Developing a digital twin
Monitoring the efficiency of buildings
Experts in Construction and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University are creating virtual 3D models of buildings – known as a digital twin – and will use this to monitor air quality and energy consumption. The key aims are to ensure occupants are kept safe and to help buildings run efficiently and sustainably, whilst influencing future building design.
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a virtual replica of physical assets, systems, and processes using real-time data, simulation and artificial intelligence. This visualisation of the current state, prediction of future outcomes, and interventions allows optimised performance, maintenance and operational efficiency of a building.
Why do we need digital twin?
- Buildings consume over 30% of global energy
- They are responsible for nearly 40-50% of global CO₂ emissions
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning accounts for 40% of total building consumption
- Lack of indoor air quality monitoring can reduce building lifespan by 50%
Development for One Eastside
One Eastside is a residential skyscraper currently under construction, set to be the tallest building in Birmingham at 509ft tall. This project is developing a pilot digital twin platform tailored for Court Collaboration, designed for immediate operation at One Eastside with the potential for future scalability.
Key Impacts
Optimised energy consumption
Improved Indoor air quality
Balancing of air quality and energy consumption
Decreased Co2 Emissions
Birmingham’s tallest building will also be one of the healthiest and safest thanks to BCU
At 155 metres tall, One Eastside is set to become the highest building in Birmingham’s soaring skyline when it is completed in 2026. It will also be one of the healthiest and safest thanks to a research partnership between Birmingham City University (BCU) and specialist residential developer, Court Collaboration.
Meet the Built Environment Digital Twin Research Team
Negin Khosh Amadi
With a background in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, Negin is currently studying a Built Environment PhD at Birmingham City University.
Meet NeginDr Paige Tien
Paige is working as a research assistant on the digital twin with expertise in Architectural Environment Engineering and a PhD in Building Technology.
Meet PaigeProfessor Nick Morton
Nick is Associate Dean of Student Experience and holds a wealth of expertise in planning practice, environment, people, place and space.
Meet NickDr Saeed Talebi
Dr Saeed Talebi is Academic Lead for Teaching Excellence and the Student Experience for Built Environment, with expertise in Digital Twins to improve the design, construction, and operations of buildings and infrastructure.
Meet SaeedContact
For more information on the research project, contact Saeed Talebi (saeed.talebi@bcu.ac.uk)