The 3rd openDBL Summer School, held on May 20, 2025, was a dynamic hybrid event that brought together professionals, researchers, and students from across Europe. Hosted from Tallinn, Estonia, the day featured expert-led presentations, insightful case studies, and engaging discussions. As part of the openDBL project, the Summer School served as a key knowledge-sharing forum, showcasing the role of Digital Building Logbooks (DBLs) in shaping safer, smarter, and more sustainable buildings. 

 

Introducing openDBL and Its Vision 

The event began with a keynote by Italo Mattia Spada, Project Coordinator at CETMA. He introduced the openDBL initiative and its mission to establish a standardized, interoperable framework for building data. Italo highlighted the strength of the project’s multidisciplinary consortium and emphasized the potential of DBLs to increase data transparency and drive innovation across construction and facility management. 

 

Exploring Practical Use Cases 

Mario Caputi from in2it presented real-world applications of the openDBL platform. His session covered critical domains such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Scan-to-BIM workflows, digital product selection, and BIM-to-Field integration—demonstrating how the project addresses industry-specific needs through streamlined digital processes. 

 

Sensor Integration and Real-Time Data 

Jānis Judvaitis from EDI showcased how IoT-enabled sensors are being used in pilot buildings to support real-time monitoring and data analytics. This session underscored the value of sensor networks in improving operational efficiency and building safety. 

 

Data Modeling and AI-Based Semantics 

Klaus Linhard from iabi introduced the openDBL data model and its AI-powered ontology mapping strategy. He explained how structured semantics enhance data usability, enabling better interpretation and interaction for all stakeholders. 

 

Platform Architecture and Interoperability 

Michele Allori from e-Metodi provided an in-depth look at the platform’s architecture and APIs, illustrating how openDBL is designed for seamless interoperability with external systems and digital tools used throughout the building sector. 

 

Immersive Virtual Experiences 

Returning to the stage, Italo Spada guided participants through a virtual reality (VR) tour of the pilot site in Ruvo, Italy. The session demonstrated how BIM-to-VR integration offers immersive planning and decision-making environments in construction. 

 

Smart Tools and Standardization 

Gloria Calleja-Rodríguez from CEMOSA presented mobile tools aimed at improving on-site quality control and real-time data verification. Cristina Chirea from ASRO introduced the openDBL white paper on standardization, stressing the importance of harmonized terminology and regulatory frameworks in enabling widespread DBL adoption across Europe. 

 

Sustainability and Lifecycle Performance 

Zenon Foltynowicz from AMTP closed the main session with a presentation on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability KPIs. Drawing from the Mislata (Spain) pilot site, he illustrated how openDBL supports data-driven environmental performance evaluation throughout a building’s lifecycle. 

 

A Collaborative Milestone 

The 3rd openDBL Summer School was a testament to the project’s collaborative strength and shared vision for digital innovation in the building sector. From immersive simulations to intelligent data models, the event highlighted openDBL’s growing impact on the digital transformation of Europe’s built environment. 

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As the project moves forward, openDBL remains committed to delivering open, interoperable, and future-ready tools that empower stakeholders to build and manage with greater intelligence, sustainability, and transparency.