Digitization of the Sustainable Built Environment: Evaluation of Methodologies and Tools for Mitigating Climate Change and Promoting a Circular Economy in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation Sector
Climate change can be considered one of the greatest threats to human existence today, as it results from a significant increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mainly driven by human activities. The architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) sector is responsible for generating a large amount of solid and liquid waste and emitting GHGs. Therefore, measures and strategies are needed to reduce these impacts, beginning with the quantification and diagnosis of the current situation, followed by an evaluation of how these strategies may contribute positively or negatively. To achieve this, robust and scientifically accepted methodologies and tools are required for assessment. Among the existing methodologies and/or tools, this study will focus on: (1) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); (2) Building Information Modeling (BIM); (3) Material Passports (MP); (4) Augmented Reality (AR); and (5) Virtual Reality (VR). This research aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) Understanding how these methodologies/tools can assist in the design and production of more sustainable buildings, with a focus on reducing GHG emissions and implementing circular economy strategies; (2) Determining the potential for integrating the studied methodologies/tools; (3) Identifying the main benefits and challenges of using these methodologies/tools for different stakeholders in the AECO sector (designers, researchers, material manufacturers, builders, public managers, etc.), considering the context of Rio de Janeiro. This research seeks to contribute to the validation and consolidation of the methodologies and tools used in the design and construction process. The findings should support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and encourage material production based on the principles of a circular economy.