The upsurge of digitalization in many sectors has been associated with better environmental outcomes. Recent policy change and international convergence has shown Net Zero (NZ) vision as a means of controlling global greenhouse gas emissions. This article focuses on construction sector and the complex transition to NZ through digital twins (DTs). It does so via a system thinking approach, 53 interviews, and 2 focus groups with DT experts. The key factors of this dual 'digital and green' transition are breaking down silos, collaborating across the supply chain and the need for a data-oriented approach in analyzing input, processing, and output of the DTs. Apart from unravelling the factors on how individual (asset) DTs can support NZ, their aggregates in a connected DT system of systems are also crucial to addressing the complexity of this transition at a larger scale. The article also offers new insights on the orchestrators of such system of DT systems and their governance mechanisms in meeting NZ. Additionally, one emergent finding relates to the evolution of associated concepts and terminologies. By identifying the complexity factors, this article also contributes to the management of increased risk that accompanies growing complexity.

The construction industry increasingly recognizes the potential benefits of cyber-physical systems, particularly Digital Twin (DT) technology, within the framework of Industry 4.0 and Construction 4.0. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the specific contributions of DT to the construction sector, often conflated with Building Information Modeling (BIM). This paper aims to address this ambiguity by conducting a historical review of DTs, delineating their key features, and elucidating the opportunities they offer throughout the stages of constructed facilities' life. Additionally, this paper outlines potential research trajectories and practical applications for leveraging DTs to enhance construction project delivery.

Net Zero relates to decarbonisation efforts to tackle climate change by not adding new emissions to the atmosphere. Reaching Net Zero depends on datafication and digitisation as data on carbon emissions collected across assets’ lifecycle are important for neutralising them. This study aims to understand how technological ecosystems such as Digital Twins – that connect physical and digital artefacts – can support a Net Zero vision in the built environment, in an industry-agnostic way to transfer any relevant lessons from other sectors. The method is a systematic literature review that structures new knowledge on the topic. The study showed that environment sustainability has been an overused idea in scientific literature, yet rarely operationalised. A scarcity of studies utilising the potential of digital twins for Net Zero was found. The emergent themes are: overreliance on technocratic solutions at the expense of systems thinking, proliferation of renewable sources and misunderstandings regarding visualisation necessity, and showing pathways for future DT system design for Net Zero.