Integrating an Equitable Transition to Net Zero in Digital Twin Roadmaps: Strategies for the Built Environment

The main vision for an equitable transition to net zero includes promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in the development and application of digital twin (DT), as well as facilitating sustainable transitions for the built environment to reach net-zero emissions. As a result, the use of DT in the built environment has grown as countries work towards net-zero emissions. However, the integration of an equitable transition to net zero is frequently neglected, resulting in lopsided benefits and reinforced societal injustices. The aim of this study was to identify the strategies for integrating an equitable transition to net zero in built environment roadmaps using DT. This aim was achieved using a qualitative approach and by collecting and analysing data from semi-structured interviews with twenty built environment experts from different countries. Subsequently, the collected interview data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that strategies can be divided into four themes: collaboration and education, sustainable technology, data management and policy, and inclusive project management. The significance of this study is that it shows how to tackle social and environmental inequalities and achieve the net zero goals, with this work being the first of its kind to propose roadmaps that integrate DT into the broad context of equitable and net zero transition in the built environment.