Identifying Key Characteristics of Digital Twin Technology in Green Building Implementation

Abstract

Due to the boosting demand for sustainable development, the construction industry has shift towards the incorporation of green building practices which are aimed at reducing the effects of climate change. Yet, there is a research gap in which advanced application of digital technologies like Digital Twin (DT) technology has not been fully explored in the integration with green building. This study fills this gap by providing a systematic literature review and identifying the characteristics of DT technology within the green building industry with regards to the construction industry in Malaysia. The research, which adopts an inductive research methodology, gathers data from semi-structured interviews with the industry experts in Malaysia. The study shows that DT technology improves green building performance due to the integration of advanced tools, real time monitoring and management, bi-directional interaction and feedback and creation of digital twin. High fidelity modeling technologies enhance collaboration and communication, performance simulation and optimization, and predictive analysis and error minimization. Simulation base models include comprehensive lifecycle management and sustainable outcomes and user satisfactions. The findings suggest that DT technology plays a crucial role in the effective and efficient management of resources, energy conservation, and the overall efficiency of buildings. Such insights will prove useful to the construction industry stakeholders who will be able to learn about the possibilities that can be unlocked by the DT technology to foster the green building practices as well as support the sustainable development goals.