Application of digital twin technology for Urban Heat Island mitigation: review and conceptual framework

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate the pivotal role of Digital Twin (DT) technology in addressing the adverse impacts of Urban Heat Island (UHI) and consolidate the fragmented knowledge of DT technology in urban environments by identifying applied actions, proposing an approach and revealing challenges for tackling UHI effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review, 24 materials were retrieved from scholarly databases to provide a comprehensive understanding of DT technology and propose a conceptual framework for mitigating UHI effects.

Findings

The results revealed three major study categories within the DT and UHI domains: (1) DT-enabled actions for urban greenery optimisation, (2) DT implementation for enhancing resilience in urban planning and (3) increasing the fidelity level of DT for addressing UHI effects. Additionally, this paper introduces REFLECT, a conceptual DT-enabled framework consisting of seven layers: Retrieve, Establish, Facilitate, Lump, Examine, Cognition and Take. The framework proposes developing a systems-based model with identifiable scopes, strategies and factors through a multilayered platform, specifying model input, process and output towards mitigating UHI effects.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development by highlighting the challenges associated with DT technology in mitigating UHI. It introduces a conceptual framework to demonstrate applications and directions for developing innovative solutions to unlock the full potential of DT technology in mitigating UHI effects.

Citation

Omrany, H. and Al-Obaidi, K.M. (2024), "Application of digital twin technology for Urban Heat Island mitigation: review and conceptual framework", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-05-2024-0189