In the quest for sustainable construction and building management, digital innovations are emerging as powerful allies. A recent study led by Mayte Toscano from the Open Geospatial Consortium EU in Seville, Spain, and published in Open Research Europe (which translates to Open Research Europe in English), has shed light on how Digital Building Permits (DBP) and Digital Building Logbooks (DBL) can significantly contribute to global sustainability goals. The research offers a promising roadmap for the energy sector and beyond, aligning digital advancements with environmental and economic objectives.
The study, which involved 38 stakeholders from across Europe, applied the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to evaluate the sustainability impacts of DBP and DBL. The findings reveal that these digital tools can support ten SDGs, including Good Health and Well-Being, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Climate Action.
One of the standout benefits highlighted in the research is the automatic code-compliance checking feature of DBP. This innovation speeds up approval times, reduces errors, and increases transparency. “It’s a game-changer for the industry,” says Toscano. “Automatic compliance checking not only supports carbon reduction and operational efficiency but also ensures equitable access to permitting, streamlining housing approvals and aiding affordable housing development.”
On the other hand, DBL facilitates energy-related data management, including the issuing of Energy Performance Certificates and comparing theoretical versus actual energy use. This capability is crucial for the energy sector, as it enables more accurate energy assessments and supports the transition to cleaner, more efficient buildings. “DBL also supports recyclability assessments and design for disassembly, aligning with the principles of the circular economy,” adds Toscano. “This is a significant step towards more sustainable and resource-efficient construction practices.”
The study provides a structured and replicable framework for evaluating the sustainability contributions of digital building permitting and logbooks. It demonstrates how DBP and DBL can be aligned with global sustainability targets, offering a foundation for future empirical research and policy development.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As buildings become more energy-efficient and sustainable, the demand for clean energy solutions will likely increase. This creates opportunities for energy providers to innovate and expand their offerings, aligning with the growing trend towards green building practices.
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving sustainable innovation. The hybrid workshop involving 38 participants from across Europe highlights the value of diverse perspectives in shaping effective digital solutions.
While the study provides a robust foundation, further work is needed to quantify long-term impacts and extend the analysis beyond the European context. Nonetheless, the findings offer a compelling vision of how digital tools can shape the future of sustainable construction and building management.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights from this research will be invaluable for policymakers, industry leaders, and technology developers. By embracing digital innovations like DBP and DBL, the sector can make significant strides towards achieving global sustainability goals, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.
In the words of Mayte Toscano, “This is just the beginning. The potential for digital tools to transform the construction industry is immense, and we are only scratching the surface of what’s possible.”