Building Transparency and EC3 is required.
- No priority support
- No commercial use rights
- No caching or redistribution of EC3 data
- Free access is for exploration and testing only
Paid API access is required for production use.
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
- Production or commercial use: Request paid API access
- Research or public-benefit work: Apply for a fee waiver
For any additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
