A Decoupled Architecture for Digitally Actionable and Traceable Regulatory Workflows in the AEC Sector

Abstract: The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector faces complex regulatory frameworks like building energy performance certification under the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Traditional approaches suffer from fragmented documentation, procedural ambiguities, and poor traceability and auditability, causing outcome inconsistencies and automation challenges. This paper proposes a decoupled conceptual architecture for digitally actionable and traceable regulatory workflows, leveraging compliance modeling, semantic web technologies, and linked data. By separating semantic representation, reasoning, execution, and interaction layers, it improves compliance, interoperability, and adaptability. Demonstrated on Estonian Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), it addresses key gaps and supports broader application beyond energy efficiency.