AI-Powered Advanced Technologies for a Sustainable Built Environment: A Systematic Review on Emerging Challenges

Muhammad Ehtsham, Giuliana Parisi, Flavia Pedone, Federico Rossi, Marta Zincani, Eleonora Congiu () and Chiara Marchionni ()
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Muhammad Ehtsham: Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEAA), University of L’Aquila (UNIVAQ), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Giuliana Parisi: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), University of Catania (UNICT), 95125 Catania, Italy
Flavia Pedone: Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering (DIAEE), Sapienza University of Rome (UNIROMA1), 00184 Roma, Italy
Federico Rossi: Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (DICEA), University of Padua (UNIPD), 35131 Padova, Italy
Marta Zincani: Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEAA), University of L’Aquila (UNIVAQ), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Eleonora Congiu: Department of Civil, Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari (UNICA), 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Chiara Marchionni: Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEAA), University of L’Aquila (UNIVAQ), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-45

Abstract: The integration of digital technologies with Artificial Intelligence could serve as a strategic approach to achieving the goals set by the European Union, mainly concerning sustainability, carbon emission reduction, and digitalization in the construction sector. In this regard, this paper aims to examine the major trends in the application of AI integrated with digital technologies to boost the environmental sustainability of the built environment throughout its life cycle. A systematic literature review was conducted, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, inspecting the Scopus database from 2015 to 2025. After having applied specific exclusion and inclusion criteria, 102 studies have been examined to identify key trends and transformative innovations enhancing sustainable approaches for the built environment. The results have been systematized based on the phases of the building life cycle which are impacted most by AI-powered digital technologies, and on sustainability areas that are attracting the greatest attention. The main research gaps are identified in the limited exploration of renovation and end-of-life phases of the life cycle, in the lack of technologies interoperability, in data complexity and quality issues, in a lack of cost-effective solutions, and in limited regulation and standardization.

Keywords: sustainability; artificial intelligence; built environment; digital technologies; BIM; IoT; digital twin; machine learning; optimization techniques (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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