This research investigates the use of digital twin (DT) technology to improve building energy management and analyse occupant behaviour. DTs perform the function of acting as virtual replicas of physical assets, which facilitates real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. Consequently, energy performance and occupant comfort can be enhanced. This study evaluates the efficiency of DTs in optimising energy usage by a mix of a systematic literature review and scientometric analysis of 466 articles from the Scopus database. Among the main obstacles noted are interoperability issues, privacy and data quality difficulties, and the requirement for a more thorough integration of digital and physical interactions. The results highlight the necessity of standardised frameworks to direct DT implementations and suggest areas for further study, especially in the areas of improving cybersecurity and incorporating occupant behaviour into DT models. This research makes practical recommendations for using DT technology to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.

The construction industry (CI) is confronted with a critical challenge: the promotion of digital transformation through digital twin (DT) technology, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions within the built environment (BE). Given the substantial influence of buildings on global emissions, it is imperative to implement energy-efficient solutions. DT technology has emerged as a transformative instrument for the monitoring and optimising building energy use, particularly when it is incorporated with automated building management systems. This integration enables precise energy regulation, real-time insights, and substantial energy savings. This study conducted a systematic literature review of 60 articles from 2020 to 2024, examining the applications, benefits, and challenges of DT in the context of enhancing energy efficiency and facilities management within the BE.The results suggest that DT promotes sustainable practices by facilitating data-driven decision-making throughout the various phases of the building life cycle. This approach improves occupant comfort, energy optimisation, waste management, and air quality. Nevertheless, interoperability and data security were identified as obstacles to broader implementation, indicating that the integration of blockchain technology could improve the accuracy and reliability of DT. This research emphasises the contribution of DT to the advancement of sustainability by enhancing resilience in BE operations and reducing energy consumption. The insights obtained are instrumental in the development of industry standards, policy, and future research directions in the fields of sustainable building design, construction, and management.

Digital Twin Platforms (DTPs) are being utilised more frequently to facilitate predictive analysis, energy management, carbon emissions reduction, and building operations. Nevertheless, selecting a suitable DTP remains difficult due to the significant variation in platform capabilities, costs, interoperability, usability, and technical complexity. The study provides a systematic methodology for selecting appropriate DTPs to develop Digital Twin (DT) applications. Academic literature, industry reports, software documentation, and vendor websites were reviewed to identify the key functionalities, characteristics, and requirements of DTPs in the construction sector. 12 currently available DTPs were analysed, and the underlying technology and purpose of each were identified. A set of evaluation criteria was then established. The methodology allows users to assign weightings to an established criterion in accordance with operational priorities and project-specific requirements. The most suitable DTP for the intended application is subsequently determined by calculating weighted scores. The methodology was tested using a building-focused DT case study aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The DTP proposed by this developed methodology for the case study was a simulation-based platform, given the study’s emphasis on energy modelling, affordability, ease of use, and educational accessibility. The findings demonstrate that the methodology provides a practical, structured approach to selecting DTPs while balancing technical capability, usability, and cost.

The nature of the contractual relationship between the contractor and the client creates opportunities for opportunistic behaviour (OB) on the part of the contractor, which can result in project delays, cost overruns, and quality issues. Project governance (PG) is a set of processes, policies, and procedures that aim to ensure the effective management and control of projects. It was identified that PG helps to minimise different issues related to construction projects where different stakeholders are involved. The use of trust and formal control as PG modes in the global construction industry is well-established. However, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the appropriate PG modes to minimise the effects of Contractors’ Opportunistic Behaviour (COB) in the Sri Lankan construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of PG modes to minimise COB. To address this research gap, a qualitative research approach was adopted in this study. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather knowledge and theories about PG modes and COB. Furthermore, case studies were conducted to investigate the synergy between the identified PG modes and COB management in the Sri Lankan context. These case studies involved real-world construction projects in Sri Lanka, where the researchers’ collected data through interviews. By analysing the findings of the literature review and case studies, this study aims to provide insights into the suitable PG modes that can be used to minimise the effects of COB in the Sri Lankan construction industry. The findings suggest that PG modes can be effective in COB. The use of a hybrid mode, for example, can create a partnership-like relationship between the client and the contractor, which promotes cooperation and trust while having some contractual obligations. Similarly, the use of a formal control mode, which involves the use of detailed contracts, can help to clarify the rights and obligations of the parties involved and reduce the likelihood of OB. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of PG in managing contractual relationships and minimising OB. It provides practical recommendations for clients and other stakeholders on how to select and implement appropriate PG modes to ensure successful project outcomes.