Guidelines for creating a urban digital twin (UDT) module for urban regeneration scenarios assessment that include climate change mitigation (CCM) and adaptation (CCA)

Urban areas face increasing risks from climate change while also contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these challenges requires integrating climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation within urban regeneration processes. Urban Digital Twins have emerged as promising tools, yet existing applications often remain fragmented. This paper develops guidelines for structuring an Urban Digital Twin module capable of embedding integrated performance indicators for both adaptation and mitigation to support climate-proof urban design scenarios. Building on the Helsinki Urban Digital Twin case and a four step methodology, the research identifies: 46 integrated performance indicators for urban regeneration, of which 24 are overlooked in current applications; the main layers and functions of an Urban Digital Twin module physical, input, processing, and output systematically linked to each indicator; the cross-integration of these functions to operationalize climate-related assessments; and key challenges and enabling conditions for Urban Digital Twin development, derived from survey expert interviews and secondary sources. Findings highlight the potential of Urban Digital Twins to integrate vulnerability characteristics and emission drivers across buildings, infrastructures, open-air spaces, and urban systems. The analysis underscores the need for robust governance, interoperable infrastructures, and participatory mechanisms to ensure inclusiveness and sustainability. By proposing a structured framework, this study advances understanding of Urban Digital Twins as boundary objects linking climate science, design practice, and policy. Practically, it offers guidelines supporting local authorities and stakeholders in embedding adaptation and mitigation into regeneration projects, enhancing resilience and accelerating the transition toward climate-resilient, low-carbon cities