Smart Materials and Digital Twins: Synergistic Applications for Carbon Neutrality in Urban Infrastructure
Abstract
With urban infrastructure accounting for over 40% of global lifecycle carbon emissions, carbon neutrality in this sector has become a core global climate goal. The integration of smart materials (SMs) and digital twin (DT) technology shows great potential for carbon mitigation by optimizing resource use, boosting energy efficiency and advancing circular economy, though existing research lacks systematic exploration of its full-lifecycle application for carbon neutrality. This study fills the gap by establishing a carbon-neutral oriented SM-DT integration framework: clarifying emission reduction mechanisms of typical SMs, building a DT-based carbon monitoring and optimization system, proposing targeted integration paths for key infrastructure types, verifying effects via cross-continental cases, and offering implementation strategies. It provides a carbon-centric theoretical framework and practical guidance for stakeholders.
