Digital twins (DTs) are one of the latest technology trends in all industries. However, DT development in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is still in its infancy. Digital twins have been proposed as tools that can be applied to several challenges in various areas of the built environment. However, their widespread use is hampered due to the slow pace of digitization of the AEC industry, in addition to the absence of a formalized standard for digital twins’ implementation. We began this study by systematically reviewing publications related to DT applications in the AEC industry in four databases, resulting in 229 publications after applying the proposed criteria. The systematic review highlighted the lack of standardization for DTs in the AEC industry. Additionally, this study assessed the current status of DTs and analyzed the evolution of the concept of DTs in the AEC industry. We also proposed a conceptual framework for DT development for construction assets, using the existing BIM information management standards (i.e., ISO 19650) to promote a better interoperable digitalized built environment.

Modular construction provides numerous benefits over traditional methods, especially when combined with digital technologies, offering a faster, safer, leaner, and more sustainable construction environment. This literature review follows the PRISMA method to assess recent advancements in digital-oriented modular construction towards a sustainable and climate-neutral built environment, identifying research trends and gaps based on three pillars: digital tools, building solutions, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the integration of digital technologies with modular construction methods, extending the analysis to circular and bioclimatic efforts, renewable energy sources, and passive building design strategies. While most articles focus on BIM uses, there is an increasing emphasis on IoT applications that leverage real-time data to achieve sustainability goals. However, no full-scale automated Digital Twin was found in this context. Additionally, Building Energy Modelling (BEM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools are frequently discussed, reflecting the push for climate-friendly housing. Despite the interest in parametric and generative design, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence applications for sustainable modular construction strategies remains underexplored. Only a few papers acknowledged reaching nZEB requirements despite the great emphasis on passive building solutions and renewable energy sources that contribute to this goal. However, material circularity has yet to achieve its full potential for sustainable modular construction. Moreover, there is some interest in off-grid modular buildings, although further research should be undertaken to analyse the modular construction feasibility for sustainable off-grid communities. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of digitalisation in modular construction to enhance efficiency and ensure environmental sustainability within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.

Energy performance-based contracts (EPCs) offer a promising solution for enhancing the energy performance of buildings, which is an overarching step towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings, addressing climate change and improving occupants’ comfort. Despite their potential, their execution is constrained by difficulties that hinder their diffusion in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industry. Notably, the Measurement and Verification process is considered a significant impediment due to data sharing, storage, and security challenges. Nevertheless, there have been minimal efforts to analyze research conducted in this field systematically. A systematic analysis of 113 identified journal articles was conducted to fill this gap. A paucity of research tackling the utilization of digital technologies to enhance the implementation of EPCs was found. Consequently, this article proposes a framework integrating Digital Twin and Blockchain technologies to provide an enhanced EPC execution environment. Digital Twin technology leverages the system by monitoring and evaluating energy performance in real-time, predicting future performance, and facilitating informed decisions. Blockchain technology ensures the integrity, transparency, and accountability of information. Moreover, a private Blockchain infrastructure was originally introduced in the framework to eliminate high transaction costs related to on-chain storage and potential concerns regarding the confidentiality of information in open distributed ledgers.

Os gémeos digitais são cada vez mais relevantes no setor AECO (Arquitetura, Engenharia, Construção, e Operação), no entanto, a sua terminologia é aplicada de forma inconsistente. Mesmo as classificações mais comuns apresentam ambiguidades, dificultando a distinção entre diferentes níveis de maturidade de geminação digital, contribuindo assim para interpretações divergentes. Para além disso, a fase crítica de calibração de modelos digitais com recurso a dados recolhidos in situ carece de um reconhecimento formal como um grau de maturidade distinto, apesar de ser amplamente aplicada na prática. Este artigo propõe a formalização do "Gémeo de Calibração" (Calibration Twin) como uma tipologia intermédia que utiliza dados provenientes de sistemas de monitorização instalados num ativo físico para ajustar e validar modelos virtuais. Esta fase carateriza-se ainda por um fluxo unidirecional de informação sem capacidade de influenciar o ativo real, posicionando-se conceptualmente entre um modelo digital estático e configurações mais avançadas de geminação digital. Ao reconhecer esta etapa como um nível de maturidade distinto, destaca-se o papel fulcral da calibração no desenvolvimento de gémeos digitais, reforçando ainda a precisão terminológica necessária para evitar ambiguidades recorrentes. A proposta contribui também para uma taxonomia mais coerente e com potencial de aplicação transversal a outros setores de atividade.