Adaptive Life Cycle Assessment as an Evolving Environmental Knowledge State for Digital Building Logbooks

Abstract: This paper introduces Adaptive Life Cycle Assessment (ALCA) as a time-resolved framework for continuously evaluating building environmental impacts over the lifecycle. Using a conceptual design science approach, the study develops a multidimensional framework integrating prospective and retrospective data and situates it within the Digital Building Logbook (DBL). An illustrative additive manufacturing case demonstrates data flows and feasibility. The results show that ALCA enables continuous updating of accumulated impacts, improves traceability, and supports PDCA-based environmental control. The framework addresses limitations of static and dynamic LCA and provides a governance-oriented approach for lifecycle impact monitoring and regulatory alignment.