Decision Framework for Digital Twin Buildings

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual representation of a physical asset, process, or system that enables simulation, optimisation, and real‑time monitoring. In the context of buildings, a digital twin integrates real‑time data from sensors and monitoring devices to assess operational performance and support rapid and predictive responses to changing environmental and system conditions. The effectiveness of a digital twin building depends on the purposeful selection, collection, and use of building information. To address this, this document presents a decision framework (PDF, 691KB) that provides structured guidance on what should be measured in a building, how data should be collected, and how it should be managed and utilised to meaningfully optimise performance. The framework distinguishes digital twins from design simulations and traditional building management systems by emphasising real‑time data integration while recognising that comprehensive monitoring of all building attributes is not always necessary. The scope of the framework is limited to operational building performance, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, relative humidity, lighting, acoustics, occupancy, energy efficiency, and water efficiency.

This document is intended as a living framework, to be updated annually in line with advances in research, knowledge, and technology.

 

Abstract based on original source.