National Retrofit Hub unveils Guide to Digital Building Logbooks
The National Retrofit Hub (NRH) introduces a valuable new resource: "DIGITAL BUILDING LOGBOOKS AND RETROFIT: AN INTRODUCTION”, a guide aimed at supporting retrofit initiatives nationwide. Digital Building Logbooks are currently used in the legal and conveyancing sector and have the potential to be expanded to include detailed information and retrofit plans for every home, helping to overcome multiple barriers to scaling up retrofit delivery.
"Digital Building Logbooks represent a transformative solution to streamline access to vital building data," states Rachael Owens, NRH Co-Director. "By storing retrofit assessments, plans, and performance data, these logbooks could empower stakeholders with comprehensive insights, enabling better resident engagement and informed decision-making."
In tandem with this guide, the NRH has released a matrix showcasing the current landscape of building data across the UK. This matrix, compiled by NRH Working Group 1 Technical Lead Louis Daillencourt, offers insights into data ownership, accessibility, and usage, inviting stakeholders to explore collaborative opportunities and address existing data gaps. The original work in this data matrix project was funded by ClimateXChange (CXC), and the Scottish Government. “We hope this research will be useful to anyone in the industry hoping to better understand which actors host what building and energy data”, said Louis Daillencourt. “We welcome further contributions from organisations hosting or modelling building data to keep enriching this document for the benefit of all in the industry”.
The NRH's initiative responds to the urgent need for standardised data schemas and enhanced accessibility to building information. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, the NRH aims to bring about standardised data schemas for new logbook sections identified, fostering innovation and collaboration in the retrofit domain.
"Digital building logbooks have the potential to revolutionise resident engagement in retrofit initiatives and provide accurate outcomes data to support finance," adds Rachael.
The NRH's efforts build upon the groundwork laid by organisations such as the Green Finance Institute (GFI), ClimateXChange (CXC), and the Residential Logbook Association (RLBA). Through consultation with stakeholders such as London Councils, B4NZ, and the RICS, the NRH has compiled key insights and identified the next steps to propel the adoption of Digital Building Logbooks nationwide.
"We are extremely pleased to see the launch of the NRH Logbooks Explainer document," remarks Nigel Walley, Chair of the Residential Logbooks Association (RLBA). "This report clarifies the interaction between Logbooks, Renovation Plans, and other data products, paving the way for widespread adoption across the property industry."
Moving forward, the NRH is committed to identifying stakeholders to inform data schemas, addressing ethical and ownership implications, and proposing solutions to manage data provenance and trust.
For more information and to download the Digital Building Logbooks guide and view the building data matrix, visit the NRH website.
This article was issued via Press Release as 'National Retrofit Hub Unveils Guide to Digital Building Logbooks' from the National Retrofit Hub, dated May 8, 2024.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.