Impact of the metaverse on sustainability in the construction industry

Abstract

This article explores the contribution of the metaverse for improving sustainability in construction. A systematic literature review identifies 24 publications for which a bibliometric analysis shows the most important authors, publications, keywords, institutions, and countries in the field. The content analysis reveals that the metaverse technology improves sustainable construction practices by fostering energy efficiency, optimizing material and human resources, reducing construction waste and the environmental impact of buildings, enhancing collaboration and communication between stakeholders, and concurring to sustainable construction. Yet, the metaverse remains confronted with technological, economic, social and cultural limitations ushering in a theory-based agenda for future research.