Buildings account for 40% of Europe’s energy consumption, yet the existing stock is largely inefficient and aging, with 80% still in use by 2050. Decarbonization requires improvements in design and renovation, but assessing emissions is complex due to building variability, assumptions, and data quality. Both operational and full lifecycle emissions—including materials, construction, maintenance, and disposal—must be measured using energy and carbon metrics.
Real-time data and lifecycle assessment (LCA) of building components can enhance accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and comparability of new builds versus renovations. Reliable, live building data is crucial for informed decision-making and the success of the EU Climate Strategy. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast introduces the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) to measure a building’s adaptability to occupants and the grid. The New European Bauhaus aims to integrate social and aesthetic factors into energy-efficient design, though these aspects remain difficult to quantify.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) drive the phase-out of inefficient buildings, yet a unified methodology for operational performance is lacking, limiting their broader utility. LCA data, increasingly available via Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), could benefit from a standardized framework like a Digital Building Logbook (DBL), leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM) for better data accessibility, transparency, and interoperability.
CHRONICLE aims to establish a comprehensive, lifecycle-based performance assessment framework for buildings, supporting sustainable design, construction, and renovation. It will integrate EPCs, Level(s), and SRI under the DBL concept, using digital twins (DTs) for real-time performance monitoring. Improved data availability will extend EU energy policies, facilitate energy planning, and enhance investment decision-making through accurate LCAs. CHRONICLE will promote evidence-based policy, smart incentives, and a holistic approach to building sustainability, benefiting stakeholders across architecture, engineering, construction, energy services, and facility management.
