Digital twins

for the built

environment
An introduction to the opportunities,
benefts, challenges and risks

theiet.org/built-environment
Digital twins for the built environment – Contents

Contents
Foreword 3

1. Executive summary 4

2. Introduction – what is a digital twin? 5

2.1. Defning the digital twin 6

2.2. Opportunities and benefts 7
2.3. Policy 9

3. Digital twin maturity spectrum 10

3.1. Analytics and simulation engine 15

3.2. Digital ecosystem 15

4. Applications in the built environment 16

4.1. Smart places 16

4.2. Retroftting 18
4.3. Resource management 19

5. Conclusions 20

5.1. How do we move forward with digital twins? 20

6. References and acknowledgements 21

7. Glossary of terminology and terms 22

8. Authors 23

2
 Digital twins for the built environment – Foreword

Foreword

Increasing population, economic growth and climate change are all putting signifcant
pressure on infrastructure. To address this, the UK’s existing infrastructure needs to become
smarter: working as an optimised system that reduces disruption and congestion.

Since the publication of In 2018 CDBB published the Gemini Principles2

the National Infrastructure to begin enabling alignment on the approach to
Commission’s Data for the information management across the built environment
Public Good report1, the Establishing agreed defnitions and principles from the
Centre for Digital Built outset will make it easier to share data in the future.
Britain (CDBB) has been
working to understand These principles are eŸectively the conscience of the
how digital twins, and information management framework and the national
a National Digital Twin digital twin. To ensure that these two initiatives are
(NDT), can address this – and remain – for the public good, they need strong
challenge. founding values to guide them.

Across the industry, from asset owners and operators Enshrined in these values is the notion that all digital
to designers and contractors, the national Building twins must have clear purpose, must be trustworthy
Information Modelling (BIM) mandate has provided a and must function eŸectively. All the Gemini Principles
foundation of mature information management. BIM fow from this. They are deliberately simple, but their
enables us to construct an asset digitally before implications are far-reaching and challenging. They
stepping on site, so that we can build faster, safer, and are descriptive of intent, but agnostic on solutions,
greener with less disruption. encouraging innovation and development over time.

As you and your organisations begin or continue on

As we look to improve whole-life value, we must
your digital transformation, we urge you to hard-
tackle the question of how we can use this culture
code the values of the Gemini Principles into your
of secure information management to create
information management strategy.
digital twins of physical assets. The transformative
potential of digital twins lies in connecting them We recognise that for digital twins to serve all of
together, providing greater insight through wider society they will need to be created by a community.
context. CDBB’s vision for the national digital twin We must work together with a shared vision, sharing
is an ecosystem of connected digital twins that lessons alongside data. CDBB, through its Digital
have evolved with shared vision and values. Framework Task Group (DFTG) and its Digital Twin Hub,
is working to foster a community where early adopters
CDBB is delivering the information management can learn by doing and progress by sharing. We hope
framework to facilitate the secure, resilient data you will join us.
sharing between digital twins.
We welcome this white paper from the Institution
At the heart of the framework, CDBB envisages a of Engineering and Technology (IET) and its work
national resource that enables, held in common, to in highlighting how digital twins can address the
enable secure, resilient data sharing across the built challenges facing the built environment.
environment, which we have called ‘the Commons’. If we
work together to ensure a common approach to secure, Alexandra Bolton
resilient data sharing in digital twins, the value of all of Executive Director,
our information will grow. Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB)

Alexandra Bolton has been CDBB’s Executive Director since the centre came to Cambridge in August 2017. Most
recently, she has held roles within the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Previously,
she has worked in industry and the City, including as an oil trader for a world leading commodities house and
as a chemical engineer for one of the oil majors. She holds degrees in both chemical engineering and law.

3
Digital twins for the built environment – Executive summary

1. Executive summary

Digital twins are rapidly becoming perceived as must haves in engineering.

As digital replicas of real-world infrastructure, the potential benefts are easy to
grasp: a direct application of computing power to complex, tangible problems in the
physical world. Useful across industries, they can bring greater accuracy, control and
predictability to a range of challenges.

The global digital twin market was valued at USD $3.8bn Digital twins promise more eŸective asset design,
in 2019 and is expected to reach USD $35.8bn by 20253. project execution and asset operations. By dynamically
Half of all large industrial companies are predicted to be integrating data and information throughout the asset
using them in some form by 2021, which is expected to lifecycle, they will oŸer short and long-term eÿciency
result in a 10% increase in e‚ectiveness4. and productivity gains. More than just BIM or a 3D
model, twins are a data resource that can improve the
Whilst a fully responsive, automated holistic system is design of new assets and understanding of existing
currently a distant goal, industry is already delivering asset condition, verify the as-built situation, run ‘what if’
easily adoptable starter elements. Even these small simulations and scenarios, or provide a digital snapshot
steps add value and as technology and techniques for future works. This has the potential to vastly reduce
improve, we predict the convergence of these individual errors and discontinuities present in more traditional
parts and emergence of much more complete, methods of information management.
connected twins,ultimately moving toward networks
of interconnected models for entire countries. Breaking down distinctions between the physical and
digital, it’s easy to see why digital twins capture the
imagination. So, what’s the catch? Most proponents
are excellent at selling their potential, but constant
disagreement on what features or elements comprise a
digital twin makes the path towards development and
understanding value diÿcult.

To help this debate we propose a clear, industry-

agnostic, maturity spectrum to defne the elements
and requirements of a digital twin, and to provide a
framework for communicating the complex concept. This
paper summarises the spectrum and outlines three key
applications that are considered to bring the highest
overall beneft to the built environment.

This paper also highlights the latest developments in

the UK built environment, driven by the NIC (National
Infrastructure Commission) and CDBB. We acknowledge
that other industry sectors and countries are also
making signifcant progress. Some of these will be
addressed in later works.

4
 Digital twins for the built environment – What is a digital twin?

2. Introduction –
what is a digital twin?

The term digital twin has entered the regular vocabulary of all industry sectors.
It’s almost always used as an example of revolution and is considered fundamental
to transformation, but the broad scope of the concept makes a common defnition
diÿcult. Yet, it is only once we understand and demystify the idea and can see a path
to making it a reality that we will start to appreciate its benefts.

Physical Asset Digital Twin

Our industry too commonly focuses

on (and prematurely attempts
to sell) an idealised ‘unicorn’
conception of what a twin could
achieve if fully implemented, despite
this currently being cost-prohibitive.
Few refer to the milestones
along the journey, or incremental
value-proving developments.

This is evidenced, in part, by

the fact that to date only 5%
of enterprises have started
implementing digital twins and
less than 1% of assets have one5.

With that in mind, this paper

attempts to demystify the
concept and break through
the platitudes, answering the
fundamental questions: Why do
we need them? How will a digital
twin generate value? And will it
support better decision making?

5
Digital twins for the built environment – What is a digital twin?

2.1. Defning the digital twin

Digital twins are symptomatic of the

broader trend toward digitalisation
that is having a profound eŸect on
businesses and society.

Widely cited as the fourth industrial revolution or

industry 4.0 (following: steam power [c1760-c1840],
electricity [c1870-c1914] and microchips [c1970]), it’s
characterised by a fusion of technologies that blur
the lines between the physical, digital, and biological
spheres – such as artifcial intelligence (AI), machine
learning (ML), robotics, autonomous vehicles and the
Internet of Things (IoT). Though the exact dates of the
earlier revolutions are disputed, their timeframes were
undoubtedly slower than the rapid pace and scale of
today’s disruption, and still they saw companies and
individuals reluctant to embrace change.

The Gemini Principles2 defne a digital twin

as “a realistic digital representation of assets, This broad range of what a twin can be has made
processes or systems in the built or natural defning and understanding them extremely
environment”. diÿcult, with disagreement on what level of
maturity or features represent a ‘true’ twin. BIM,
Many people see it as a simple digital replica of Building Lifecycle Management (BLM) and Product
a real thing – a ‘twin’, but “what distinguishes Lifecycle Management (PLM) represent similar
a digital twin from any other digital model concepts with some important distinctions, that
or replica is its connection to its physical are all part of data generation and information
twin“, with ‘connection’ meaning there is some management – a theme fundamental to the twin.
type of relationship and association between
the physical and digital. Therein lies the The concept of a digital twin has existed in various
complexity of this industry-agnostic concept. forms since early space exploration, where it was
referred to as a “mirrored system” and frst used by
Depending on its maturity, this twin can range from NASA nearly 50 years ago to rescue the Apollo 13
a simple 2D or 3D model of a local component, mission6. The term “digital twin” appeared in the early
all the way to a fully integrated and highly 2000’s, an evolution of PLM7. Since then, its meaning
accurate model of an entire asset, facility or even has developed from simply defning a PLM tool, to an
country (such as the UK National Digital Twin integral digital business decision assistant and agent
programme2), with each element dynamically linked for new value and service creation.
to engineering, construction, and operational data.
Digital twins bring a wealth of useful applications across
the construction market and lifecycle of asset, standing
as a bridge between the physical and digital. As sensors
become smaller and more aŸordable, the ability to gather,
process and communicate information increases, making
the interface between the two worlds invaluable.

6
 Digital twins for the built environment – What is a digital twin?

2.2. Opportunities and benefts

The global digital twin market was valued at USD $3.8bn in 2019 and is
expected to reach USD $35.8bn by 20253. Gartner predict that half of all
large companies will use some form of one by 2021 – resulting in a 10%
improvement in eŸectiveness4.

Irrespective of how various analysts communicate Global digital twin

value, they all anticipate one thing – signifcant growth $35.8bn
market valuation
and importance of the digital twin. The infrastructure
USD
and construction sectors, along with their supply
chains, are all now looking to harness that potential.

There is no single solution or platform used to provide a

digital twin, just as there is not one CAD package used
to create a drawing or a 3D model. It’s about the process
and methodology, not the technology. It’s leveraging
experience-based wisdom to manage and manipulate a
multitude of datasets.

Whilst a fully responsive, automated holistic system is

currently a distant goal, industry are already delivering $3.8bn
easily adoptable starter elements. Even these small steps USD
add value and as technology and techniques improve,
we predict the convergence of these individual parts and
emergence of much more complete, connected twins.
Ultimately moving toward networks of interconnected
models for entire countries.
2019 2025
The aim is to create a ‘single version of truth’ for an asset,
where all data can be accessed and viewed throughout
the design-build-operate lifecycle. This is distinctly Given its key importance, the value of digital twin
diŸerent from a ‘single source of truth’, as a digital twin is data should be recognised on the balance sheet,
about using a constellation, or ecosystem of technologies alongside the asset it twins. Return on Investment
that work and connect. (ROI) could be given by comparing the costs
associated with creating the twin against savings
Inevitably the aggregation of this data also creates a generated over the life of the asset9.
security risk, particularly for critical national infrastructure.
Likewise it creates a need to validate and authenticate As asset owners pivot away from document silos
data and prevent unauthorised changes, which is and toward dynamic and integrated data systems,
compounded in situations with multiple parties and the digital twin will become like a node in a network,
sources. This complex topic is not discussed in detail alongside potentially many other twins for diŸerent
within this paper, but notes some interesting research assets or systems. Dynamic and accurate (like any
into independent stewardship of data8. corporate fnancial or HR system), it should represent
a living, as-built version of the operating asset,
The digital twin promises more eŸective asset design, delivering value to the business.
project execution and asset operations by dynamically
integrating data and information throughout the asset
lifecycle to achieve short and long-term eÿciency and
productivity gains. It’s a data resource that can improve
the design of a new asset or understanding of existing
asset condition, to verify the as-built situation, run
‘what if’ simulations and scenarios, or provide a digital
snapshot for future works. This has the potential to
vastly reduce errors and discontinuities present in more
traditional methods of information management.

7
Digital twins for the built environment – What is a digital twin?

Table 1 summarises the main benefts that adopting a digital twin approach can bring to the construction industry
and built environment.

Reduce construction Virtual scenarios on construction sequencing and logistics can be run and
and operating costs visualised, familiarising workers with required tasks and reducing costly re-works.
Through data-driven decision-making, and AI/ML, they can predict maintenance
activities and events, which in turn will help navigate unexpected interventions and
ultimately streamline costs throughout the asset’s operational life.

Increase productivity Vital information about the built asset can be stored and analysed throughout
and collaboration its lifecycle, and kept current. This information (such as design documentation,
inventories, material specifcations, and programmes/schedules) can be easily
accessed and used to assist decision making and de-risk project execution.

Improve safety On-site workers can get real-time tracking and alerts about the site, including
hazardous area notifcations and emergency situation response instructions.

Optimise asset Operational and occupational data can be monitored and analysed in real-time,
performance and providing valuable insights on how the asset is used and currently performing.
sustainability This provides the ability to answer questions, such as: Where are the highest risk
maintenance items? alongside determining scenarios such as: If I change X how will
it impact Y? These insights can be fed back to designers for better, more eÿcient
built assets in the future – helping countries meet obligations to UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG)10.

Table 1 – summary of main benefts that digital twins can bring to the built environment

8
 Digital twins for the built environment – What is a digital twin?

2.3. Policy

In the UK policy is developed to support the adoption Through recommendations of the NIC, in 2018 the
of digital twins for the built environment. Data for UK Government’s new Digital Framework Task Group
the Public Good, a report published by the National (DFTG) published the Gemini Principles to guide
Infrastructure Commission (NIC) in 2017, is one of the creation of a National Digital Twin (NDT) – an
the key documents extolling the value of embracing ecosystem of digital twins connected by securely
digital twin technology1. The report suggests that shared data (Figure 1)2.
through collecting the right data, setting standards
and sharing data securely for the public good, the UK The aim is to improve the performance, service and
could release an additional £7bn in benefts per year value of the UK’s infrastructure; delivering benefts to
across the infrastructure sector. This is equivalent to society, business, the environment and the economy.
25% of the total UK infrastructure spend.
The foundations that the Gemini Principles set out
to establish are applicable to all industry sectors.
Governments must take the lead and drive national
policy to create shared frameworks and ecosystems.

Purpose: Public good Value creation Insight

Must have Must be used to deliver Must enable value Must provide
clear purpose genuine public beneft creation and performance determinable insight into
in perpetuity. improvement. the built environment.

Trust: Security Openness Quality

Must be Must enable security and Must be as open as Must be built on data
trustworthy be secure itself. possible. of an appropriate
quality.

Function: Federation Curation Evolution

Must function Must be based on a Must have clear Must be able to adapt
eŸectively standard connected ownership, governance as technologu and
environment. and regulation. society evolve.

Figure 1 – the Gemini Principles, courtesy of CDBB2

9
Digital twins for the built environment – Digital twin maturity spectrum

3. Digital twin maturity

spectrum

Process and methodology are key to developing and managing digital twins for the
built environment, as is remembering their relevance to the entire asset lifecycle.
Their creation and management are a journey, and while a twin can be developed
at any point in an asset’s life, it’s most e‚ective when deployed at an early stage,
so that captured data adds value for longer.

It’s easy to be distracted by a unicorn-like concept It’s essential that the purpose and value of increased
of what a twin could achieve if fully implemented, complexity and connectedness are clearly identifed,
despite this being largely unachievable and/or cost- justifed and realised, which relies on eŸective
prohibitive today. Instead we should more usefully implementation and management.
focus on purpose, understanding the benefts of each
milestone and how value is increasing along the The physical and digital are securely connected via
journey to maturity. a constellation of data platforms or aggregators.
This enables data from asset management systems,
To help achieve this, we propose an industry-agnostic document management systems, common data
maturity spectrum. This defnes the diŸerent elements environments, data historians and so forth, to come
and provides a framework to communicate progress11 together in support of new business scenarios.
as illustrated in Figure 2.

As a twin develops, each element increases in

complexity and connectivity, and subsequently value.
It’s important to note that these elements are
While a twin can be developed at any
not necessarily linear or sequential, so a twin point in an asset’s life, it’s most e‚ective
might possess features of higher-order elements when deployed at an early stage, so that
before lower-order ones. However, complexity is best
considered logarithmically, whereby the higher-order captured data adds value for longer.
elements are signifcantly more complex than the
lower-order, foundational ones (Table 2).
The ability to run simulations answering ‘what if’
questions, and to interrogate and analyse the data to
inform management of physical assets, is a key part
of the digital twin. This is a capability that’s possible
across every element of the maturity spectrum (see 3.1).

As we move through the maturity spectrum, each of the

elements further enables removing humans from hazardous
processes or tasks, intrinsically improving safety.

10
 Digital twins for the built environment – Digital twin maturity spectrum

Maturity element
(logarithmic scale
of complexity and
connectedness) Defning principle Outline usage

0 – Reality capture – Brownfeld (existing) as-built survey

(e.g. point cloud, drones, photogrammetry, or
drawings/sketches)

1 – 2D map/system or 3D model – Design/asset optimisation and

(e.g. object-based, with no metadata or BIM) coordination

2 – Connect model to persistent (static) data, – 4D/5D simulation

metadata and BIM Stage 2 – Design/asset management
(e.g. documents, drawings, asset – BIM Stage 2
management systems)

3 – Enrich with real-time data – Operational eÿciency

(e.g. from IoT, sensors)

4 – Two-way data integration and interaction – Remote and immersive operations

– Control the physical from the digital

5 – Autonomous operations and maintenance – Complete self-governance with total

oversight and transparency

Table 2 – digital twin maturity spectrum defning principles and outline usage11

11
Digital twins for the built environment – Digital twin maturity spectrum

Enterprise or national ecosystem

Data Sources

Analytics and
Physical Asset Digital Twin simulation engine

Element 0
Reality capture

Element 1
Data Platform

2D map/system
or 3D model

Element 2
Connect to
persistent data
and BIM

Element 3
Enrich with
real-time data

Element 4
Two-way
Data Platform

integration and
interaction

Element 5
Autonomous
operations and
maintenance

s
der
ol
keh Data Access
sta
nd
sa
er
m
n su
co Resident
ta
Da Operator
Supply Chain

Engineer

Manager
Planner Government /
Designer Local authority

Courtesy of Simon Evans / 2019

Figure 2 – digital twin maturity spectrum11

12
 Digital twins for the built environment – Digital twin maturity spectrum

The lowest order element to start a digital twin (relevant only on

existing physical assets) is creation of an accurate, as-built data set of
the asset geometry or system design. This is the foundational element,
Element 0 over which data is connected and overlaid.
Reality capture
(for existing Data is collected through a variety of survey and reality capture techniques (such as
physical assets) point cloud scanning, drones, photogrammetry, drawings/sketches, etc) which are
more accurate, eÿcient and cost-eŸective than was possible just a few years ago, and
signifcantly more so than traditional survey methods.
Equally, for certain situations or assets a drawing or sketch might be an appropriate
method of reality capture.
Element 0 immediately provides value through having greater asset certainty, spatial
context and understanding. This is particularly true in sectors where a high proportion of
assets are built and ageing, or in high-hazard sectors where it reduces worker exposure
to dangerous tasks. Sometimes it’s appropriate to work within these point-cloud datasets,
but often there is signifcant value in going to the next level of maturity.

Element 1 is the typical entry-point for new assets as an outcome of

the design process and is often updated through reality capture (as per
Element 0) post-construction to create the as-built model.
Element 1
Models are purely object-based (surface, shapes, etc), with no metadata or BIM
2D map/systems or information attached. Point-clouds from Element 0 can be proportionally converted, as and
3D model (object- when required, into object-based 2D map/systems or 3D models. The conversion is largely
based only) a manual process today but will soon be done through semi-automated methods involving
machine learning.
At this level of maturity, the twin provides signifcant value through design/asset
optimisation and coordination, answering questions, such as: is there space to run a new
line through that module? And how would the maintenance team conduct that task?

Further benefts are realised when Element 1 is connected to persistent

data-sets, such as design information, material specifcations, inspection
reports, and asset management information; and further enriched with
metadata (i.e. BIM). The data is added, tagged and pulled from existing
Element 2 systems, not embedded or stored in the 2D/3D model directly.
Connected to
persistent (static) This provides the basis for engineering, project planning, operations, maintenance and
data, metadata decommissioning. It creates a single reference point from which all data can be viewed and
and BIM Stage 2 interrogated, reducing errors, uncertainties and costs. It enables faster decision making and
collaboration; answering questions such as: Are we on target with our schedule and budget?
Where are the highest risk items?
Having a data model of this maturity also allows integrated multi-physics, multi-scale,
probabilistic simulations to be run against the asset, either directly in the twin or through
connected simulation applications; answering ‘what if’ questions such as: If I change X how
will it impact Y?

Adoption of these elements is not necessarily linear or sequential, a twin might

possess features of higher order, more complex elements, before lower ones.

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Digital twins for the built environment – Digital twin maturity spectrum

Facilitated by sensors, connected devices and the Internet of Things

(IoT), dynamic or operational data is obtained and displayed in real
Element 3 (or near-real) time through one-directional fow from the physical to
the digital asset. This data can be analysed to inform and predict
Enrich with
real-time the behaviour of the built asset, and facilitate decision making, with
(dynamic) data the output or results fed back and updated into the organisation’s
existing systems.
This element of maturity is what many technology and service providers would identify
as the starting point of a ‘true’ digital twin, though getting to this level of maturity
requires several previous steps that are often not detailed.

Developing Element 3 requires sensors and connected devices to actively or passively

capture and collect data. This is often the frst signifcant investment.

The state and condition of the physical asset can be changed via the
twin, with output and results fed back and updated into the twin.
For example, an operator could manipulate a physical valve or activate
machinery by initiating the action from the twin. This level of integration
Element 4 requires additional sensor and mechanical augmentation of the
Two-way physical asset.
integration and
interaction This integration can also apply between the twin and other digital assets, such as
other twins or even engineering systems and applications. For example, a designer
using immersive technology modifes the design, the change is pushed to all connected
applications, including the engineering design and process simulation package. The
connected applications calculate the impact of the change and update the geometry
and data accordingly, with these updates and their impact refected live into the twin
for the designer to see.

This full integration demonstrates the two methods of interacting with digital twins;
human-to-machine and machine-to-machine.

In the future it’s not hard to imagine that the digital twin learns and
evolves as a living repository for institutional knowledge, absorbing
enough experience about the behaviour of the physical asset that it
could become completely autonomous in its operations, able to react
Element 5 to anomalies and upsets and can take the necessary corrective action
Autonomous with little or no human interaction.
operations and
maintenance Achieving this level of maturity is purely aspirational at present, with only small facets of
it for discrete situations possible now. The full ramifcations of what Element 5 maturity
means, and the quantifable benefts it will bring, are yet to be fully understood.

14
 Digital twins for the built environment – Digital twin maturity spectrum

3.1. Analytics and simulation engine 3.2. Digital ecosystem

Around the digital twin, wherever it sits on the Each digital twin will ft into an organisation’s
maturity spectrum, is a data analytics and simulation overall digital ecosystem like a node in a network,
engine. This interrogates the data to surface patterns alongside potentially many other twins for di‚erent
and relationships, and enables trainable models based assets or systems. These twins can be ‘federated’ or
on AI and ML methodologies. It also allows simulations connected via securely shared data, and will become
to be run against the asset, using any of the data an embedded part of the enterprise, as intrinsic
available across the maturity spectrum. For example, in management of the organisation as any other
simple simulations could be run using just the reality functions such as fnance or human resources.
capture data (Element 0); or multi-physics, multi-scale,
probabilistic simulations from higher-order elements. Although organisations strive to achieve the higher-
These simulations can run either directly in the twin or order Elements 3 and 4, the reality is that most are
through connected simulation applications, answering only ready for the Elements 0, 1 and 2. This shouldn’t
important ‘what if’ questions such as: If I change X be of concern, as each milestone provides signifcant
how will it impact Y? incremental value.

There are many consumers of the data within a twin, It’s also possible that higher-order elements are not
each of whom will be securely presented a diŸerent necessary to achieve the organisation’s objectives, and
view – dependent on their requirements and access a digital twin should always be created and developed
permissions – to the constellation or ecosystem of with a specifc purpose in mind.
technologies that create this truth.

15
Digital twins for the built environment – Applications in the built environment

4. Applications in
the built environment

There are numerous applications for digital twins in the built environment; however, in
this paper we focus on three key applications considered to o‚er the highest overall
beneft. These are: using digital twins for developing smart places, retroftting existing
built assets and resource management.

4.1. Smart places

Current trends of urbanisation suggest that more than 68% of the global population will live in cities by 205010.
This increasing concentration in built spaces rather than natural ones means societies need to confront specifc
challenges. These include shifting to more sustainable resource consumption (especially for food, water and
energy) and reducing the environmental degradation causing the destruction, pollution and extinction of species
and habitats from which our resources are obtained.

4.1.1 Environment 4.1.2 Security

Global awareness of the emergency Digital twins can also play a critical
described above is at the point role in making urban spaces safer by
where progressive governments enabling a multi-faceted, multi-layer
are incentivising sustainable built view of what’s happening – yet be
environment design. set up for privacy by design.

The paradigms of consumption and expansion that By focusing on delivering outcomes citizens want,
defned the age of urbanisation and industry are now they could help manage security operations,
being displaced by conservation and optimisation. improve resource allocation and inform responses to
Digital twins can help us more eÿciently manage emergencies. We could use data-sets from twins to
demand in urban places on transport infrastructure, train responders and, through drills in AR/VR-driven
pollution, growing energy consumption and other synthetic environments, improve the eÿciency of
challenges – especially as these challenges increase. any number of services, such as remote operations.
They will be able to articulate the interplay between
various systems, for instance how transport To embrace the full value of digital twins it’s
and energy are connected, providing a level of important to highlight the need for all stakeholders
understanding that allows planners, designers and to follow best practice, mitigating the chance of
operators to make wide-ranging improvements. security breaches and availability issues. Twins
should be citizen-centric, open and transparent.
As climate change leads to more extreme weather A digital-centric approach that can help shape
events, engineering can assist the natural world’s outcomes and improve resource management, albeit
ability to respond; using the twin as a data collection, in a live environment, not track who we all are or
analysis and information portal to identify our where we have been.
best options. For example, adapting landscapes
by growing trees in an upper catchment areas, or
proactively reducing demand for water to reduce
the impact of drought.

Using a digital twin as a single version of truth

could help create a more circular economy, guiding
the reuse of materials. Applied to industries like
farming, a twin could help identify patterns to
improve operations, optimise maintenance and
remotely monitor soil and crop health.

16
 Digital twins for the built environment – Applications in the built environment

4.1.3 Collaboration 4.1.5 Artifcial Intelligence (AI)

From a smart city perspective, We have the technology to create
digital twins can support the systems that monitor and represent
breaking down of institutional our patterns of consumption, to
and legal silos, unlocking task computers to learn about the
multidisciplinary collaboration. urban organism’s patterns and
preferences, and to give those computers a degree
Using twins at a large scale can allow us, in near
of control over systems where they automatically
real time, to analyse how cities are being used,
deliver desired eÿciency increases. So what’s
tracking performance to better manage and
holding us back?
operate them.

In practical terms, this could be seen in the Public confdence around controlling our cities using
coordinated maintenance of underground utilities, AI is yet to be earned. But if we consider AI being
by providing information on the impact of road applied across multiple systems including transport
closures on local transport networks, helping and power, within an environment occupied by
contractors align work schedules and keeping millions of people, it’s easy to appreciate how the
consequences of errors could be grave. Humans
citizens aware of service downtime.
still need to be able to understand why decisions
Detailed digital blueprints of our built assets, made by AI are happening when they do.
overlaid with the status of people, systems and
incidents, can enhance and support emergency AI has the potential to optimise a circular
responders by adapting infrastructure to extreme economy, where resources are not obtained,
events such as foods. They could automatically consumed and disposed of in a linear fashion,
re-direct traÿc fows, turn road tunnels into storm but cycled eÿciently.
drains, lower water pressure and supply as needed
Through such management of resources and by
and oŸer a real-time status view to residents.
showing their availability, an AI-enabled digital
twin could gradually move us away from the
concept of ownership towards shared schemes for
vehicles, space, storage, tools, clothes and more.
4.1.4 Design
Electric vehicles could be used to store energy
If the whole is to function in and feed it back into local grids as required,
an integrated way, then good with a twin working to provide assurance and
urban design cannot escape the confdence to owners that enough energy
requirement to understand legacy will still be available for their journeys.
and lateral systems. To foster good
urban design we must gather the information There are a number of existing EU-funded Horizon
required to understand legacy and new systems, 2020 projects looking at the food-water-energy
and represent that information in a way that’s nexus. These projects are creating models of
relevant and accessible to stakeholders through how this nexus operates. One such project is
open data. CRUNCH20. Using Urban Living Labs (ULL’s) that
are scattered throughout the EU and beyond; the
Contemporary built environment design should digital twins these ULL’s build will try to mimic the
refect an awareness that all the systems within fows that occur in a food-water-energy nexus.
an urbanisation are in parallel. If we take the UK
as an example, old cities like Central London and This will allow citizens and decision makers to
new towns like Milton Keynes face surprisingly ask `what if’ scenarios and track how their
similar challenges in terms of congestion and activity is impacting the consumption,
pollution. A new smart transport or supply recycling and re-use of natural resources.
system might be implemented with step-change
improvements to quality of life and sustainability,
but if no measures are taken to monitor and
integrate with the existing infrastructure, then
benefts cannot be quantifed or optimised.

17
Digital twins for the built environment – Applications in the built environment

4.2. Retroftting
Digital twins can support the retroft of existing
built assets. 4.2.3 Confdence
Another critical aspect of success is
The UK Government has committed to cutting
consumer confdence (most retrofts
carbon emissions 80% by 205012, but there are
will be around home-occupants).
currently only a limited number of buildings
Digital twins might help to reassure
compliant with the ambitious target. With 80% of
residents and landlords that the
the homes we will be living in by 2050 already built,
disruption and cost of a deep-retroft can be
the need for retroft is clear13.
managed and is worthwhile.
Whilst developing mature twins for every building
Supported by robust anonymising of personal data,
and legacy system would likely be cost-prohibitive,
twins can also enable greater understanding of
disregarding the benefts of a digital twin approach
remedial measures at a city-level, allowing local
could make the 2050 targets harder to achieve and
authorities and government to incorporate deep-
put long-term sustainability in jeopardy. The challenge,
retroft planning strategies.
therefore, is to overcome the barriers of adopting
digital twins for existing assets.

In terms of meeting carbon reduction goals, only

deep-retrofts (where an asset undergoes a single, 4.2.2 Materials
complete reft in a defned period of time) can assure
achievement of the 2050 target, because only they Material manufacturers and
can be performance tested. construction companies have been
hesitant to commit resources to
engage with deep-retroft at the
scale and with the urgency required.
4.2.1 Financing The IET white paper Scaling up Retroft 205013 cites a
number of contributing factors, including insuÿcient
Retroft must be funded. One of skills and understanding in the workforce, limited
the most successful models for technical solutions, lack of supply chain integration
funding so far has come from the and lack of facilities for pre-fabrication.
Netherlands. Energiesprong19, also
being piloted in the UK, is a fnancial A digital twin can enable the fow of information
model to borrow against later savings on energy and data, increase collaboration through the supply
bills, repairs and maintenance. chain, reducing silos and increase the understanding
of existing assets, their current performance,
If a digital twin based on collective data was limitations and opportunity for improvement.
available to better illustrate energy savings, it
would encourage lenders to oŸer potentially more Transparency about materials would make it easier
capital to owners and provide them with confdence for manufacturers to adopt better practice and
in the value of the retrofts as an ongoing asset and improve certainty in procurement, tracking of items
a saleable commodity. as they leave one owner before being picked up
by another and repurposed. Distributed ledger
technology, such as blockchain, could also assist
this, proving authenticity of components and
circular economy credentials.

A live or near real-time model of where materials

are could converge with a smart transport system
to negotiate paths to and from construction
sites. Providing a green light through-journey for
construction traÿc would minimise congestion and
air pollution, as well as delivering supplies faster
and more eÿciently. From a revenue perspective,
the city could sell “fast paths” to construction sites.

Looking beyond 2050, digital twin data on

embedded materials could allow for more sustainable
construction from materials re-claimed at demolition,
giving the data long-term purpose and value.

18
 Digital twins for the built environment – Applications in the built environment

4.3. Resource management

As the global population grows and the shift towards urbanisation continues, it becomes imperative to design
more sustainable spaces, reduce consumption of resources and minimise environmental degradation.

Once a digital twin is trusted to measure resource Using a twin to track components in a supply chain
usage, it can assist resource owners and managers in will also ensure the re-use, recycling and re-purposing
making better informed decisions. of these components at the end of (their frst) life.
This type of twin would be open to others, allowing
This could range from forecasting more accurately for eÿcient tracking of ’spares’, and creating a realistic
and eliminating waste, to proactively managing more capture of how the planet’s resources are being used.
nuanced usage thresholds such as measuring air quality,
fnding zones struggling with poor quality and knowing To better manage our existing assets, digital twins can
and controlling behaviours to change that outcome. assess value, depreciation rate and performance data,
The twin becomes the trusted data collector, providing enabling informed decisions about asset maintenance
understanding of both the current state and the and OPEX expenditure, ensuring operation is as eÿcient
required steps to improve it. as possible. While these types of decisions can be made
simply using data analytics, a 3D twin provides visual
As another example, electric vehicles could be used confrmation and spatial context, making it easier to
to store energy and feed it back into local grids as understand what, where and why work is required.
required, with a twin working to provide assurance and
confdence to owners that enough energy will still be To appreciate the rationale for embracing and
available for their journeys.. implementing digital twins, their creation must always be
associated with measurable benefts. Those benefts will
likely touch multiple parties and will facilitate sustainable
environmental, operational and economic outcomes.

19
Digital twins for the built environment – Conclusions

5. Conclusions

Ultimately, digital twins provide us with an opportunity to improve the environment

where we all live and work. Their form and formats are yet to be fully developed, but
it’s already possible to appreciate the benefts that could be realised.

Thanks to IoT and technological advancements such

as LoRaWAN and 5G, the cost of sending data and the 5.1 How do we move forward
volume that can be sent now make it economically and
with digital twins?
technically viable to create digital twins. Equally, the
increase in accessability and the reduction in the cost of Embrace the concept now:
storage and computing power allows these volumes of All new projects should adopt a
data to be economically stored and analysed. digital twin approach, and ensure
that the principles are not value-
Having complete knowledge and lifecycle understanding engineered out. For retroftting to
of our assets, including their impact on the natural fully succeed, it must also embrace the benefts
environment, and being able to visualise them with 3D a twin approach provides.
spatial context, will be priceless. Plus, by connecting
multiple digital twins together, we can create powerful Respect the journey:
perspectives that can tell us how our places, built The creation and management of a digital twin
environment and natural resources are being used and is a journey relevant to the entire project lifecycle.
operated. Feeding this information back into the design- We should focus on purpose at each stage,
build-operate lifecycle allows for the creation of more understand the benefts of each milestone and
eÿcient and better-built assets. expect value to increase along the journey.

The business case for using a digital twin approach Collaborate:

for a sustainable built environment is simple. A twin Overall success will only come through
can act as a central repository of information for collaboration between government, industry,
stakeholders who do not necessarily call an asset’s academia and society. We must all be actively
components or systems the same thing. It can involved in the conversation and push for industry
incorporate legacy system information in a form that standardisation. We should unify around common
allows its properties to be usefully amalgamated with organisations, such as CDBB in the UK, and
new system information. This creates an inherent standard defnitions and models, such as the
understanding of the way the built asset has been maturity spectrum (see page 10).
designed and constructed, the capabilities of all
components, and how its constraints interact with Regulate:
each other, the environment and society over time. Governments must take the lead and drive
national policy to create shared frameworks and
Despite this, there are barriers to implementation. ecosystems.
In the short-term, these relate to the ownership and
secure handling and management of data – especially Get out of silos:
against the backdrop of high profle data breaches. Although this paper focuses on application in the
Long-term we’ll need interoperability between digital built environment, digital twins transcend sectors.
twins, facilitated through a common language and We must learn from each other and contribute
standards and a robust governance framework. to a common good, working collectively to meet
global challenges.
With the world’s urban population forecast to grow
by more than 2.5 billion between now and 2050, the Be sustainable:
design and logistical challenge is immense. Only by Adopting a digital twin approach now will enable
embracing and maximising the use of the latest digital society to make the necessary shift to more
technologies and construction methods can we hope sustainable operations, making us better equipped
to answer it. to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs)10.

20
 Digital twins for the built environment – References and acknowledgements

6. References and
acknowledgements
1 National Infrastructure Commission, Data for the public good, 2017.
2 Centre of Digital Built Britain, The Gemini Principles, 2018.
3 MarketsandMarkets, Digital Twin Market | Industry Analysis and Market Forecast to 2025, 2019.
4 Gartner, Prepare for the Impact of Digital Twins, 2017. [Online].
Available: www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/prepare-for-the-impact-of-digital-twins;
[Accessed: 02-Sep-2019].
5 M. M. Herterich, Exploring how digitized products enable industrial service innovation, in ECIS 2016 Proceedings,
2017, vol. 10243 LNCS, pp. 1–17.
6 B. Marr, What Is Digital Twin Technology - And Why Is It So Important?, Forbes.com, March 2017.
7 M. Grieves, Digital Twin: Manufacturing Excellence through Virtual Factory Replication 2015.
8 ODI, Can data trusts increase or help data sharing? 2019. [Online].
Available: https://theodi.org/project/data-trusts. [Accessed: 09-Sep-2019].
9 Vanzi, Digital Built Australia. [Online]. Available: www.vanzi.com.au [Accessed: 16-Sep-2019].
10 UNDESA, Revision of the World Urbanization Prospect report, 2018.
11 S. Evans, Beyond buzzwords: the true meaning and value of ‘digital twins’, 2019. [Online].
Available: www.snclavalin.com/en/beyond-engineering/beyond-buzzwords-the-true-meaning-and-value-of-digital-twins
[Accessed: 02-Sep-2019].
12 BEIS (UK Government), UK becomes frst major economy to pass net zero emissions law, 2019.
13 The Institute of Engineering and Technology & Nottingham Trent University, Scaling Up Retroft 2050, 2018.
14 Techopedia, What is Fourth Normal Form (4NF)? 2016. [Online].
Available: www.techopedia.com/defnition/28325/ffth-generation-wireless-5g [Accessed: 06-Sep-2019].
15 Techopedia, What is Artifcial Intelligence (AI)? 2018.
16 BIM Initiative, BIM dictionary. 2014.
17 National Building Specifcation (NBS), What is BIM? 2018.
18 Designing Buildings Wiki, Built environment, 2018. [Online].
Available: www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Built_environment [Accessed: 05-Sep-2019].
19 Energiesprong, Energiesprong explained [Online]. Available: www.energiesprong.org
[Accessed: 16-Sep-2019].
20 CRUNCH, The Food-Water-Energy Nexus, [Online]. Available: www.fwe-nexus.eu [Accessed: 01-Oct-2019].

The IET would like to thank the following IET members and their organisations for their
time spent with the authors in the creation of this document.

Dr Graham Herries, Laing O’Rourke Claire Miller, Operam, Michael Haines and DMRC for
Neil Thompson, Atkins their contributions to the writing of this publication.
Patrick Wilson, PW Architects
Paul Surin, IBM
Ryan Tennyson, Scottish Futures Trust
Sam Murphy, Laing O’Rourke

21
Digital twins for the built environment – Glossary of terminology and terms

7. Glossary of terminology
and terms
5G: Computer-Aided Design (CAD):
Fifth generation wireless (5G) is a wireless Refers to the use of digital tools generate, modify, analyse,
networking architecture that aims to increase data or optimise an object or a space. CAD represents all pre-
communication speeds by up to three times compared BIM digital tools and their 2D/3D deliverables16.
to its predecessor, 4G. 5G is primarily designed
to enable a superior data communication rate Common Data Environment (CDE):
between wireless local area networks (WLAN)14. A single source of information which collects,
manages and disseminates relevant, approved project
Artifcial Intelligence (AI): documents for multidisciplinary teams in a managed
Artifcial intelligence is a branch of computer science process. A Common Data Environment (CDE) is typically
that aims to create intelligent machines. It has become served by a Document Management System that
an essential part of the technology industry15. facilitates the sharing of data/information among project
participants16.
Asset Management Systems:
An organisational system to manage asset data and Digital twin:
related information. An asset management system may A realistic digital representation of assets, processes
refer to a digital platform or a set of internal processes/ or systems in the built or natural environment. What
protocols16. distinguishes a digital twin from any other digital model
or replica is its connection to its physical twin2.
Building Information Modelling (BIM):
A process for creating and managing information on a Digital twin maturity spectrum:
construction project across the project lifecycle. One of An industry-agnostic spectrum, developed by Simon Evans
the key outputs of this process is the building information at Atkins. The digital twin maturity spectrum was created
model, the digital description of every aspect of the to help defne the elements and requirements of a digital
built asset. This model draws on information assembled twin and provide a framework for communicating the
collaboratively and updated at key stages of a project17. complex concept. The spectrum presents six identifable
elements that are not necessarily linear or sequential
Building Lifecycle Management (BLM): in occurrence but increase logarithmically in terms of
The adaptation of PLM-like techniques to the design, complexity and connectedness11.
construction, and management of buildings. Building
lifecycle management requires accurate and extensive Internet of Things (IoT):
BIM. Lifecycle management of the built environment Refers to the connection of devices, other than typical
requires a standardised ontology and the integration of fare such as computers and smartphones, to the Internet.
disparate competencies, technologies, and processes.
National Digital Twin (NDT):
Built Environment: For infrastructure – an ecosystem of digital twins
The term ‘built environment’ refers to aspects of connected via securely shared data – represents an
our surroundings that are built by humans, that exciting future vision for civil engineering, as we strive to
is, distinguished from the natural environment. It better serve the needs of people and businesses2.
includes not only buildings, but the human-made
spaces between buildings, such as parks, and the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM):
infrastructure that supports human activity such Refers to the handling of a good as it moves through
as transportation networks, utilities networks, the typical stages of its product life: development and
food defences and telecommunications18. introduction, growth, maturity/stability, and decline. This
handling involves both the manufacturing of the good
All forms of buildings (residential, industrial, commercial, and the marketing of it. The concept of product lifecycle
hospitals, schools), all economic infrastructure helps inform business decision-making, from pricing and
(above and below ground) and the urban space promotion to expansion or cost-cutting.
and landscape between and around buildings and
infrastructure are part of the built environment2.

22
 Digital twins for the built environment – Authors

8. Authors
Simon is Director of Digital Engineering for Atkins and the SNC-Lavalin Group, where
he’s part of the leadership team responsible for the global transformation of the +$5bn
consultancy and construction group.
He’s a recognised industry infuencer and advisor in digital engineering and technology, the
author of the digital twin maturity spectrum and has received awards for his contributions
to the engineering profession.
Simon is a technology developer and a chartered engineer (CEng), with a background
in the heavy industries. He has a passion for the transformational applications of digital
Simon Evans engineering and regularly speaks on the subject around the world.
Director,
Digital Engineering,
Atkins

Cristina Savian is the founder and managing director at BE-WISE, a consultancy frm
specialising in helping start-ups and SME to scale-up and bring new technology into the
construction market.
Cristina has over twenty years’ experience in the civil engineering and technology
industries, from design to operations and management. She’s worked on everything from
traÿc engineering schemes in UK and Italy through to covering operations during the
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as covering several global roles as
technical and commercial lead across Europe at Autodesk.
Cristina Savian
Managing Director, Cristina is an internationally renowned digital construction keynote and guest speaker who
BE-WISE holds judge and board positions on both engineering and construction panels. She also has
the honor of leading the digital twin stream on the Built Environment Panel at the IET and
led the publication of this paper.

Allan Burns is a design consultant and contractor specialising in smart and connected
technology for eÿciency and sustainability.
Allan has written for industry press on topics including business strategy and virtual reality.
He is currently providing print and interactive guidance for electricians wishing to enter the
smart-technology market.
He has more than ten years’ experience delivering renewables, smart homes and
sustainable innovation after retraining following a career in science education. The learning
Allan Burns involved in that journey was hard won and Allan is passionate about making it easier for
Director, people to pick up the tools required for sustainable innovation.
Telemental A free-thinking advocate for sustainable built environment, Allan wants all the information
we need to build a better world out of its silos and accessible to all.

Chris Cooper is the co-founder of digital innovation company KnowNow Information.

Chris is an active smart cities practitioner with experience in consulting by helping places
adopt technology and use information in a citizen-centric, secure and sustainable manner.
An advocate of mobility-as-a-service, he has a passion for new business models that deliver
real value to citizens.
Chris is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a member of the IET Built Environment Panel. He
was part of the community that created the Smart City Interoperability Framework (BSI -
Chris Cooper PAS181) and uses the Smart cities guide for developing project proposals (PAS184) in his
CEO, smart city projects with clients.
KnowNow

23
The Built Environment Panel of the Institution of
Engineering and Technology (IET), has identifed
a growing interest in digital twins: what they are
and what they can do, as well as a lack of clarity
around their benefts and opportunities in the built
environment.

The objective of this paper is to provide a

clear, consolidated explanation of the digital
twin and its applications. This is paired with an
industry-agnostic digital twin maturity spectrum
from Atkins’, which defnes the elements and
requirements of the twin and provides a framework
for communicating the complex concept.

This paper intentionally does not address some of

the more advanced questions about the technology
or international progress in adoption. Some of
these will be addressed in later works.

To see further examples of the

Built Environment Panel please
visit theiet.org/built-environment

For more information on the authors of this paper,

see page 23.

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