Digital technologies enabling lifecycle decarbonization in the built environment: a bibliometric and thematic analysis

Abstract

The transition toward lifecycle decarbonization in the built environment has increased the demand for digital solutions capable of reducing emissions across design, construction and operational stages. However, existing research remains fragmented across individual technologies and lifecycle applications, limiting understanding of the broader knowledge structure and emerging research directions. This study conducts a bibliometric and thematic analysis of research on digital technologies supporting lifecycle decarbonization in the built environment. Using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, the study examines publication trends, collaboration networks, citation patterns and thematic developments. The findings identify four interconnected research clusters: Smart Energy Management and Building Automation, Sustainable Design and Lifecycle Assessment, Environmental Mitigation and Policy Frameworks and Multi-Objective Optimization and Impact Assessment. The analysis reveals a transition from isolated technological applications toward integrated, data-driven approaches that combine digital intelligence, lifecycle assessment and decision-support capabilities. However, persistent challenges remain, including limited interoperability, uneven global research participation and gaps in translating digital innovations into practical decarbonization strategies. This study provides a deep understanding of the intellectual structure and evolution of digital-enabled lifecycle decarbonization research and proposes future directions for advancing scalable and integrated sustainability solutions in the built environment.