Evaluation of the benefits of the implementation of digital twins in sustainable construction projects

Abstract

Digital twin technology has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing sustainability in construction projects by providing a virtual representation of physical assets and processes. This research explores the benefits of implementing digital twins to drive sustainable construction projects. Through a review of the literature and a survey, the findings show that digital twin technologies provide significant benefits in the implementation of sustainable construction projects. Particularly, they allow faster internal decisions, improve communication, and enhance productivity. Furthermore, digital twins’ implementation promotes employee innovation, engagement, and project team trust and minimises project risks. While certain benefits are more noticeable than others, digital twins contribute positively to project outcomes, demonstrating their importance in sustainable construction management. The findings also provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption and integration of digital twin technology in sustainable construction management, paving the way for future research.