Urban Digital Twins to achieve Blue Zones in a Circular Built Environment

Abstract

In our modern era, the Blue Zones concept represents regions inhabited by people with remarkable longevity, often reaching centenarian ages. In Europe, people spend 90% of their time in indoor environments. At the same time, the European Commission warns that indoor environments can be twice as unhealthy as outdoor spaces. The challenge lies in transforming buildings into metaphorical blue havens. Based on that, this perspective contemplates how the built environment can contribute to creating these desired Blue Zones, especially buildings and circular practices within the construction industry. Furthermore, it drives assumptions about Urban Digital Twins (UDTw), which target the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI). These assumptions intersect with crucial elements of circular construction within the European Union, including initiatives like the Green Deal (aiming for 55% emissions reduction) and the ambitious Renovation Wave (with plans to renovate 35 million buildings by 2030).