This research shows how virtual and augmented reality tools, also called extended reality (XR) can help us better understand and manage buildings throughout their life. By combining XR with “digital twins” (virtual versions of real buildings) and organized data about building materials and parts, we can visualize how a building performs over time and how it affects the environment.

The system brings together different types of building information, such as geometry, material data, and environmental impact scores, and presents them in interactive 3D environments. For example, users can “walk through” a virtual building and see how much carbon each part contributes. This helps builders, architects, and policymakers make smarter choices about materials and design before construction even begins.

By improving how we organize and interact with building data, this approach makes it easier to design sustainable buildings and retrofit old ones more effectively. It also helps train people to understand building performance in a more engaging, visual way. This kind of digital planning could play a big role in reducing the environmental impact of buildings and cities.