Digitalisation in construction: what will construction look like in 2025?

Written by:

Demi-Jo Smith, January 13, 2025

The construction and infrastructure sector continue to evolve in 2025. While last year we were mainly busy with the changing regulations around CSRD reporting, this year the strong focus remains on digitalisation and sustainability.

Digitisation in construction 2023: VR and AI
The construction industry is digitising

Indeed, using smart digital solutions is the way to successfully tackle issues and challenges of the future in the construction industry. After all, digital technologies allow you to increase productivity and innovate at a faster pace.

By now, most construction companies have started the digital transformation process. Laptops or tablets on the construction site are no more than normal these days, and Internet of Things (IoT) is used everyday to monitor building and infrastructure performance.

Read all about digitalisation in construction here.

Besides all the focus on new technology (advanced home automation systems, use of sensors and deployment of building data for example), sustainability is also still very important. Sustainability will be the norm in 2025. There is a shift towards circular construction methods and bio-based materials are also gaining popularity. Below, we tell you a bit more about the things you really can’t ignore in 2025.

1. Digitisation and smart technology

Digitalisation continues to be a driving force in the construction industry. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) is increasing, leading to more efficient project management and ‘smart’ buildings. Sensors collect data on energy consumption and air quality, leading to optimisation of sustainability and maintenance.

Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D printing, are also increasingly found on construction sites. AR and VR are ideal tools for designs and visualisations. AR and VR can contribute to a better understanding of the construction process and help solve complex construction problems. 3D printing is increasingly common for fabricating elements and parts. Again, the end result is faster construction time and lower costs.

By switching to electric equipment, the construction industry can contribute significantly to reducing emissions.

2. Electrification of construction

We all have to deal with the goals of the Climate Agreement. This includes a switch to emission-free working methods. Construction transport is a major factor in CO2 emissions. About a third of traffic in the Netherlands is construction-related, for example. So by switching to electric equipment, the construction sector can contribute significantly to reducing emissions.

Replacing fossil-fuel vehicles and cranes with the electric variant is increasingly on the agenda (sometimes even forced, due to work in environmental zones). But this transition also has considerable challenges. Grid congestion, limited capacity of the electricity grid, increasingly prevents companies from electrifying, simply because there is no capacity. The deployment of large-scale battery systems and techniques such as peak shaving should solve this problem. Smart energy management systems can also help use electricity more efficiently.

3. Innovative construction methods and materials

Innovations such as 3D printing and self-healing concrete are becoming increasingly common. These techniques increase the efficiency and sustainability of construction projects. In addition, prefabricated construction is becoming more popular. With prefab, components are made in advance in the factory, leading to shorter construction times and higher quality.

Digital Twins offer real-time insight into a building’s performance and can perfectly help make buildings smarter and more energy efficient.

4. Digital Twins and BIM

Digital Twins, digital replicas of physical buildings, are becoming increasingly important in construction. They provide real-time insight into a building’s performance and can perfectly help make buildings smarter and more energy efficient. In addition, they help make better decisions during construction, but also in the maintenance phase. Combined with BIM, this leads to more accurate work, time savings and reduced failure costs.

5. Energy-positive and smart buildings

Energy-positive buildings are buildings that produce more energy than they consume, for instance by using solar panels. By also using sensors that optimise heating, ventilation and lighting, you achieve lower energy costs as well as more comfort.

Data provide insight and overview. For example, data allows you to adjust project schedules more easily and make more timely adjustments. Moreover, data is essential to improve building efficiency.

6. Use of construction data

All these new (and not so new) technologies, lead to more data. And that is a plus, because data provide insight and overview. For instance, data make it easier to adjust project schedules and make more timely adjustments. Moreover, data are essential for improving building efficiency. By generating real-time data, for instance with the help of sensors, you discover bottlenecks or problems earlier and can solve them faster. The result is a more efficient construction process and lower failure costs.

Data analysis also provides good insight into patterns and trends. This allows you to improve your process, but also in terms of sustainability. Good data analysis also allows you to identify failure costs and thus increase your margins.

7. DMS, CDE or collaboration platform

All that available data naturally needs to be stored safely somewhere, where it can be easily retrieved and used. Most professional builders work with a CDE or document management system (DMS) for this purpose. Digitisation of processes ensures greater efficiency, savings in time and money and better cooperation between construction partners in the chain. Via the DMS, the parties involved can easily cooperate, always ensuring up-to-date information. The end result is higher quality construction work.