Urban Digital Twin and Energy Modeling – Experiences and case study analyses

Authors

  • Danila Longo University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Beatrice Turillazzi University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Rossella Roversi University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Stefano Lilla University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Carlo Alberto Nucci University of Bologna (Italy)
  • Andrea Costa R2M Solution Srl (Italy)
  • Alessandro Piccinini R2M Solution Srl (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15122024

Keywords:

urban digital twin, energy transition, energy modeling, climate neutrality, decarbonisation

Abstract

The transition towards sustainable and digital cities is a complex challenge with crucial implications for citizen well-being. In this context, the concept of an Urban Digital Twin (UDT) emerges as an innovative resource, although the methodologies and technologies applied are still at an initial stage. This article explores the use of the UDT in the context of energy transition, focusing on the experience of Bologna, an Italian city committed to climate neutrality by 2030. Experimentation in specific case studies demonstrates how the UDT enables data analysis and scenario simulation to optimise energy efficiency and promote decarbonisation, facilitates data collection and integration, overcomes privacy issues, and enables multi-stakeholder governance.

 

Article info

Received: 18/03/2024; Revised: 10/04/2024; Accepted: 20/04/2024

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Author Biographies

Danila Longo, University of Bologna (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is a Full Professor of Technology for Architecture at the Department of Architecture. A representative for UNIBO in the ECTP (EU Construction Technology Platform), she deals with energy efficiency technologies, climate change mitigation and adaptation, co-design processes for the green transition of cities, and the enhancement of cultural heritage.
E-mail: danila.longo@unibo.it

Beatrice Turillazzi, University of Bologna (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is an Associate Professor of Technology for Architecture at the Department of Architecture. Her main field of research concerns building design, the building process, accessibility, healthcare facilities, BIM, digitisation of the built environment, cultural heritage and energy efficiency.
E-mail: beatrice.turillazzi@unibo.it

Rossella Roversi, University of Bologna (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is an Adjunct Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Department of Architecture. She mainly deals with urban regeneration, building redevelopment, climate change adaptation strategies, energy transition and sustainability of the built environment, digital twins at urban scale, and cultural heritage valorisation.
E-mail: rossella.roversi@unibo.it

Stefano Lilla, University of Bologna (Italy)

Electrical Engineer and PhD, he is a Researcher at the ‘Guglielmo Marconi’ Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering. His main research fields concern smart grids and the optimisation of energy communities by including renewables, storage and electric vehicles.
E-mail: stefano.lilla3@unibo.it

Carlo Alberto Nucci, University of Bologna (Italy)

Electrical Engineer, he is a Full Professor of Electrical Systems for Energy at the ‘Guglielmo Marconi’ Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering; he is a Full Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna and National Responsible for the EU Mission ‘Climate Neutral and Smart Cities’.
E-mail: carloalberto.nucci@unibo.it

Andrea Costa, R2M Solution Srl (Italy)

Construction Engineer and PhD, he is a Certified Energy Manager in energy efficiency and simulations with experience in EU and US research projects. Founder of R2M Solution Srl in Italy; he is involved in LEED projects, EU research, commissioning, energy modeling and sustainability consulting.
E-mail: andrea.costa@r2msolution.com

Alessandro Piccinini, R2M Solution Srl (Italy)

Construction Engineer specialising in building dynamics, he is an EPS PhD Candidate with a scholarship co-funded by R2M Solution SpA (Italy). He is involved in European research projects such as GEOFIT in the H2020 Programme and works on energy modeling, procedures for LEED certification and energy diagnostics. His research focuses on innovation in building renovation assessment through machine learning.
E-mail: alessandro.piccinini@r2msolution.com

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3D visualisation of the City of Limerick decarbonisation roadmap (source: r2msolution.com; +CityxChange project). AGATHÓN 15 | 2024

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Published

30-06-2024

How to Cite

Longo, D., Turillazzi, B., Roversi, R., Lilla, S., Nucci, C. A., Costa, A. and Piccinini, A. (2024) “Urban Digital Twin and Energy Modeling – Experiences and case study analyses”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 15, pp. 160–169. doi: 10.19229/2464-9309/15122024.

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