ABOUT TC34

Background and Rationale

The built environment plays a critical role in shaping our society, economy, and natural ecosystems. As global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity intensify, there is a growing need to adopt sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure. Digital transformation offers significant opportunities to enhance sustainability in the built environment through the integration of advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and innovative design approaches.

To harness these opportunities and address the associated challenges, we propose the formation of a Technical Committee on Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Built Environment. This committee will bring together experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders to develop guidelines and best practices that effectively integrate advanced digital technologies to support the sustainable development of the built environment.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Technical Committee are as follows:

Develop Guidelines: To establish industry-wide guidelines that integrate digital technologies for enhancing sustainability in the built environment.
Promote Innovation: To encourage the adoption of innovative digital solutions that reduce the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure while improving their efficiency and resilience.
Foster Collaboration: To create a platform for collaboration among industry stakeholders, academia, government bodies, and technology providers to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.
Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): To align the committee's work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and responsible consumption and production.
Facilitate Education and Training: To develop educational resources and training programs that equip professionals with the skills and knowledge required to implement digital transformation in the built environment.

Scope of Work

The Technical Committee will focus on the following areas:

Smart Building Technologies: Development of standards for the integration of IoT, sensors, and automation systems that enhance energy efficiency, resource management, and occupant comfort.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Promotion of BIM as an enabling tool for improving sustainability across the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure, from design to deconstruction.
Digital Twin Technology: Exploration of digital twin applications in predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and lifecycle management of buildings and infrastructure.
Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence: Utilization of data analytics and AI for informed decision-making in sustainability planning, energy management, and resource optimization.
Sustainable Materials and Construction: Evaluation and standardization of digital tools that support the selection of sustainable materials and reduce construction waste.
Circular Economy Integration: Development of frameworks for implementing circular economy principles in the built environment through digital transformation.
Urban Planning and Smart Cities: Guidance on integrating digital solutions in urban planning to create sustainable, smart cities that address environmental and social challenges.

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcomes of the Technical Committee's work include:

Published guidelines for facilitating digital transformation to enhance sustainability in the built environment.
White papers and research reports on best practices and emerging trends in the field.
Workshops, seminars, and conferences to disseminate knowledge and promote collaboration.
Case studies showcasing successful digital transformation for a more sustainable built environment.
Educational resources and training programs that equip professionals with the skills and knowledge required to implement digital transformation for sustainable development.

Expected Participants

All members of ACECC will be invited to participate in the TC. Also, stakeholders from the following sectors will be invited:

• Industry Professionals: Architects, engineers, construction managers, and sustainability consultants.

• Technology Providers: Companies specializing in digital technologies, software development, and smart building solutions.

• Academia: Researchers and educators with expertise in digital transformation, sustainability, and the built environment.

• Government Agencies: Representatives from regulatory bodies, urban planning departments, and environmental agencies.

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Advocacy groups focused on sustainable development, climate action, and urban resilience.

Funding

The activities of the TC will be carried out with the funds provided by each TC member. Additionally, CICHE may be able to arrange possible partial support for major events of the TC.