Envisaging a European Digital Building Renovation Logbook: Proposal of a Data Model

Europe has set a target to become a decarbonised continent by 2050. To achieve this, intervention in buildings is crucial, as they serve as significant energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters. This intervention encompasses two essential pathways: renovation and digitalisation. The combination of these two aspects gives rise to elements such as the Digital Building Logbook (DBL), a digital data repository expected to enhance the pace and quality of renovation efforts. This paper introduces, for the first time, a European DBL data model with a specific focus on building renovation purposes—the DBrL. It outlines its initial requirements, constituent entities, relationships, and attributes. While acknowledging the need to address issues related to data protection, integration with existing data sources, and connections with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in subsequent design phases, the study’s outcome represents a significant stride in defining this tool.