Review of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through digital twin in built environment

The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation and is responsible for substantial energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. In response, the adoption of advanced technologies, like Digital Twins (DT), has emerged as a critical strategy to address these sustainability challenges. DTs create virtual replicas of physical assets, enabling real-time monitoring, optimisation, and informed decision-making, thus enhancing sustainability by improving building performance and energy efficiency while reducing waste. This study explores the application of DT technology in promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions within the construction industry. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current DT implementations and identify key challenges to broader adoption. Using a combination of scientometric analysis and systematic literature review, the study examines the potential of DT to address environmental sustainability in construction while highlighting areas for future research and development. The analysis reveals increasing interest in DTs, with a rise in publications from 2018 to 2024, led by Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania. The literature shows a strong focus on integrating DT with building information modeling (BIM) to optimise energy use and achieve sustainability goals across a building's lifecycle. However, challenges remain, including data integration issues, a lack of standardised protocols, and the need for a more skilled workforce. By addressing challenges and enhancing DT-BIM integration, the construction industry can minimise its environmental impact and progress towards sustainability. The study's findings offer vital insights for future research and industry practices to meet global sustainability targets effectively.