A new study has suggested digital models are underused in the built environment sector, as the industry works towards a net-zero urban landscape
The researchers argue that the built environment sector must embrace collaboration among competing professional services to achieve a net-zero urban landscape.
A new collaborative whitepaper, led by climate tech firm IES in Glasgow, addresses the importance of whole-life performance modelling.
The paper highlights the obstacles to adopting this approach and presents insights from a survey of 243 AEC professionals and building owners.
Using Digital Twins to achieve a net-zero urban landscape
The paper introduces the IES’ Sleeping Digital Twin concept, suggesting that current 3D design, compliance, and BIM models can evolve into performance digital twins for the entire building lifecycle.
The paper argues that collaboration is vital in unlocking these models, particularly in overcoming legal barriers. Legal concerns were the main obstacle to sharing models, according to 58% of survey participants.
By using these ‘sleeping’ models, the sector can significantly reduce carbon emissions in new and retrofit projects, benefiting building owners, occupants, and designers.
Titled ‘Sleeping Digital Twins: Exploring Whole-Life Building Performance Modelling,’ the whitepaper includes insights from several organisations. It addresses current adoption rates, challenges, benefits, and model ownership.
Promoting whole-life modelling
The paper concludes with a set of actionable steps to promote industry-wide adoption of whole-life performance modelling, shifting away from compliance culture and optimising building performance.
“Whilst the government is backtracking on net-zero policies, the built environment sector is making strides towards change. As an industry, we are united on the need to decarbonise the world’s buildings as efficiently as possible to mitigate the worst effects of climate change,” said Don McLean, founder, and CEO of IES.
“We’ve led the creation of this whitepaper to highlight the importance of utilising technology which supports whole-life performance modelling to meet net-zero targets. The tools for change already exist but are not used to their full potential which is where the Sleeping Digital Twins initiative comes in. The industry is waking up to the benefits of this method, but there are still many barriers to overcome,” he concluded.
