Digitalization as a Strategic Means of Achieving Sustainable Efficiencies in Construction Management: A Critical Review

Abstract

Construction is a complex activity, characterized by high levels of capital investment, relatively long delivery durations, multitudinous risks and uncertainties, as well as requiring the integration of multiple skills delivering a huge volume of tasks and processes. All of these must be coordinated carefully if time, cost, and quality constraints are to be met. At the same time, construction is renowned for performing poorly regarding sustainability metrics. Construction activity generates high volumes of waste, requires vast amounts of resources and materials, while consuming a significant proportion of total energy generated. Digitalization of the construction workplace and construction activities has the potential of improving construction performance both in terms of business results as well as sustainability outcomes. This is because, to put it simply, reduced energy usage, for example, impacts economic and “green” performance, simultaneously. Firms tinkering with digitalization, however, do not always achieve the hoped-for outcomes. The challenge faced is that a digital transition of construction firms must be carried out at a strategic level—requiring a comprehensive change management protocol. What then does a digital strategy entail? This study puts forward an argument for the combined economic and sustainability dividends to be had from digitizing construction firm activities. It outlines the requirements for achieving digitalization. The elements of a comprehensive digitalization strategy are cataloged, while the various approaches to developing a digitalization strategy are discussed. This study offers practitioners a useful framework by which to consider their own firm-level efforts at digitalization transition.

Sustainability and the Digital transition: a literature review

“…Many organizations have maintained the traditional annual or multi-year cycles and execution strategies despite growing uncertainties in the modern business environment. In a business environment characterized by an uncertain future and continuously shifting destinations and paths, business leaders are essentially required to continually and regularly evaluate and update strategic plans [42]. Therefore, iterative and learning processes are necessary to formulate strategies and execute and implement actions to recalibrate such a strategy.…”

Is Circular Economy for the Built Environment a Myth or a Real Opportunity?

“…Circular engineering is an emerging approach aiming to keep products in use longer to address issues faced by the BE, such as the lack of upgradability, flexibility, circularity, sustainability, uncertainty and resilience of our building stocks (Course in Maastricht University and TU Delft). Applying circular engineering in the construction industry will enable us to design a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable world [34,35] by addressing five critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 9-11-12-13 and 17) over the 17 mentioned in the 2030 Agenda [36].…”

Best Practices in Construction 4.0 – Catalysts of digital innovations (Part I)

“…The research results from Technology Ethics and Technology Assessment by Armin Grunwald, Hans Jonas and Christoph Hubig, Practical and Technology Philosophy, Ethical Engineer Responsibility in Construction underline additionally. The technical discussion provides insights into entrepreneurial success stories [20,21] . The first author's articles in specialist journals substantiate the potential for more sustainability and added value [22,23] .…”