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Page 2 of 16 Watts et al. Carbon Footprints 2025, 4, 27 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/cf.2025.20

INTRODUCTION
The construction industry plays an integral role in global society. However, despite its significance, it has
[1]
been viewed as fragmented, uncollaborative, and slow to adopt new technologies . Despite this, the
industry is viewed as one that can make a substantial positive impact on the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). These goals have been developed by the United Nations (UN) and were
launched in 2015 covering a diverse collection of targets, each with tangible metrics to aid and monitor
[2]
performance progress . Despite their global significance, achievement of the SDGs by their 2030 target date
[3]
is currently viewed as “off track” . To address this, recent research has started to consider how technology
can aid the achievement of the SDGs, with an increasing focus on the role Digital Twins (DTs) can play.
The potential of DTs however, is arguably limited without appropriate policy in place to facilitate their
growth. Despite the clear links between technology adoption and sustainable progress, there remains a gap
in existing knowledge around how policy can enhance the use of DTs. This research addresses this policy
awareness gap and aims to identify how policy can be used to support DT development, which in turn will
then help achieve the SDGs.

First, this paper introduces the size and scope of the construction industry. How the construction industry
intersects with the SDGs is then presented. Next, the UN SDGs are discussed, and their global significance
outlined and DTs are defined with their links with sustainability explored. The current policy landscape is
then analysed, focussing around where policy (or lack thereof) supports DT development. The interpretivist
methodology is then outlined and the research instrument of semi structured interviews presented, with
narrative analysis used to both structure the questions asked and assist with the thematic analysis of
interview data. Finally, the research findings are outlined and significant themes presented. This paper
concludes with original and internationally significant findings that highlight how specific policy can be
introduced to promote DT adoption which in turn can help SDG achievement. Clear recommendations are
made for industry, future research agendas, and both national and international public policy makers.

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
The construction industry can be described as the design, construction, maintenance, refurbishment, and
ultimate demolition (disposal, waste management and recycling) of built assets, infrastructure, and
engineering works. A globally significant industry, construction accounts for approximately between 5%-7%
across all countries . In the UK the construction industry is responsible for 6% of national employment ,
[4]
[5]
[6]
with similar national employment percentages experienced by the USA , Nigeria and Australia . The
[8]
[7]
economic contribution by the Australian construction industry is reported to be around 9% . In the UK
[8]
this amounts to an annual economic contribution of over £99bn . The significance of the construction
[5]
industry to global economies cannot be understated.
The industry is also arguably unique in that it operates almost wholly in the public eye. This increased
visibility results in greater industry scrutiny over its performance and indiscretions. This industry also
suffers from a negative historic image due to its high raw materials use, exploitative practices, bipartisan
[9]
approaches, unfriendly reputation, and general wasteful nature . The industry has also been highlighted as
one that has a fragmented structure, slow to adopt technology, and has generally inefficient workflows .
[1]
However, contrary to the belief of perhaps some professionals who operate within it, construction is a
multi-disciplinary collaborative environment that is dependent upon a multitude of professionals for
projects to be delivered successfully. It has long been argued that for project success to be achieved, factors
[10]
such as teamwork, relationship building, and cooperation of key stakeholders need to be considered . Such
calls for collaboration have been echoed frequently in previous decades, including notably in the
[11]
Government backed industry report “Constructing the Team” and then followed later by “Modernise or