Cognitive Digital Twin Framework for Life Cycle Assessment Supporting Building Sustainability

Digital Twins is crucially connected to the asset lifecycle that requires timely adaptive strategies and real-timed control of the processes implemented according to variable conditions. The multiple advantages of a digital twin are fully deployed when a cognitive concept is applied. The data gathering systems that can be implemented in the actual building can empower the awareness of the processes triggering changes in the building during the Operations and Maintenance phase and promote implementation strategies to increase the energy performance according to standards and requirements. In the research, a BIM-based process for Life Cycle Assessment and replacement of materials to decrease the environmental impact of a test building are explored with the aim to upsurge efficiency and test interoperability of the workflow. A framework to outline the structure of a cognitive digital twin to upkeep the sustainable operation of the building is presented and evaluated emphasizing the benefits and the procedures that can be activated to increase asset efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint. The goal of the proposed approach lies in the creation of a structured architecture that can sustain the building in the life cycle checking possible implementation during the maintenance through materials replacement and consequent energy performances.