Dr Eleni Papadonikolaki, University College London

Dr Papadonikolaki aims to harness a ‘system-of-systems’ approach to meet a Net-Zero vision through Digital Twins. Immense data and digital twins are promising for improving sustainability and meeting Net Zero. In this this RAEng Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship project, she explores systemic challenges of integrating heterogeneous data for decarbonisation in developing micro- and megaprojects of digital twins.

In 2019, the United Kingdom (UK) became the first G7 country to legislate for Net-Zero, targeting 2050 Net-Zero carbon emissions. The Built Environment (BE) is a key contributor to emissions, as buildings and construction accounted for 39% of carbon dioxide in 2018. Digital Twins (DT) have been touted as promising solutions for assisting the UK to meet its Net-Zero targets. However, this phenomenon is complex and requires system thinking and particularly a System of Systems (SoS) approach to untangle its innate complexity.

In this project, Dr Papadonikolaki focuses on the front-end of DTs in assets to design DT system requirements for Net Zero, safeguarding people that rely on critical infrastructure to safely survive and maintain good a quality of life in a diverse society. First, the project she explored parallels between DTs in manufacturing (a mature DT-using sector) to identify best practices and challenges transferrable to the Built Environment. Second, through design science research and an SoS view to untangle stakeholder complexity, remove silos, integrate different input/data and link to the National DT, she is designing the pathway for Net Zero through DTs, creating new knowledge on how to support the Triple Bottom Line (3BL).