The real estate industry involves large construction projects that require a wide range of resources and extensive documentation. Traditionally, real estate professionals handled these projects manually, which resulted in unsustainable development practices. Building operations account for 28% of carbon emissions.
But 3D digital twin software is changing that! And it’s making the real estate industry more sustainable than ever!
From facility management to development, asset management, and space planning, 3D digital twin software allows urban planners to build a more efficient construction plan, reduce delay, and save resources. Even sales agents can use this technology to some extent. All of these result in driving sustainability in urban development. Read more to learn what a 3D digital twin is and how to use it to achieve your sustainability goals.
What is a 3D Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object, property, or even process – a building, a construction, or even an entire real estate portfolio – all integrated into a digital environment. It uses 3D modeling, Internet of Things sensors, and real-life data analytics to simulate digital scenarios of these physical objects and understand how they would perform in real life.
Of course, the digital nature of these technologies makes up for the attempt to be more sustainable. But it’s more than that. Delloite has stated that 3D digital twin software “can slowly build to a complete view of the entire structure across its lifecycle and integrate any disparate systems to create a centralized repository for all data and decision-making.” For this reason, the ultimate goal is to optimize every aspect of the building’s lifecycle – from planning to construction and maintenance.
How to Use 3D Digital Twins to Drive Sustainability?
As of 2024, real estate development accounts for around 42% of global CO2 emissions annually. Where 28% is represented by building operations, and the rest of 14% is represented by only four building materials: cement, steel, iron, and aluminum. Even more so, to accommodate the fastest growth in human history, it’s expected to rise 241 billion m² (2.6 trillion ft²) of new floor areas worldwide. So, you can only imagine how much CO2 emissions will be emitted.
Because of this, sustainability has become a top priority for buyers, lessees, and urban planners. This is why 3D digital twin software has become such an essential part of the real estate industry.
One of the most important uses of 3D digital twins is the ability to monitor and control everything with real-time data. This way, urban planners can manage raw materials and resource usage to identify possible inefficiencies. Because let’s face it – more often than not, you end up ordering more materials than needed and throwing them away later on.
This can be done during the development process and before implementation, such as in the mapping process. The virtual nature of the 3D digital twins allows you to create a plan regarding asset and facility management that reduces your environmental footprint from the beginning.
But it’s not about tangible resources. It’s also about monitoring energy and water consumption and using 3D digital twin software to optimize a property’s environmental performance. Think about it! Urban planners can adjust lighting usage and HVAC systems based on occupancy using integrated IoT sensors and 3D modeling, increasing energy efficiency and reducing overall carbon emissions. Plus, it can be done in just one housing or entire building.
The virtual nature of 3D digital twins allows you to improve sustainable design by providing real-time data on your product’s carbon footprint. Because of this transparency, urban developers can make more informed and sustainable decisions during all stages of the building process – especially in the development phase. Using 3D digital twins has helped companies create more sustainable designs that can reduce your environmental impact by up to 40%.
Embrace Sustainability with Bright Spaces 3D Digital Twins.
Implementing eco-friendly solutions has become a top priority for all real estate companies, developers, and organizations worldwide. This is why it’s time to introduce Bright Spaces’ innovative 3D Masterplan solution that allows us to impact the environment while enhancing your business performance significantly.
The shift to digital platforms for presenting, promoting, and generating documents contributes to reduced deforestation, minimizes waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Using virtual tours to explore spaces can significantly cut down on travel, which is a major contributor to carbon footprints.
On a social level, digital tools enhance working conditions, reduce the need for manual, time-consuming tasks, and facilitate better communication within and between organizations.
Bright Spaces provides enhanced control over data and processes, leading to greater transparency within organizations.
Find out how Bright Spaces is supporting you to reach your ESG goals.
