Sustainability through Digital Twins Optimizing Energy Usage and Reducing Waste

Abstract

Sustainability is drastically changing in the context of digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) because of the capacity to do operational optimization, predictive modeling, and real-time monitoring. This chapter looks at how digital twins generate virtual representations of physical assets where its IoT sensor data is integrated to improve energy efficiency and to reduce waste. Digital twins allow organizations to run through operations via simulation and to use the data underpinning the exercise to make data-driven decisions which minimise environmental impact and help support sustainability goals. By combining its technology with IoT, they make smarter energy management, predictive maintenance, and efficient production in a circular economy, and ultimately costs. These case studies and best practice are accompanied by research and an attempt to address challenges such as the incompatibility of data, and cost of adopting them. Results show how digital twins support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustain industrial practices.