Digital Building Logbooks (DBLs) have the potential to improve how information about buildings is collected, managed and shared throughout their lifecycle. By bringing together relevant building data in a structured way, DBLs can support better decision-making and greater transparency for stakeholders across the building value chain.

This paper, authored by Zsolt Toth and Sriraj Gokarakonda from BPIE as part of the Demo-BLog project, examines the role of DBLs in improving information management and supporting more effective decisions throughout the building lifecycle. It explores how better access to reliable and connected building information can contribute to more efficient building management and support the transition towards a more sustainable and digital built environment.

The analysis also highlights the potential economic benefits of implementing DBLs at scale. Depending on the number of functionalities included, the study finds a cost-to-benefit ratio of between 2 and 9. This suggests that wider adoption of DBLs could generate significant value while improving the availability and usability of building information.

However, the paper identifies several barriers that need to be addressed to realise this potential. Building data is currently fragmented across different systems, actors and policy areas, making it difficult to access, exchange and use effectively. Greater policy coherence, better data alignment and a common EU framework are needed to support interoperability and create more consistent approaches to DBL development.

Based on these findings, the paper proposes a multi-layered framework for the development of DBLs. The framework provides a basis for considering the different functions, data needs and stakeholders involved in DBLs and can help guide their further development and implementation.

The findings underline the importance of a coordinated approach to digital building information. By improving how building data is collected, connected and shared, DBLs could become an important tool for better decision-making and for accelerating the digital and sustainable transformation of Europe’s building stock.

The full paper is available for download below.