How Can Information Technology Contribute to Low-Carbon Tunnels: A Systematic Review

Carbon reduction has become a critical issue for urban infrastructure. The application of information technologies (ITs) in LCBs has greatly improved their carbon reduction capacity and service level. However, ITs’ application in low-carbon tunnels (LCTs) has been limited. This study offers insight into how to develop LCTs using emerging ITs to enable more socioeconomic and environmental benefits. The paper reviews 173 pieces of literature on how ITs serve the life cycle of LCBs. The obstacles faced by ITs in contributing to LCBs are also discussed. By analyzing the differences between buildings and tunnels, we draw on the development experience of LCBs to provide suggestions for ITs’ application in LCTs. This study would help researchers and policymakers working on LCTs with a clear perspective of current work and research gaps in this area, thus facilitating carbon reduction and sustainable development of tunnels.