In the face of escalating climate change and resource depletion, the construction industry is under immense pressure to transform its practices. A recent study led by Cagla Keles, from the Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering at Drexel University, delves into the intersection of digital technologies and the circular economy, offering a roadmap for a more sustainable built environment.
The construction sector, notorious for its high energy consumption and waste generation, is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. According to Keles, “The construction sector is one of the largest consumers of energy and resources, and the CO2 emissions from the building sector reached new highs in 2022.” This stark reality underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that can decarbonize the industry while minimizing waste.
Keles’ research, published in the journal ‘Buildings’, identifies ten key digital technologies that can enable circularity in the building sector. These include building information modeling (BIM), spatial data acquisition, artificial intelligence and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, digital twin, augmented and virtual realities, digital platform/marketplace, material passports, and additive manufacturing and digital fabrication.
The study highlights the potential of these technologies to revolutionize the construction industry. For instance, BIM can aid decision-making during building design by integrating with AI/ML, VR, and material passports. Blockchain, material passports, IoT, and GIS can enhance supply chain collaboration and data sharing, supporting innovative circular business models. GIS also shows great potential to aid decision-making in policy and urban planning.
However, the adoption of these technologies remains limited. Keles notes, “Blockchain and material passport technologies have shown promise in facilitating CE strategies across the entire lifecycle of buildings; however, their adoption within the construction industry remains limited.” This gap presents a significant opportunity for industry leaders to invest in and implement these technologies, potentially gaining a competitive edge in the market.
The research also underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address the risks of digitalization, including cybersecurity and privacy invasion. As the industry moves towards greater digitalization, these challenges must be tackled head-on to ensure the safe and secure implementation of new technologies.
The findings of this study have profound implications for the energy sector. By enabling more efficient use of resources and reducing waste, these digital technologies can significantly lower the energy consumption of the construction industry. This not only contributes to decarbonization efforts but also presents commercial opportunities for energy providers to develop and supply sustainable energy solutions tailored to the needs of a digitalized construction sector.
As the construction industry stands on the brink of a digital revolution, Keles’ research provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the technologies that can drive this transformation. By embracing these innovations, the industry can pave the way for a more sustainable and circular future, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.