Digital Twins for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Simulating Environmental Impact on Buildings
CHRISTIANA UKAMAKA ALEKE *
Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Orhorhoro Ovie
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin, Nigeria.
Joshua Babatunde Asere
Department of Environmental Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
Enosata Anita Oriakhi
Department of Civil Engineering, Delta State University, Nigeria.
Godspower Charles Igah
Department Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Oluwafemi Emmanuel Ajibade
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin, Nigeria.
Ifeanyi Kingsley Egbuna
Department of Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and Management, Wright State University, United States.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study explores how digital twin technology is transforming building design and management amid climate change by simulating real-time environmental interactions to enhance infrastructure resilience. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, focusing on peer-reviewed studies from 2015 to 2025 that emphasize real-world applications and predictive modeling. Results indicate that digital twins can reduce energy use by up to 30%, lower operational costs by 25%, and improve climate adaptability through enhanced indoor climate control, flood risk assessment, and urban-scale planning. The study concludes that digital twins offer significant potential for sustainable development and urban resilience, though broader implementation requires addressing data integration and cybersecurity concerns.
Keywords: Digital Twin, climate resilience, infrastructure, building simulation, environmental impact, sustainability, climate change, smart buildings, energy efficiency, predictive modeling