The built environment is experiencing a “massive digital revolution” as more contractors adopt AI-powered construction software to meet sustainability goals, according to new research
The 2024 Sustainable Jobsites Benchmarking Report from BuiltWorlds said the increasing focus on sustainability targets and ESG incentives means contractors are leaning on emerging technology and construction software to help better manage their jobsites.
The report’s author, BuiltWorlds analyst Sofie Richardson, writes: “As the global community increasingly prioritizes, through both internal measures and regulatory requirements, its carbon footprint and the conservation of resources, sustainable building practices have emerged as a cornerstone of modern construction.”
Operating sustainable jobsites
It found that 33.3% of contractors rate their ability to operate a sustainable jobsite across projects as good.
Another 17% said it was very good and 10% rated it as excellent.
However, nearly a third (30%) said they are only “fair” at operating sustainable jobsites. Another 7% admitted to being poor.
BuiltWorlds said this rough 60%-40% split is the same as the split between companies using and not using construction software for ESG compliance and reporting.
Benchmarking survey results identified Carbon Title as the top ESG compliance and tracking solution for user satisfaction.
However, Green Badger was the most used solution overall.
Builders ‘increasingly seeking out construction technology’
Tyler Sewell, senior director of research for BuiltWorlds, said the “fairly significant” adoption of emerging technology for sustainability is encouraging.
“ESG-related incentives, either by carrot or by stick, are forcing the industry to adapt to local and universal sustainability targets by any means necessary,” he added.
“Driven largely through the investments of public and private capital project owners, builders are increasingly seeking, and finding, technology solutions to their sustainability needs.”
Formed in 2013, BuiltWorlds is a built environment research network based in Chicago, Illinois. It areas of focus include building and construction technology, AI readiness, investment, robotics and preconstruction.
