As the global community tackles the challenges posed by climate change and dwindling resources, sustainability has become increasingly crucial across all industries, notably in construction. This sector plays a substantial role in environmental impact, responsible for almost 40 per cent of energy-related carbon emissions on a global scale.

As a result, it is vital to transition to sustainable construction practices that minimise environmental harm while improving economic viability and societal benefits.

Within this framework, digital transformation is key for advancing sustainability in construction. By using advanced technologies and digital tools, companies can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and provide more value – all of which are essential for sustainable construction.

Benefits of digital transformation

Embracing digital change in construction brings many benefits that help sustainability goals. It enables eco-friendly buildings, boosts efficiency, cuts waste and saves money. This helps the industry move towards a greener future with a more sustainable approach.

• Efficiency with construction management software: One significant driver of digital transformation in construction is the use of specialised construction management software. These advanced platforms streamline project management by integrating all project phases, from planning to handover, reducing waste and unnecessary work, thus bringing cost savings and environmental benefits.

Construction software optimises material ordering and inventory, reducing waste and carbon emissions from production and transportation. It improves task coordination, machinery use, and scheduling, cutting energy consumption on-site. Digital documentation reduces paper usage and associated emissions. Centralised data supports informed decisions, risk management, and transparency, promoting sustainable construction practices.

• Reduced waste and improved resource management: Digital transformation in construction cuts waste and boosts sustainability at every stage. Technologies like building information modelling (BIM) improve planning and material efficiency. Digital tools aid in resource tracking and management, supporting a circular economy of reuse and recycling to reduce environmental impact.

• Enhanced energy efficiency: The use of smart and connected technologies improves energy management in construction projects. By monitoring and optimising energy consumption in real-time, digital sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices ensure that energy-intensive machinery is used only when needed. This proactive energy management approach can effectively lower emissions and operational costs, aiding in achieving industry sustainability objectives.

• Improved compliance and transparency: Digitalisation helps construction firms comply with strict environmental regulations by offering transparent data for monitoring and verification. By using cloud-based platforms, firms can manage compliance documentation better, reducing violations and boosting accountability for sustainable practices. Transparency builds trust with the public, investors, and regulators, showing the industry’s dedication to sustainability.

Overcoming barriers to digital transformation

Despite the clear benefits, many construction companies can face hurdles in fully adopting digital transformation due to a number of factors.  These include:

•  Resistance to change from traditional methods;

•  High initial investment costs for technology implementation;

•  Lack of digital literacy and technical skills among the workforce;

•  Compatibility issues with existing systems or software;

•  Concerns about data security and privacy;

•  Difficulty in selecting the right technology solutions for specific needs;

•  Integration challenges with subcontractors and partners;

•  Disruption to ongoing projects during implementation;

•  Limited availability of reliable internet connectivity on construction sites; and

•  Regulatory compliance and legal considerations regarding digital documentation and data management.

To tackle these challenges, companies must promote a culture of digital adoption across their organisation. This involves not only implementing the necessary technology solutions and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems, but also providing training and knowledge to equip their staff with the skills to excel in a digital environment.

By empowering employees with the knowledge and tools to effectively leverage digital technologies, companies can unlock fresh opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and expansion.

Future of construction is digital and sustainable

As we anticipate the future, the incorporation of digital technologies in the construction industry is expected to elevate sustainability to unprecedented levels.

The use of digital technologies in the construction industry does not only enhance sustainability but also improves project efficiency and reduces costs. With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), construction projects can be more accurately predicted and planned, reducing delays and unexpected expenses.

BIM allows for better collaboration between different teams and streamlines the design process, leading to faster completion times. IoT enables real-time monitoring of construction sites, allowing for quick identification and resolution of any issues, preventing costly setbacks. Emerging innovations such as 3D printing and modular construction are introducing new materials and methods, reducing the carbon footprint associated with conventional construction processes.

By embracing digital advancements, the construction industry is changing how we view sustainability – as a catalyst for innovation and growth rather than a constraint. The future of construction technology hinges on the close bond between digital tools and sustainability, driving us towards a greener tomorrow.

*Ibrahim Imam is Co-Founder, Group-Co-CEO, CEO MENA and APAC at PlanRadar, an Austria-headquartered provider of construction and real estate management software.