Digital Twin: doubly sustainable designs and smart asset management

A living model: real-time insight for better decisions

A digital twin is more than a static 3D model. It is a dynamic, virtual replica of a building or system, continuously updated with live data from sensors and platforms. In collaboration with Builtwins, we deploy Model Predictive Control to reduce building energy consumption by up to 40%. At the same time, we make maintenance predictable and more efficient by continuously monitoring installations.

With our proprietary Twinfinity® platform, we link live data to 3D models, making asset management not only smarter but also more sustainable. For Sweco, digitalisation means working with our clients to create more efficient buildings, lower operational costs, and greener communities. As a European pioneer in digital twin technology, we bring this expertise to your projects, ensuring you are prepared for the future.

Maintenance: proactive and cost-saving

With a digital twin, we always know how HVAC systems should ideally respond to changing conditions. This enables faster anomaly detection, thus identifying faults and defects at an early stage. As a result, maintenance becomes not only proactive and targeted, but also more cost-effective and quality-driven.

Operational optimisation

Model Predictive Control (MPC) goes a step further than classical control engineering. Every 15 minutes, the algorithm runs simulations using the digital twin of the building, in which both the building envelope and technical systems are precisely modelled. MPC looks up to three days ahead and integrates weather forecasts, sensor data, and system characteristics. For example, it calculates the optimal setpoints per zone and generator, tailored to targets such as CO₂-reduction or cost optimisation. This smart control is transmitted via the building management system and BACnet/IP as a priority signal, on top of the traditional control.

Embodied carbon

Inherent in digital twin technology is the capturing of all information about the materials used in a building. It is therefore a no-brainer to map and track your project’s embodied carbon across the entire life-cycle, based on the 3D model and linked material parameters – particularly valuable for ESG and EU Taxonomy reporting. At the point of sale or end-of-life, the accumulated data enables rapid estimation of residual material value, for example according to standard condition assessments (NEN 2767).

Life-cycle value: from design to reuse

Digital twins support every phase of an asset: from design, construction, and use to renovation and repurposing. They form a central knowledge base with all insights on performance and maintenance, thereby simplifying and improving life-cycle planning.

With Digital Twin technology from Sweco:

• Reduce your energy consumption and maintenance costs.
• Improve your comfort and performance.
• Achieve your sustainability goals faster.
• Make your asset management future-proof and efficient.

Working together on a smart and future-proof project?

Whether optimising existing assets, designing new buildings, or future-proofing entire infrastructure networks, Sweco’s Digital Twin approach translates data into immediate added value. Our experts combine technical precision with practicality, so that your project is ready for tomorrow’s challenges from day one.

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