Review on digitalisation and life cycle assessment trends in Asia-Pacific
Review on digitalisation and life cycle assessment trends in Asia-Pacific
Digitalisation and life cycle analysis come together to drive more efficient, low‑carbon construction that is ready for the climate challenges of the future.
Digitalisation and life cycle assessment are redefining sustainable construction, especially in the Asia–Pacific region, where rapid urban growth is increasing environmental pressure. Digital tools such as BIM and digital twins are gaining prominence for their ability to improve design accuracy, reduce errors, and provide real-time data that support more informed decisions on energy, materials, and emissions. Even so, their full integration remains limited, partly due to a lack of interoperability, fragmented data, and low uptake among certain professional profiles.
The study combines a bibliometric analysis with an expert survey, revealing that, despite growing scientific interest, the practical application of methodologies such as life cycle assessment and life cycle costing is still insufficient. Many professionals acknowledge the value of these tools but face technical, economic, and organisational barriers to incorporating them into all project phases.
Integrated frameworks, specialised training, and clear policies are needed to accelerate the transition towards a truly holistic and digitalised approach to sustainability in construction.