Ohueri, C C; Masrom, M A N; Habil, H and Ambashe, M S (2025) IoT-based digital twin best practices for reducing operational carbon in building retrofitting: A mixed-method approach. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(3), pp. 2044-2065. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The Internet of Things-based digital twin (IoT-DT) technologies offer a transformative approach to building retrofitting for reducing operational carbon (ROC) emissions. However, a notable gap exists between the potential and adoption of the two emerging technologies, further exacerbated by the nascent state of research in this domain. This research aims to establish the best practices that innovatively strengthen the identified enablers to decisively tackle challenges, ensuring the efficient implementation of IoT-DT for ROC emissions in buildings. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a mixed-method approach. Questionnaire data from 220 multidiscipline professionals were analysed via structural equation modelling analysis, while interview data obtained from 18 stakeholders were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings were triangulated for cohesive interpretation. Findings: After the analysis of questionnaire data, a structural model was established, depicting the critical challenges (inadequate data security, limited technical expertise and scalability issues) and key enablers (robust data security measures, skill development and government incentives) of implementing IoT-DT for ROC. Sequentially, analysis of in-depth interview data revealed the IoT-based DT best practices (safeguarding data, upskilling and incentivization). Upon triangulating the questionnaire and interview findings, this study explicitly highlights the potential of the established best practices to strategically strengthen enablers, thereby mitigating challenges and ensuring the successful implementation of IoT-based DT for ROC emissions in buildings. Originality/value: This study provides practical guidance for stakeholders to effectively implement IoT-DT in ROC in buildings and contributes significantly to climate change mitigation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | digital twin; internet of things; operational carbon; retrofitting |
| Index terms: | emerging technology, best practice, internet, implementation, mitigation, questionnaire, methodology, incentivization, climate change, operational carbon, retrofitting, digital twin, interview, skills development, content analysis, structural equation modelling |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, innovation and technology management, climate science, digital engineering, financial risk, research methods, data analysis and analytics, computing systems, business, risk assessment, data collection methods, statistical analysis, personnel development, renovation and retrofit |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Procurement, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here