Digital twins for lifecycle carbon management in construction: a review and data interoperability framework

Purpose This paper aims to propose a data interoperability framework involving digital twins (DT) for construction lifecycle carbon management. Technical and semantic constraints affecting the coordination across building information modelling (BIM), lifecycle assessment (LCA) and DT environments are examined. The architecture ensures information continuity across asset lifecycle. Design/methodology/approach Bibliometric mapping and a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 105 core studies outline barriers to carbon data coordination. A thematic synthesis supports an interoperability framework formulation aligned with ISO 19650 principles. Findings Identified barriers include non-standardised schemas, static emission factors and BIM-LCA interoperability gaps. The framework links DT attributes with carbon parameters via ontology-based semantic modelling. Such integration has the potential to mitigate information loss during Industry Foundation Classes transitions and support dynamic embodied carbon tracking. Research limitations/implications The system relies on literature synthesis without full-scale empirical validation. Future investigations should evaluate framework application and scalability in operational projects across diverse regulatory contexts. Practical implications Exchange points for lifecycle datasets facilitate specific workflows. Designers apply semantic mapping for material selection, contractors synchronise supply chain emissions and asset managers execute operational decarbonisation via the DT. Social implications Formalising semantic alignment improves emissions traceability and impact verification. Broader industry shifts towards net-zero policies and sustainable procurement practices represent indirect outcomes. Originality/value The research addresses embodied carbon interoperability, expanding beyond operational energy. An ISO 19650-aligned framework integrates BIM, LCA and DT environments. Formalised semantic interoperability requirements establish structured lifecycle carbon management.