Data collection techniques and technologies for digital building logbooks: Three logbooks and a case study” Sultan Cetin and Henk Visscher and Sun Ah Hwang, Delft University of Technology

The concept of the Digital Building Logbook (DBL) is increasingly gaining traction, particularly in light of the European Union (EU)’s initiatives aimed at establishing a unified framework for DBLs to facilitate seamless data exchange among member states. A DBL serves as a comprehensive repository for various building-related information, including ownership details, documents, plans, historical records, material inventories, and energy performance data, thereby supporting the EU’s climate objectives such as the Renovation Wave and Circular Economy strategies. While existing research has predominantly focused on data sources, requirements, and semantics around DBL implementation, little attention has been paid to the techniques and technologies employed for data collection from the existing building stock.

This study employs a multi-step qualitative research approach to investigate the data collection methodologies utilized by three DBL tools operational in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, drawing insights from a detailed case study. A single-family house located in the Green Village of TU Delft is chosen as a case. First, all DBLs are examined in terms of their main features (e.g., targeted users), functionalities (e.g., energy renovation advice), and associated data requirements. Second, the data collection processes of each DBL are observed, identifying gaps in required and collected data. Following analysis, a literature-based framework is proposed to enhance the data collection mechanisms of DBLs, outlining both human and digital capabilities required for effective implementation. Finally, a focus group session is organized with DBL owners to discuss and further refine the developed framework.

This ongoing research, embedded within the EU Horizon-funded DEMO BLog Project, aims to provide empirical evidence from four DBLs and addresses a critical research gap within this emerging field by shedding light on the operational dynamics of DBLs. Our framework proposes actionable strategies for data collection enhancement and contributes to the advancement of DBL implementation practices.

Contributing projects:

• DEMO BLog

Session Chair:

Sultan Cetin, Delft University of Technology – Sun Ah Hwang, Delft University of Technology – Henk Visscher, Delft University of Technology