A Calgary-based founder has launched a persistent identity registry for mechanical and energy systems using automotive-grade identity frameworks [1].
This initiative aims to modernize how infrastructure is tracked by providing components with continuous identifiers similar to vehicle identification numbers. By establishing a permanent record for systems, the registry enables more precise diagnostics and maintenance tracking for buildings and energy infrastructure [1], [2].
The framework introduces two specific permanent system-level identifiers: HMIN™ and HEIN™ [1], [2]. These tools are designed to create a reliable history for mechanical and energy systems, reducing the data gaps that typically occur during ownership transfers or facility renovations.
This effort follows the release of the Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) Issuance Standard v1.1 on March 10, 2026 [3]. The registry initiative is designed to eventually cover approximately 160 million addressable structures [3].
To implement the system, Harmelo announced a Founding Contractor Program on April 18, 2026 [1]. The program is open to contractors across North America and has opened 1,000 spots for participants [2]. Onboarding for these contractors is scheduled to begin in August 2026 [2].
The system applies a rigorous identity framework to the built environment, a sector that has historically lacked the standardized, persistent tracking found in the automotive industry [1], [2].
“Establishing the first persistent identity registry for mechanical and energy systems.”
The application of automotive-grade identity standards to buildings represents a shift toward 'digital twins' and lifecycle management in construction. By assigning permanent IDs to mechanical systems, the industry can move away from fragmented maintenance logs toward a centralized, verifiable history, potentially increasing the resale value and safety of infrastructure through better data transparency.
