A common data environment (CDE) is defined as a single source of truth for all project information that facilitates continuous collaboration between stakeholders. In practice, multiple CDEs are used simultaneously, leading to a lack of data integrity, traceability, and transparency. Moreover, current centralized cloud-based CDEs are vulnerable to security risks such as data manipulation, which magnifies the lack of trust among project stakeholders. Previous studies proposing blockchain for information management focused on narrow use cases and did not encompass the whole life cycle of a built asset. This work aims to develop a framework for decentralized information management concerning all life cycle phases. First, we identify the users’ needs for a CDE using desk research and an empirical approach, including semistructured interviews with industry experts. It is found that the top user requirement is integrating data scattered across multiple CDEs along the built asset’s life cycle in a single source of truth. A CDE should provide an accountable and transparent record of the entire project history, integrating data from various tools utilized during the life cycle. In the final step, we propose a conceptual framework for a blockchain-based CDE where transactions from various tools used along the entire life cycle of a built asset are recorded on a blockchain linked with Inter-Planetary File Storage (IPFS) to increase the security of the files. Three illustrative use-case scenarios demonstrate the framework’s applicability in the design, construction, and operation phases. The utilization of blockchain technology ensures an immutable, independent, and reliable record of all transactions, offering a comprehensive and tamper-proof history. This approach addresses gaps in previous studies and lays the foundation for establishing trustworthy product and material passports. ... Read more

The ISO19650 standard proposed a common data environment (CDE) as a single source of truth for all project information that facilitates continuous collaboration between stakeholders. In practice, multiple CDEs are used simultaneously, leading to a lack of data integrity, traceability and transparency. Moreover, current centralised cloud-based CDEs are vulnerable to security risks such as data manipulation which magnifies the lack of trust among project stakeholders. Previous studies, proposing blockchain for information management focus on narrow use cases and do not encompass the whole lifecycle of a built asset. This work aims to develop a framework for decentralised information management in relation to all phases of the lifecycle. First, we identify the needs of the users for a CDE using desk research and an empirical approach including semi-structured interviews with industry experts. It is found that the top user requirement is integrating data scattered across multiple CDEs along the built asset's lifecycle in a single source of truth. A CDE should provide an accountable and transparent record of the entire project history integrating data from various tools utilised during the lifecycle. In the final step, we propose a conceptual framework for a blockchain-based CDE where transactions from various tools used along the entire lifecycle of a built asset are recorded on a blockchain linked with Inter-Planetary File Storage (IPFS) to increase the security of the files. Three illustrative use-case scenarios demonstrate the framework's applicability in design, construction, and operation phases. The utilisation of blockchain technology ensures an immutable, independent, and reliable record of all transactions, offering a comprehensive and tamperproof history. This approach not only addresses existing gaps in previous studies but also lays the foundation for establishing trustworthy Product and Material Passports. ... Read more

This chapter introduces the concept of digital building logbooks (DBLs) and their role in facilitating a circular economy within the built environment. It underscores the importance of DBLs in capturing and managing building information throughout its lifecycle, including design, construction, operation, maintenance and demolition. It discusses the challenges of DBL implementation, particularly the need for secure and reliable data storage, integration of legacy information and user-friendly interfaces. The chapter proposes a blockchain-based DBL architecture, outlining a three-layered system consisting of a data layer, a logic and services layer and a user interface layer. It advocates for a hybrid data storage system, combining decentralised storage using the IPFS with centralised databases for legacy information. The chapter concludes by emphasising the potential impacts of blockchain-enabled DBLs, including fostering circular economies, advancing energy-efficient renovations and creating decentralised data marketplaces. It also identifies future research directions such as developing standardised frameworks, integrating legacy data and aligning blockchain-based solutions with legal and regulatory frameworks. This vision positions DBLs as critical tools for driving transparency, efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. ... Read more

Purpose Information management workflow in building information modelling (BIM)-based collaboration is based on using a common data environment (CDE). The basic premise of a CDE is exposing all relevant data as a single source of truth and facilitating continuous collaboration between stakeholders. A multitude of tools can be used as a CDE, however, it is not clear how the tools are used or if they fulfil the users’ needs. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate current practices of using CDEs for information management during the whole built asset’s life cycle, through a state-of-the-art literature review and an empirical study. Design/methodology/approach Literature data is collected according to the PRISMA 2020 guideline for reporting systematic reviews. This paper includes 46 documents in the review and conduct a bibliometric and thematic analysis to identify the main challenges of digital information management. To understand the current practice and the views of the stakeholders using CDEs in their work, this paper used an empirical approach including semi-structured interviews with 15 BIM experts. Findings The results indicate that one of the major challenges of CDE adoption is project complexity and using multiple CDEs simultaneously leading to data accountability, transparency and reliability issues. To tackle those challenges, the use of novel technologies in CDE development such as blockchain could be further investigated. Originality/value The research explores the major challenges in the practical implementation of CDEs for information management. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on this topic combining a systematic literature review and fieldwork. ... Read more