Kaunas University of Technology Campus Digital Twin for Buildings Operational Carbon and Climate Monitoring and Improvement
The Kaunas University of Technology’s (KTU) campus digital twin project tackles the challenge of operational carbon emissions in buildings, which contribute 80% of a structure's lifetime carbon footprint.
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
Climate action, energy transition
Story Highlights
UTILIZED SOFTWARE
iTwin, OpenBuildings, OpenCities
LOCATION
ORGANIZATION/COMPANY
Kaunas University of Technology Centre for Smart Cities and Infrastructure
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Kaunas University of Technology’s (KTU) campus digital twin project tackles the challenge of operational carbon emissions in buildings, which contribute 80% of a structure’s lifetime carbon footprint. Using Bentley’s digital twin technology, IoT sensors, BIM, and AI, the project creates a dynamic model of KTU’s buildings that integrates over 2,000 real-time environmental and operational data points.
These insights reveal the energy consumption, waste, and CO2 impacts across campus, empowering decision-makers with actionable intelligence. The initiative promotes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction by implementing solar energy, EV charging, and targeted resource management. This pioneering approach not only enhances energy use and infrastructure planning, but also reinforces KTU’s commitment to environmental responsibility, financial savings, and fostering a green-conscious community. Over time, the project is set to drive impactful climate action, improve operational sustainability, and serve as a model for academic institutions globally.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG Goal 1
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
SDG Goal 2
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG Goal 3
Good Health and Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG Goal 4
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG Goal 5
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG Goal 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG Goal 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
SDG Goal 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment, & decent work for all.
SDG Goal 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization & foster innovation.
SDG Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
SDG Goal 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
SDG Goal 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG Goal 13
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG Goal 14
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
SDG Goal 15
Life on Land
Sustainably manage ecosystems, combat desertification, reverse land degradation, & halt biodiversity loss.
SDG Goal 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Foster peaceful & inclusive societies, ensure justice access, & build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
SDG Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation & revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.