Circular Economy in the Built Environment Management Supported by Digital Twin. A Review

Managing the built environment according to the principles of the Circular Economy (CE), with the aim of limiting energy consumption and environmental pollution, is a highly topical issue. In this context, digitization can play a crucial role in promoting virtuous scenarios. However, the review of the literature reveals a distinct lack of in-depth investigation of the intersection between promotion of strategies related to the CE of the built environment using a digital approach, as Digital Twin (DT). In fact, in a sector characterized by low permeability to the introduction of new technologies, introducing digitization with the aim of greater efficiency is not easy. In recent years the DT approach has been gaining ground, namely, the development of digital copies that make it possible to investigate or simulate scenarios in real time. This brief review aims to examine the existing studies and to identify challenges and further research needs. The results will ensure a deeper understanding of the topic, facilitating its development and promoting circular building management practices.