Received: 11 May 2023 | Revised: 14 July 2023 | Accepted: 25 July 2023 | Published online: 26 July 2023

Artificial Intelligence and Applications

RESEARCH ARTICLE 2023, Vol. 1(4) 214–227
DOI: 10.47852/bonviewAIA32021063

Navigating Applied Artificial

Intelligence (AI) in the Digital Era:
How Smart Buildings and Smart Cities
Become the Key to Sustainability
Bianca Weber-Lewerenz1,* and Marzia Traverso2
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering INaB, RWTH Aachen University,
Germany
2
RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Abstract: This paper aims to understand the critical path of digital transformation in construction by investigating major drivers for technical
innovation, e.g., in smart cities. Despite available new technologies, increasing societal, environmental pressure, and data complexity, the
branch lacks a will to innovate and qualified personnel. The study identifies the potential of innovation and the pillars of sustainability to define
ways to responsibly use data-driven, smart technologies in smart cities throughout their holistic life cycles. The mix of expert interview
surveys and structured literature analysis is the basis to examine the status quo and innovative approaches. It enables to critically
investigate limitations and human, societal and environmental impacts. This study’s findings offer orientation in navigating innovation
for resilient, agile ecosystems with the dynamic ability to adapt to changing environment and to grow with the change and achieving the
sustainable development goals toward preservation and upgrade of buildings instead of new construction. The key challenge for
sustainable technical innovation is to exploit human and societal potential. The study allocates the lack of research in this field and
inadequate education as most significant limitations and critically evaluates that a disruptive culture of thinking may enable the
sustainable design of smart cities. This study is unique as it develops a comprehensive, transparent Corporate Digital Responsibility
Policy Framework and provides orientation to assume ethical, societal, environmental responsibility as part of creating resilient, agile
environments.
Keywords: construction, CDR, digitization, BIM, AI, digital twins, smart cities

1. Introduction challenge by applying the qualitative method using expert interview

surveys and a structured literature analysis. For the holistic
Creating smart cities includes both new construction of approach, the study assesses major drivers for technical innovation
high-tech infrastructure and buildings and integrating intelligent and critical elements of risks and chances of designing and
building automatization systems into existing buildings according implementing new technologies in construction such as digital
to modern standards and sustainable development goals twins, artificial intelligence (AI), and Metaverse without neglecting
(SDGs) and also in line with climate and ecological strategies. its responsible use. Newly developed methodologies, e.g., deep
The author’s primary research on Corporate Digital Responsibility learning techniques (Mokayed, 2023), have led to improved
(CDR) in Construction 4.0. investigates the complexity of performance responding to users’ needs. Driving the evolution of
influencing factors on all human, societal, technological, economical, the field enabled real-life applications of AI in recent years (Liu, 2023).
and legal levels along technical feasibility which develops at high This paper aims to resolve the complexity of technological
speed. This phenomenon is new and represents a key challenge for innovation, and the key elements of a secure handling of data as
both human and digital transformation in the digital era. Based on basis for trustful innovation and a harmonious human and digital
the latest state-of-the-art methods, this study approaches such transformation. This paper addresses AEC Industry Architectural
Engineering and Construction decision-makers and data legislation
to critically reflecting sustainable data security and cybersecurity
strategy as part of sustainable smart cities. Its smart intelligent
functioning bases on sensible personal data of customers and
*Corresponding author: Bianca Weber-Lewerenz, Department of Civil
Engineering, Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering INaB, RWTH citizens. In order to fully understand the interacting key factors and
Aachen University, Germany. Email: bianca.christina@gmx.de to enable the derivation of new approaches, innovative technologies

© The Author(s) 2023. Published by BON VIEW PUBLISHING PTE. LTD. This is an open access article under the CC BY License (https://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0/).

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are examined in the study. Also, its potential and appropriate Figure 1
framework conditions are evaluated to meet the requirements of a Key approaches toward sustainable cities (Bibri, 2021)
smart building and smart city and to build socially sustainable
according to the circular building life cycle.
This study aims to answer the key question on how smart
buildings and smart cities become the key to sustainability.
It focuses on how to navigate applied AI in the digital era in
construction. The study also explores how innovative technologies
shall be embedded into designing and operating smart cities and
buildings to improve quality of life and human well-being and
achieve an overall societal responsibly shaped and economic
sustainable city. So far, this gap has not been sufficiently
researched although many approaches were made in parts of a
smart city system such as circular economy or resilience. The
study puts its focus on the existing buildings and infrastructure
that make up the majority of the built environment. Here, the
challenge lays in adapting existing structure to sustainable
standards and upgrading to intelligent smart ones, while avoiding
demolition and new construction. Navigating AI and using such
new technologies in the context of holistic life cycle sustainability
means responsibly dealing both with innovation, environment,
and natural resources. A considerable amount of work has been
devoted to assessing diverse fields of action and effectively
identifying suitable approaches. However, there is still a lack of
developed, applicable AI and an existing strong resistance and sustainably – guided by human and ethical values. Existing
unwillingness of the majority of companies in construction to studies and scientific literature do not reflect the urgent need to
define their corporate digital strategy. This is a behavior guarantee the narrow interfaces of multiple involved disciplines
typical for the branch and represents the strongest barrier in such as Engineering, Technology Ethics, Philosophy, and
combination with lack of knowledge and lack of orientation. Information Technology. Profound holistic analysis of the pillars
As part of a larger research, such existing gaps have been of sustainability of innovative technology in construction is still
analyzed and led to the policy framework of CDR in missing and, thus, lays new grounds for this research focusing on
construction. An excerpt of the gaps in the context of smart the existing gaps. Thus, filling in this scientific niche not only
cities and smart buildings allows sufficient assessment of needs broadens knowledge but adds value to the scientific community.
and potential to draw new conclusions and answer the key This study investigates the experiences from user practice and
question as basis for future research. highlights how new intelligent technology and flexible, agile
This paper recognizes diverse multidisciplinary fields of methods – the ones that are continuously fed with most up-to-
sustainable growth of smart cities by analyzing its limitations date data and trained with customer data toward increasing
and human, societal and environmental impacts. Innovative construction management efficiency – such as digital twins, AI,
approaches were found in the fields of smart building and smart artificial intelligence of things (AIoT), cloud computing,
Cities in order to capture the key toward sustainability in the blockchain technology (Arangiaro et al., 2022), and Metaverse,
digital age (Figure 1). This paper is one of the resulting fields of which comprises digital technologies for learners to interact
interest of this primary research, summarized in one chapter of the with other users with avatars in virtual environments, enable
author’s recently published book (Weber-Lewerenz, 2022) and multisensory interactions with digital objects and people such as
was specifically selected to transfer new knowledge, share with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) (Bibri, 2022;
the scientific community, and make new findings accessible Bibri & Allam, 2022). Such technologies offer new potential to
beyond discipline boundaries. The herein described methodological increase efficiency, safety, and sustainability without neglecting
approach belongs to the larger research with focus on CDR in ethical and environmental issues.
construction. The selected method and the survey questionnaire The building sector causes almost 40% of global CO2–
had no focus on the specific field of smart cities and smart emissions (Costa & Ribeiro, 2020) and is therefore key to
buildings. All the more surprising were the interviewees’ outlook achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Existing buildings represent
and first experiences on smart construction, potential, needs, and a larger share of buildings compared to new construction of
risks of new technologies as part of shaping smart cities, shared in buildings – a fact leading to high responsibility to integrate,
the interviews. These compact additional data were documented, upgrade, and operate them as per smart cities standards (Sodiq
assessed, evaluated, and interpreted separately. As this so-called et al., 2019). Innovative building technologies in existing
“side” field with its new findings revealed as enriching the buildings support independent monitoring, control, analysis, and
scientific community, the authors decided to dedicate this paper to optimization of energy consumption throughout holistic life cycles
the topic. of buildings and infrastructures of smart cities, reducing CO2, and
Smart, intelligent communication and building operation minimizing the use of resources. Innovative technologies catalyze
has gained strength inspired by the Industry 4.0 environment. shaping resilient, agile ecosystems as part of the digital age
However, the fragmented and traditionally conservative construction (Mourtzis, 2021).
industry faces complex issues and the pressure on this branch grows These technologies are powerful tools for integrating existing
steadily to find new ways of coping with the responsibility to reduce buildings and upgrading them to smart cities standards because
CO2–emissions, achieve SDGs, and shape circular economy they enable smart networking between new and existing

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buildings, infrastructure, and facilities by applying digital planning, Mammoth tasks lie ahead in the construction sector. High-
constructing, and the overall holistically safe and economical tech-aligned smart cities pose multi-objective problems. Smart
operation. Digital twins offer new technical possibilities for design, smart construction, and smart operation (BMWI, 2021)
significantly more efficient life cycles, for reducing operating increasingly come into focus in construction. The smart cities’
costs, minimizing natural resources, and reducing waste so as to development not only refers to new construction, furthermore it
reach sustainability goals. This study refers to practical use cases includes the integration of existing buildings, mobility, and a
based on expert interviews from a larger research project (Weber- city’s infrastructure. Approaching smart cities modeling including
Lewerenz, 2021a). The study additionally analyzed the state of the preservation of monuments requires new integrative
scientific research on sustainable smart cities in general and, thus, options. Green energy technologies are examples of how existing
found the significantly increasing research in this field (Figure 2, buildings can be upgraded to modern smart city standards
Janik et al., 2020). In terms of a bibliometric analysis, the study (Winkowska et al., 2019).
identified the fields “sustainability,” “sustainable development,” The study is based on the experts’ most recent information and
“smart city,” “internet of things,” and “urban sustainability” with tendencies. It leads to new findings in applying new intelligent
named innovative technologies as most critical key of success of techniques for integrating existing buildings in smart cities.
sustainability in smart cities. It assessed holistically new ways to Urban requirements and services belong to the societal and
responsibly use data-driven, smart technologies. ethical responsibilities in the frame of the UN sustainability
Traditional cities are high consumers of non-renewable energy development goals. This study addresses science and education,
resources, poor management, and pollution control. Achieving decision-makers, designers, and specialist planners, as innovative
economic and environmental sustainability as cities grow requires fields of application are defined in the planning of the smart
people to cope with multiple technical, social, societal, economic, cities of tomorrow, which are responsible for livable cities for
and organizational both pressures and principles forming an today’s and tomorrow’s society. The main goal of the larger
ethical framework for orientation (Figure 3). Figure 3 visualizes research project lays in the identification of the pillars of
the complexity of the key factors of socially sustainable sustainability, not limited to digital transformation: society,
development, their interdependencies, their interplay, ethical environment, and economy. The study equally considers urban
principles, and goals of sustainable cities. Figure 3 visualizes the mobility using aspects of social science to address the complex
complexity of the key factors of socially sustainable development, legal issues in decision-making for humane, safe and resilient
their interdependencies, their interplay, ethical principles, and cities and societies. Digital twins are recognized as the most
goals of sustainable cities. Sustainable cities and communities comprehensive and holistic method for recognizing these
belong to SDG #11. Eight further SDGs represent essential pillars complex, interdisciplinary aspects.
for achieving sustainability of smart cities, SDG #11: affordable Because a city gets its face and identity through its buildings.
and clean energy (SDG #7), decent work and economic growth They offer living and working space and create added value. The
(SDG #8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG #9), feeling of well-being depends on a safe design. The integration of
reduced inequalities (SDG #10), responsible consumption and the building stock is part of the value-added chain, in which
production (SDG #12), climate action (SDG #13), and life on land history meets modernity connected with each other and thus
(SDG #15), for example, climate action delivers resilience to values can be preserved. Preserving existing buildings avoids new
sustainable cities and communities, and neutral cities mean construction and thus significantly reduces CO2. To reduce the
assuming responsibility for climate action. branch’s CO2–emissions in Germany to zero by 2045, the goal is
to halve the amount by 2030 (International Energy Agency,
2021). The expectation on smart cities’ emissions are high: a
Figure 2 reduction by a minimum of two-thirds by 2035 and to reach 90%
Scientific landscape of smart sustainable cities (Janik et al., 2020) by 2050 (Razmjoo et al., 2021). However, only by fully using the
potential of digital solutions this aim can be achieved. The
significance consists in that such smart city infrastructure
technologies aim both for improved productivity and efficiency
but especially for increased resilience to adapt to social changes.
In view of the diverse challenges in dealing with climate change
caused by natural disasters, it is clear that cities and buildings will
have to be planned and built even more “with nature” in the
future. As current examples show (e.g., entire cities wiped out by
floods, such as Ahrweiler Germany 2021), the reduction of
surface sealing, intelligent wastewater management, and warning
systems are particularly important when planning smart cities.
These measures with smart technologies recognize global climatic
changes and ensure flood protection, stability and safety of
tunnels, bridges, and dams. The adaptation goes far beyond
the newly required building materials and standards that are
adapted to the requirements of climate change (e.g., acid rain, heat
periods).

2. Research Methodology and Materials

Innovation champions represent catalysts of digital
transformation as they apply innovative technologies leading to

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Figure 3
Ethical framework for sustainable cities (Pastor-Escuredo et al., 2022)

sustainable smart building and smart cities life cycles and resilient existing data set results of expert interview’s responses were
ecosystems (Goralski et al., 2019). Best practices inspire their interpreted and evaluated following the hermeneutic approach
users to shape the future innovatively. This primary study uses the (Buber & Holzmüller, 2007; Grondin, 1994; Lueger &
qualitative method with interview surveys and an extensive Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik, 1994). Those refer to the experts’ motivations,
literature review (Mayring, 2015). The proposed problem on how experiences, recommendations, and tendencies shared in the
to navigate applied AI in construction and the field research survey. In addition, such a quantitative evaluation would only
method of this study to assessing are different from existing reflect an insufficient analysis of the actual current situation, the
methods. In 2019, when this research started in civil engineering possible solution approaches, and future trends. Assessing the
for the first time, there was limited comparative research in other mutual dependencies between human and digital transformation
disciplines (Weber-Lewerenz, 2021b). This finally led to represents itself an open challenge requiring a “next generation”
determining a method beneficial for this new field of research. AI research method to access new knowledge and deepen research in
research in construction and architecture is still in its infancy, complex environment of developing AI and further digital
which is why there are very few empirical values from research methods. However, the data won during this research lead to the
and even less from application. Thus, an existing data set cannot conclusion that there is a significant gap between the development
be assessed as part of a quantitative method. Thus, due to this of new proposed AI solutions for smart construction and existing
lack of data the quantitative method cannot be applied. The methods applied in day-to-day construction practice. The

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Figure 4 The study examines the status quo, tendencies and

Structured literature analysis defines missing framework conditions for a “healthier” human–
technology interaction (Grunwald, 2010). Such interaction is the
basis for developing technologies that support humans best, are
applied responsibly, and aim to increase the share in the value chain.
Fifty expert interviews were conducted over a period from 2019
to 2021. A comprehensive literature and database research was
implemented with a structured literature analysis (Figure 4),
supplemented by interview surveys with selected interdisciplinary
experts, with a response rate of 90% (Figure 5).
The interview surveys are based on partially standardized
scientific questionnaires and field notes. In order to approach the
research gap in this primary study, open questions were considered
the most suitable approach to retrieve comprehensive, new in-depth
insights. These were gained by the interviewed experts sharing
back-ground information, developments and tendencies they foresee,
but moreover, their personal assessments. In this way, information
that has not previously been taken into account becomes apparent
and can be included in the status quo in the scientific recording. In
interviewees note the reasons for the resistance or lack of will to addition to experts from the fields of innovation, digitization,
innovate and lack of pressure to re-orient as orders still remain technology development, representatives of German and international
satisfying and missing individual corporate digital strategies Civil Engineering associations, chambers of crafts and construction
requiring adequate data infrastructure and knowhow. Furthermore, associations, and departments in ministries that were set up specifically
the study’s focus is on applied sciences and not to derive a for digital transformation, there were research and educational
theoretical model. In order to get to the bottom of the research institutions and institutes involved in ethics and AI. The empirical
question and the associated challenges holistically, a mixed values and observations and the lack of framework conditions
methods approach to be used has emerged as the most suitable. contributed to the systematic generation of data. The experts’ motives
Such method is the most effective one when the objective of for action, the needs they define, and critical reflections helped to
the research is to define gaps in the body of knowledge and develop constructive solution approaches. Literature sources that deal
identify future research trends (McGowan & Sampson, 2005). with similar research questions in other disciplines proved to be
Expert interview surveys with partially open questions, direct particularly informative for the construction industry (Ågerfalk
observations in combination with a literature analysis and Internet et al., 2022; Emaminejad & Akhavian, 2022; Wang & Guo, 2022).
and database research have been performed. The literature review This study aims to anchor the construction industry in the global
helped to summarize existing research in closely related fields of interdisciplinary scientific discourse.
interest and providing a conceptual framework that facilitates The Internet research for the combined search terms construction,
direct future work toward deepening research (Torraco, 2016). AI, digital transformation and ethics on the platforms ResearchGate,
Having increasing access to continuously increasing available Web of Science, and Google only revealed the publications by the
quantity of experience and data sets from 2021 to date enables author, who is specifically dedicated to this interdisciplinary
quantitative studies and case studies as part of the state-of-the-art interface research. Other sources of literature either focus only on a
(Abdirad & Mathur, 2021; Belle, 2023; Prabhakar et al., 2023). certain specific area or are unrelated to the subject. Therefore, the

Figure 5
Qualitative method at a glance

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scientific community’s own publications offer important access conclusion that, in order not to lose sight of the diverse impacts
to further research. Thus, references to previous peer-reviewed caused by digitization and AI, interdisciplinary processing is
publications by the first author not only offer a possibility for a crucial for success and to pursue the questions that make up this
basic understanding of the newly discovered research object but new scientific niche. AI and urban information modeling (UIM)
also reflect the state of research to date (state of the art). They (Stanford University, 2016) represent technologies with significant
allow the research question to be embedded in the national and productive and economic benefits and methods to increase the
international research. As a result, the first author’s publications are share of the value chain. Linking UIM with Building Information
cited increasingly among the international scientific community Modelling (BIM) data leads to a framework that allows many
highlighting the efforts in leading this field of research (Bednárová urban data streams to be brought together. Such framework
& Serpeninova, 2023). significantly expands the idea of BIM extensively expanded to
Highly beneficial for gaining knowledge were the interview urban scale, toward comprehensive information modeling of urban
surveys. Research on the practical basis of large companies functioning, technical relationships that make up smart city living
and Small and Medium Size Entities (SMEs) led to the finding and environmental protection. For decision-makers, such a model
that AI is still in its very early researching and implementation offers the opportunity to better understand the impact of decisions
phase. Tendencies and the interviewed experts’ individual and changes based on visual simulations. On the execution and
evaluations make up a large part of the answers. Expert interview user side of the interviewees, such extended approaches of BIM
surveys were designed and conducted to gain more information offer the possibility of integrating engineering tools to improve
on implementation projects of digitization and AI in companies in planning and proactive measures in the maintenance of smart cities.
the construction industry. For the selection of the interviewed As the habits of citizens, ways to gain renewable energy, sensor-
experts, the design of the interview survey, and questions with networked city districts and multimodal transport marketplaces,
categorization, the main research question was largely guided by change constantly toward an ecosystem using secure digital
the previously determined research objective in the new research identities to enable citizens register with smartphones for services,
field: Where shall CDR be allocated and how shall the adequate car sharing or online shopping; further research about blockchains
ethical framework be shaped to support digital innovations and is highly recommended. To the interviewees, the biggest challenge
fully exploit the potential of digitization and AI? lays in the increasing complexity of data networking and
communication, as well as the capacity of technical development
3. Results and multiple fields of legal issues, for example, referring to the
protection and security of data protection and on how to adapt
As already mentioned in the introduction section, lack of standards and norms. Innovative new business models and
orientation, knowledge, and openness to innovation define new channels represent options to exploit new potential responsibly.
strategies to responsibly use AI and digital methods for designing The following samples briefly describe the interviewees’
and operating intelligent, smart cities and buildings. This section motivations, practical experiences, observed tendencies, and
summarizes the data won by the literature and Internet database recommendations and their suggested approaches for concrete
research, by the experts’ experiences shared in the interviews and improvements. In line with most recent political calls for action,
by the ongoing public discussion in the field of research. The innovative technologies and their potential to tackle long
herein suggested framework bases on a disruptive culture of overdue fields of inefficient processes and the long-overseen
thinking leading to a digital revolution in the construction branch, potential of smart construction, as well as the pillars of the
discussed in this section. Some innovation examples serve as responsible handling – part of the larger research on CDR in
practical examples to demonstrate the innovation champions or construction – are presented.
best practices’ role model function to inspire other companies.
The study aims for the full understanding of its attached framework 3.2. Practical application: Innovation champions
conditions, existing or newly required regulations or guidelines, demonstrate on how to integrate existing buildings,
achieved European and global AI strategies’ milestones. Thus, it circular and resilient cities
introduces new innovations by presenting the complexity of data
networking, communication, as well as the capacity of technical AI-based technologies that complement digital twins enable, for
development and multiple fields of legal issues in which such example, automated compliance checking (Amor & Dimyadi, 2021):
new technologies and ways to apply are embedded to derive adherence to contracts, compliance with legal and operational
responsible handling with the example of smart cities. requirements, BIM supported compliance management for
building permits, automated checking procedures for sustainability
3.1. Digital revolution in construction compliance (to assess sustainability-related standards by help of
BIM conformity checks, proof of concept) (Kasim et al., 2013),
Digital twins and AI applications implemented in practice compliance with public concerns (environmental aspects),
contribute to an eye opening effect. The interviewees consider building regulations, completeness of documents required for the
these as signposts for the digital transformation in construction construction project, and building material conformity tests.
and the sustainable design of environment and society, living and Digital twins recognize such compliance requirements by virtually
urban environments. It is these values of practical experience that adoption into existing environment. Improvements can be
build the trust of the citizens, Building and infrastructure users conducted in real-time simulation. Multiple disciplines involved
and operators. To the interviewees expertise, there is a high independent of their location can contribute to their expertise in
potential in responsibly applying AI to create more transparency real time. Agile, interdisciplinary, inclusive, and intercultural
and economic and environmental benefits and maintain societal collaboration environments are enabled by digital twins. Digital
human values and rights in designing a sustainable urban space in twins structure increasingly complex data and shape transparent
harmony with people and society. The evaluation of the expert and efficient decision-making processes. All operational and
interview survey and further research analysis lead to the structural data throughout a building’s life cycle are collected and

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stored by BIM. Efficient, economic, and secure operation and for responsible development of smart cities recognizing ethical values.
maintenance of existing buildings can be significantly improved by Embedding ethical responsibility strengthens the trust of citizens but
implementing smart technologies. Digital twins combined with AI- also of building designers, users, and operators. Trustworthy AI with
based systems automatically adopt the behavior of a building and a regulatory framework enhances both innovation and responsible
offer decision-making forecasts for smart city strategies. Three development and use of AI in the sense of the common good. Such
main goals are under focus: circular economy and transforming guidelines mean milestones of digital and AI strategies in Europe
resilient cities (Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and (Figure 6) and globally.
Homeland, 2021). The circular cities declaration (European Union, The modeling of city data offers a crucial basis for optimizing
2021) is an agreement to achieve sustainable digital transformation and following economic, ecological, and social criteria. It enables
in municipalities. To achieve the European Green Deal step-by- automized code review processes: building regulations and
step, it is important to understand that smart networking and urban planning data, which are digitally modeled, can be retrieved
intelligent operation catalyze new urban infrastructure. Urban from municipalities. By using the information collected,
circular economy not only may lead to climate neutrality but a digital building model can be automatically checked. But the
especially requires the overall re-thinking of urban design and the management of geographic information is not supported or
change of the citizens’ behavior. This idea rests on decoupling the allowed by BIM tools. Thus, the coupling between and geographic
use of resources from economic monetary focus. It aims to information system (GIS) is necessary (Altıntaş & Ilal, 2021).
maintain value and utility of products, materials, and nutrients on a Geometric and semantic data can be stored using a proof-of-
long-term basis. By minimizing the consumption of new material concept GIS application. Using such a model for automated code
resources and routinizing circular waste management, the value review demonstrates how GIS data complement BIM data to
chain can be enlarged significantly: in cities more than 75% of achieve an even more holistic digital twin.
natural resource are used and cities in the European Union (EU) are One aspect that is rarely considered is how to deal with listed
responsible for 50% of global waste. Signatory cities like Aachen, and historical buildings. The preservation of monuments requires
Germany, are committed to transforming toward a circular new ways to achieve smart building standards. Digital methods
economy as outlined by the UN’s Agenda 2030 and Climate and AI support the visual simulation of damaged parts, e.g., of
Strategy 2030. Marzia Traverso, Head of the Institute of historic buildings as part of smart cities. The application of modern
Sustainability in Civil Engineering (INaB) and Kathrin Greiff, Head technologies leads to creating digital twins to be able to connect the
of the Department of Anthropogenic Material Cycles (ANTS), both designated to-be-modernized buildings with its surrounding smart
at RWTH Aachen University in Germany contribute their multiple environment. Such technical applications facilitate measurement
expertise and support the Center for Circular Economy to shape a work and reconstruction, as well as cuts of building components,
circular city of Aachen, fully committed to plan a more resilient tailored fitting with re-manufactured components and forecast
urban future. Against this background, the Governing Smart Cities modeling as a basis for planning and controlling investments.
Report (Merritt et al., 2021) critically investigates policy benchmarks VR and AR enable virtual “walk throughs” in historic buildings.

Figure 6
Milestones of the European and global AI strategy

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VR glasses support digital online site visits and provide renovation connections, helps to avoid human error, offers end-to-end
simulations as well as fire protection concepts and new acoustic. transparency of the cost impact of plan changes through virtual
BIM has become an indispensable method. Increasing technical modeling of all factors, simulates the value proposition, and offers
feasibility means societal, human responsibility. With 40% of the participation through traceability of the construction implementation.
total primary energy consumption and a third of total greenhouse Those involved in the construction project can access and
gas emissions, there is high pressure on the construction branch. communicate with one another any time, from any location, on a
However, the majority of existing buildings do not comply with uniform platform – worldwide, which saves additional time and
green design, low carbon emissions, and environmental standards money. Cross-trade and interdisciplinary collaboration is ensured,
to reach sustainability. The network researching cultural heritage and overlaps can be identified more quickly; changes to plans and
includes diverse expertise leading to the development and test of designs can be made immediately in an integrated environment.
new technologies as to improve conservation of cultural assets Such a virtual world, combined with the feeling of exchanging and
and restoration. Furthermore, it intensifies exchange of knowledge interacting with one another and data in a digital environment and
between practice and research. It may also strengthen the physically present (presence), is particularly worthy of protection. In
importance of cultural heritage in the public consciousness. addition, the participants have the persistent ability to actively
Assuming social responsibility – beyond digital era – means to engage in virtual environments over a longer period of time, to
understand that cultural heritage is not a renewable resource and make progress, and to continuously build new relationships
therefore needs to be consciously preserved. Three selected best (persistence). The participant is completely immersed in this virtual
practices, outlined below, serve as role models. world, which feels more and more believable (immersion) and is
increasingly removed from the real world.
3.2.1. Innovation examples: Metaverse City and VR to The participants of the 3rd Symposium Future of
plan buildings and cities Construction 2022 emphasized that “sustainability and a
Digital twins and VR consistently drive positive empirical successful digital transformation in Construction can only
values for the planning of monuments giving full access to the succeed through human-centered work, close interface work
client, customers, and all project participants in real-time with integral teams – away from “silo thinking”. This requires
performance. The customer is able to establish an emotional a fundamental rethinking of the AEC Industry, innovative ways
bond with the project by walking through buildings and city and the exchange between research and user practice”
districts. Involved in most of the stages of a project from the (Universität Stuttgart, 2022). AI, VR, and Metaverse support
very beginning, all phases are transparent and trust-building. human work with increasingly sophisticated technology and
This method increases trust into high quality, efficient simulate the planned project in design and application of all
performance of the project. The visibility on a uniform technical interfaces. It not only allows to reduce resources and
communication and data platform clarifies the impacts of operator costs, keep in time, maintain high quality, and improve
customer changes from the earliest project phase onwards on efficiency but also offers consistent data structuring without data
cost and timeline. Hereby, overall cost transparency but also loss and a visualized representation of scenarios (Ernstsen et al.;
real-time controlling is ensured. 2021). Smart city citizens are connected to smart urban ecosystems
Metaverse and other AI methods catalyze efficient and in many ways, e.g., through the use of smartphones and mobile
productive project processes but require data security and new devices, cars and apartments are networked in terms of data
knowledge. Metaverse expands its influence in multiple industries technology. Coupling devices and data with a city’s physical
and offers ways to fully exploit the potential in AEC Industry infrastructure and services can reduce costs and improve
toward sustainable innovation. Metaverse models take digital and sustainability. For safe data application in a Metaverse system is
virtual planning, design, and operation to the next level. It important to protect such extremely sensitive data.
increases efficient interaction between all project participants.
Such technology increases transparency by visualizing circular
economy, urban services, and people-centric innovations in the 3.2.2. Innovation examples: New smart building solutions by
form of a parallel virtual world. Metaverse simulates energy and BOSCH to operate existing buildings (Bosch, 2021)
water optimization, infrastructure operations, and technical “Bosch Energy and Building Solutions” represents smart
interaction, with a particular focus on achieving sustainability. intelligent building operation providing more safety and human
Metaverse represents the digital extension of the smart city well-being. But how can existing buildings get upgraded to
ecosystem recognizing environmental, economic, and social smart cities standards? The study identifies new approaches to
sustainability of the urban resources (Allam et al., 2022). designing future urban environments applying AI technologies.
The construction industry is increasingly investing in the use of They enable intelligent technical building equipment with real-
innovative technologies such as digital twins and AI-supported time monitoring, regulating, analysis, and optimization of energy
workflows. Metaverse belongs to the next generation: a digital requirements to reduce consumption toward self-thinking, self-
platform that is immersive, navigable in a 2D- or 3D-landscape regulating buildings. Such technical feasibility ensures new
and enables shared social interaction. Many current Metaverse building and human interaction, e.g., by remote maintenance,
applications rely on blockchain technology and the Web3 minimizing human errors by structured data, routinizing, and
infrastructure built on top of the blockchain. Metaverse provides standardizing processes. This study considers knowledge
a network of interconnected virtual worlds characterized by networking and across all digital borders as success-critical
presence, persistence, immersion, and interoperability. Such factors. Furthermore, lean construction, responsibly dealing with
virtual environments are used for the planning and visualization of natural resources and using innovative technologies to improve
buildings in real time and before the actual construction work. construction cost-efficiencies and productivity, is the most
The technology implements construction planning standards, critical key elements. The value chain can only be expanded
simplifies the understanding of space and size, facilitates planning with a holistically thought-out concept that includes all cycles
decisions for customers and clients, enables better identification of and sustainability factors.

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4. Discussion concept considers waste as food and uses renewable energies.

Digital twins automatically generate real-time visualized types and
Though substantial sustainability improvements can be quantities of materials; data are stored and can be retrieved for
achieved by responsibly using innovative technologies, and the reusing the recycled material. Cradle-to-Cradle is based on the
fields of application are diverse, the view and motivation to idea of building according to the material life cycle and should
succeed need shifting focus on equivalent measures to ensure the therefore be made a contractually binding obligation. Urban
supportive framework conditions. The dialogue with experts from design should aim to drastically reduce using mineral raw
this study encouraged full consideration of issues of sustainability materials both during construction and operation of buildings.
on the legal, political, economic, corporate, societal, human level, Using resource-saving lightweight construction and using
which builds the core of this research. Obviously, these aspects do reusable, recyclable building materials offer concrete practical
not neglect recognizing the unintended effects, the “dark” side, approaches.
that such digital and human transformation have. The above-
mentioned perspectives are assessed in the following subsections 4.2. The dark side of digitization and AI
resulting in the evaluation of limitations and a basis to offer
recommendations for future in-depth research. In this section, the Will Construction Industry 4.0 create new raw material
authors focus on some selected discussion points. requirements (Pilgrim, 2017)? Digitization and AI have social and
ecological impacts on the raw materials sector. Economic growth
4.1. Innovation is driven by educational and legal is difficult to decouple from resource consumption. Resource
framework consumption already exceeds the limits of our planet. Innovative
technologies catalyze the decrease of resources and raw materials
Education and legislation have been selected as – both used. Four times the current lithium production, three times
highlighted in the interviews, the public debates, and the literature increase in heavy rare earths, and a one and a half times increase
research – they appeared as key drivers of innovation and the in light rare earths and tantalum are expected. Due to the
most success critical pillars of urban sustainability. increased use of electronics, the global demand for copper will
Education. AI and digital methods set new milestones grow between 231% and 341% by 2050 (Elshkaki et al., 2016).
requiring new knowledge and the adaption of education as part of According to the DERA study, in 2035 up to 34% of the global
the compass for “Building Forward Better” and to transforming indium production may be used exclusively to produce displays
the attractiveness of the construction branch by diverse, inclusive, (Deutsche Rohstoffagentur, 2016).
agile, and resilient working environments. BuildingSMART Digitization and AI require new machines (robots, automation
Germany designed a program to certify BIM professionals technology), higher data speeds (fiber-optic cables, routers, high-
(buildingSMART, 2021). It ensures global quality standards for performance microchips, sensors, data transfer infrastructure), and
BIM qualification. To strengthen education, adjustment of data storage with larger volumes, i.e., significantly higher data
teacher’s qualification and curricula are mandatory. Professorship capacity (data clouds, IoT, AIoT), to achieve real-time
advertisements request qualifications in digital urban designing transmission with error-free network communication. These must
and planning, such as smart cities. They also call for an be newly produced and – due to the high heat production during
understanding of societal needs, climate engineering, and educate operation – computers and storage continuously cooled and rooms
sustainable building life cycle – based on BIM. Resource air-conditioned. The entire infrastructure requires expansion;
conservation also requires energy consulting by qualified energy dismantling and recycling must be recognized in the planning
efficiency experts. Transformation of smart design and operation phase (overall life cycle). Damaging health effects created by
lead to revised municipal organizational structures adding new continuous radiation during the operation of these innovative
departments like Digital Technology Departments and Boards technologies has not yet been adequately researched: fully
for Smart Cities. Among the international pioneer cities are functioning smart cities require uninterrupted, intelligent
Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, and Singapore. networking of buildings, e-mobility, smartphones, etc. with data
Critically questioning the new urban agenda also means searching clouds, IoT, and the expansion of multiple base stations. This
for the definition of a sustainable building life cycle management only works with a high and uninterruptible power supply and the
(Council of the European Union, 2016; United Nations, 2016)? acceptance of the additional energy consumption, the high
Two key challenges consist in developing livable cities and intensity of electromagnetic radiation (networking among the
empowering designers and operators of the urban environment devices, radio), and CO2-production. The end-to-end full
(Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research in the automation of buildings requires hardware such as machines and
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning, 2017). sensors, thus an increasing production of the necessary inventory
Legal regulation. To facilitate the transformation of existing materials and with the corresponding consumption of resources.
into smart cities, the EU aims to support adequately by its The fifth generation of mobile data transmission (5G) requires
previously compiled regulations. A smart building’s technical broadband expansion using fast fiber optic networks. 5G
performance can be monitored and regulated via IoT technology combines the previous mobile communications standards, Wi-Fi,
aiming to increase energy efficiency. Smart methods minimize satellite, and landline networks into a holistic communication
time-consuming processes. They are also able to store a building’s network (Höfer et al., 2020). It leads to the conclusion that
energy performance on cloud platforms. These lay grounds for digitization may become an energy guzzler, because in 2025 data
drawing conclusions and applying adequate measures. Such cloud centers will account for around 4–11% of global energy
interface significantly contributes to improving the certification of consumption; at the same time, high energy saving and waste heat
existing buildings in terms of energy efficiency. utilization potentials are forecast.
Building sustainability requires knowledge of how Cradle-to- The digital value chain is being taken ad absurdum. Where is the
Cradle works: it makes full use of the environment, recycling, and economic benefit? How do we want to reduce our ecological
re-use instead of reducing severe impacts. Figuratively, this footprint and operate sustainably if we are increasingly consuming

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raw materials, accepting inhumane mining work, abuse of people, technologies itself, lack of legal protection, and deriving aspects for
and the environment and long-term damage to health in order to further research. The study also suggests deepening the analysis of
develop and use even better, even more economical, and even the severe impacts of AI on human and society. The increased
more innovative technologies (Rüttinger, 2016)? The danger not technical feasibility leads to assuming more social responsibility but
only lies within the consumption of resources but also in the also the need to shape an applicable legal framework to ensure data
increasingly complex risk areas of data misuse: where there is a sovereignty. What makes a construction site unique is the quantity
lot of data available and openly accessible, the protection and and complexity of data, its copyrights, and further transfer speaking
security of data transfers and access is one of the success of the complex data interfaces and maintenance and archiving of
criteria for sustainability. For the most part, municipalities are data. Compliance with the general regulations for data protection is
administratively unable to handle approval processes digitally hardly controlled and even less prosecuted. To ensure copyrights
(Fiedler, 2022). Declarations of intent by the German government and data sovereignty, it is crucial to determine: Who controls and
on digitization do not correspond to the current situation and the prosecutes how personal data are dealt with who has the appropriate
practice of public administration. In addition, cities, municipalities, earmarked usage rights for access building data? Who controls data
and states invest in grid expansion, acquisition of digital media and clouds and protects their data? Who checks the declarations of
competent experts who can operate them. It also requires consent before communicating data? How are such processes and
modernization and maintenance of the school and kindergarten data safety maintained outside of companies, like at home office?
facilities and new teaching materials as modernization of care Smart cities’ citizens data get part of intelligent urban ecosystems in
facilities, conservation and maintenance of buildings worthy of multiple complex ways since smartphones, mobile devices,
protection lag far behind. connected cars, and apartments smart home systems belong to the
To shape this transformation sustainably and take the next steps overall smart city concept. Coupling devices and data with a city’s
responsibly, the design of the digital transformation must recognize physical infrastructure and services can reduce costs and improve
where innovative technologies make sense, where to preserve sustainability. Thus, the protection of such sensitive data is crucial
resources, to allocate where new technologies support people in and represents a significant limitation of innovation if mislead,
their work and make processes more efficient, and to promote misused, or lacking protection. A legal framework in the
social awareness of values. It requires a clear definition where construction branch catalyzes both innovation and sustainability.
innovative technology is just an empty promise, a concealment of Figure 7 underlines such findings and visualizes the diverse
major security risks or even exploitation. There is a strong danger interdependencies of data networks, new technologies with both its
of becoming part of so-called greenwashing, i.e., propagating new potential and current fields of application, and the main goals
superficial advantages and high benefits, which, however, come at to enlarge the overall value chain.
the expense of violations of human, personal and data rights, Digital self-determination is more and more considered as the
environmental exploitation, and resource consumption harmful to responsibility of the overall legal system to protect personal data
both people and society as a whole. This is far from sustainability and of the project. An adequate legal policy framework could
and value-based action. The research “CDR in Construction 4.0” significantly strengthen the protection against data misuse,
investigates the question of how such a countermeasure can cyberattacks, and secure the handling of data. Having full access
succeed; the Excellence Initiative for Sustainable, Human-Led AI to user data and to smart technical building automation, smart
in Construction aims to strengthen this awareness. The Scientific buildings, demonstrates the need for urgent action and criminally
Advisory Council of the Federal Government and the German enforceable regulations as to who, where, for what, and to what
Federal Office for Radiation Protection (German BfS) warn against extent rights and obligations attach and are liable for disregard,
unlimited digitization that is not aligned with sustainability criteria. should have priority. In Germany, there is a lack of uniform BIM
standards. The methods that customers and contractors use vary
4.3. Limitations and further research from project to project. The standards’ inequality leads to the fact
that solutions to the problems cannot be obtained faster. Adapted
This study allows new insights on the state of scientific research legislation may lead to overcoming these boundaries to fully
on sustainable smart cities. The holistic assessment of innovation, exploit the potential of innovative technology. Paul Nemitz notes
factors critical to success, and supportive framework conditions that the focus of the main advisor for judicial policy to the
has not been enough researched and therefore reveals a new field European Commission lies on ensuring that EU companies “[ : : : ]
of research. One limitation consists in the access of limited will have a level playing field. AI-Act shapes a more trustworthy
literature and internet databases. The study is based on a relatively and safer technological landscape” (Nemitz, 2021). Anyone
small circle of 50 interviewed experts only. Conclusions and who constructively embeds these rules in their actions develops a
evaluations could only be drawn on such small quantity of more sustainable profit perspective and strengthens responsible
interviewed experts. This small quantity was fulfilling the study’s engineering and innovation.
time, cost, and text limits. A larger survey would thus be more The study concludes that statutory requirements by the state are
representative and is highly recommended to investigate the field necessary to securely handle data. The “White Paper on Artificial
of interest in depth. An additional limitation represents the still Intelligence” by the EU Commission in 2020 (Kilian, 2020) called
small available experts in construction dealing with digital for the protection of fundamental rights and values the careful
transformation, AI, digital methods, and ideally acting as role differentiation between human and AI and its careful handling. An
model, as best practice, to interview and introduce in this study. important step was made in July 2018, when the German
Overall, though such limits, the challenge consisted in getting government affirmed in its AI strategy paper the development of a
these limited experts engaged and sharing their insider knowledge transparent and ethical AI. This moves forward with its € 3 billion
to provide full access and transfer new knowledge between plan in November 2018 sent an important signal. The Data Ethics
research and practice, as well as between large companies and Commission DEK (Data Ethics Commission of German
SMEs. The following section provides a full understanding of the Government, 2019) addressed the state as to assume responsibility
further complexity of the branch’s own barriers, limitations of and get engaged with defining ethical standards for the digital

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Figure 7
Value chain data network in construction

Collaborative Sustainability Transparent Project

CDR
Design SMEs Management

New possibilities
Construction-as-
New Business Models Service
Close Supply Chain
Involvement
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metaverse

Data Network
AI Robotics

BIM AR, VR Chat

Web3
GPT
IoT
AIoT Big Data

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reduction of

Recent Fields of
Safety

Application
Consumption of
Efficiency & Quality Reduction of CO2-
Ressources
Processes Emission

Energy Efficiency Circular Economy

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goals
Efficiency Building Life Reputation of
Data Sovereignty SDGs Extend Value Chain
Cycle Branch

space as this may secure German and European digital sovereignty in A major finding is that dynamic, agile companies are able to
the long term. It is therefore not only an expression of ethical quickly adapt to changing environments, to grow with the change
responsibility beyond the pure requirement of political foresight. and achieve the SDGs. Complexity of data and communication
One important step was the General Data Protection Regulation continuously increases, so does the search for secure ways of
(GDPR) as of May 25, 2018 (European Union, 2018). handling and protecting data transfer. Therefore, a disruption of
Following the CDR concept protecting human and democratic thinking, learning, and approaching new innovative technologies
values requires the design, maintenance, and protection of trustworthy in construction is essential to develop digital strategies – for both
technologies; it increases trust and, thus, the acceptance of data- as corporate entity and city and society as a whole, to get familiar
driven technologies. Such foresighted concept promotes innovative with technical methods, to use them to increase efficiency and
ecosystems. Engineers, architects, designers, and craftsmen not only productivity and to participate in shaping smart cities. One major
design working and living environments but also form technical finding consists of the recognition of CDR policy framework as
innovation and human and societal changes in the Construction orientation navigator to act responsibly and maintain values and
Industry 4.0 (Araújo et al., 2022; Rosha & Lobanova, 2022; rights in the digital era, but also to be able to recognize both when
Venkatesh et al., 2022). More technological possibilities in life and an innovative technology is a must to apply, as part of sustainable
at work means “a greater responsibility on the part of people for strategy, and when and how AI implies risks and unintended
technology-based innovations : : : and for the sustainable effects requiring adaptive measures. New measures for data
preservation of the earth : : : ” (Kirchschläger, 2021). The digital protection requirements new legal standards adapted to the
construction plan by BMVI (Bodden & Dittschar, 2020) is the first protection of people and society. Corporate innovation depends
of its kind to complete the digital project life cycle in the public heavily on customized educational content and curricula, as well
sector for all traffic and infrastructure projects. as legal safeguards for secure data exchange. Research and
The other side is that the implementation and application of development are requested to create new methods and ways to
new technologies have diverse impacts but also imply responsible improve processes and safe work and develop new technologies
action. Ensuring secure data and project communication, to support human work best. But they are also requested to ensure
protecting copyright, and ensuring cybersecurity in construction a transparent flow of new knowledge, ideally without scientific
require legal regulations, e.g., by a legal policy framework. The language barriers to provide full access to practice to let them
Chinese law regulating the protection of personal data apply and further explore such technologies. The construction
(Usercentrics, 2021) as of 1st of January 2022 adopted some branch is requested as a whole to critically review its economic,
contents of the GDPR. environmental, and societal performance, investigate its status quo
of efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, and define a
5. Conclusion and Recommendations uniform digital strategy with enough space for individual
corporate strategies. Especially when interviewed experts call for
This study concludes that best practices represent role models in data protective measures and sustainable construction, this
the construction industry offering orientation in navigating research recommends enlarging the perspective, catalyzes
innovative technologies, holistically assessing their potential, and innovation, and assumes the long overdue responsibility as a
risks allowing to create humane, safe, sustainable smart cities. branch, not limited to data sovereignty, but a branch driving

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economy. The study recommends further in-depth research work Conflicts of Interest
in this field. Humans in the construction branch not only design
and constantly improve technical innovation but also shape The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this
human transformation. Furthermore, the study allocates fields of work.
responsibility for developing trustworthy, human-led AI recognizing
the “dark” side of the technical feasibility. This success-critical factor References
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