Going beyond net zero: Digital twins for achieving socio-ecological sustainability in the built environment

Purpose – In this paper, we review and discuss the contemporary research on large-scale digital twins (DTs) to identify the extent of socio-ecological and systems thinking in the context of the sustainable built environment. We unpack the techno-rationalist view that relies on technology for problem-solving and argue that DTs can facilitate a more nuanced assessment of sustainability challenges, including social equity, cultural preservation and ecological resilience. Design/methodology/approach – We conducted a content analysis-based review of studies drawing from Scopus and Web of Science databases using search strings to identify studies that develop complex, socio-ecologically aligned DTs at neighborhood and city scales. We excluded studies that focused on a single building or a technology, as well as those that were situated in physical sciences, such as energy fuels, chemistry or mathematics, to understand the extents of system complexity and interdisciplinary thinking, types of integrated data, DT maturity and underlying challenges for future research directions. Findings – The findings illustrate the early stages of the DT development with respect to complex systems. Despite the relatively few studies reporting more mature and complex DT models, we illustrate how large-scale DT developments remain largely domain-specific, with projects yet to be seen as interventions within larger complex systems. Originality/value – We contribute to the understanding of applying systems thinking in the development of socio-ecological urban DTs. We identify key considerations and propose a preliminary framework for creating purpose-driven DTs, aiming to foster more impactful questions regarding their purpose and value and to support interdisciplinary dialogue.