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Table 1. Interview participants
Participant code Job role Experience (years) Organisation type
Stage 1 - SDG interviews
A Construction Manager 5 Contractor A
B Project Manager 8 Contractor A
C Project Manager 6 Contractor B
D Quantity Surveyor 5 Contractor B
E Quantity Surveyor 4 Contractor C
F Project Manager 9 Contractor D
G Construction Manager 4 Contractor D
H Architect 13 Consultant A
I Sustainability Consultant 7 Consultant B
J Sustainability Consultant 4 Consultant C
Stage 2 - digital twin interviews
K Digital Lead 10 Contractor A
L Project Manager 13 Contractor B
M Innovation Manager 20 Contractor E
N Project Manager 11 Contractor F
O Digital Consultant 4 Consultant B
P Digital Lead 9 Consultant D
Q Digital Project Manager 11 Consultant E
R Architect 7 Consultant E
S Digital Director 18 Consultant F
T Facilities Manager 15 Consultant F
Stage 3 - digital twin & sustainable development goal interviews
U Chief Technology Officer 10 Consultant F
V Facilities Manager 8 Consultant G
W Digital Manager 15 Consultant H
X Head of Sustainability 17 Consultant I
Y Sustainability Director 12 Consultant J
SDG: Sustainable development goal.

The second research stage consisted of a further ten semi-structured interviews and investigated the use of
DTs in the construction industry, their evolution, and barriers. Questions were asked such as “Can you
discuss a situation where you have felt a DT would be of benefit?” and “What do you think are the current
barriers to DTs in the construction industry?”. Analysis of the interview data from both the first and second
research stage then informed the development of the third research stage. This third stage consisted of a
further five semi-structured interviews with current professionals whose professional role includes both
sustainability and digital focused elements. Questions were asked such as “Have you witnessed any progress
in digital technology that have aided sustainability?” and “Can you think of any policy that currently
supports or hinders Digital Twin advancements?”.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Through the extensive semi-structured interviews and analysis of the data this paper identified four major
themes. These are the changing focus of the construction industry towards a sustainable focus, the
interlinkage between the SDGs and carbon footprints, how greater DT technology use serves to reduce
carbon footprints and increase SDG delivery success, and the need for both DT policy and procurement.
These findings serve to underpin the substantial changes needed across industry to ensure long term