Construction in a New Era: Digitalisation Fuels Sustainability
Climate change concerns have placed increasing pressure on industry players to embrace sustainable practices in the construction sector. This comes as no surprise, as the construction industry accounts for most of the energy consumption and carbon emissions worldwide.
Studies and reports indicate that nearly 50 per cent of global CO2 emissions come from the built environment. Among those total emissions, 27% come from building operations, whereas 20% come from building materials and construction, which is also referred to as embodied carbon.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of the regions that is most susceptible to climate change. The United Nations has drawn attention to the several negative effects that climate change can have on the region’s water supplies and food production systems.
In response, the Middle Eastern governments are recalibrating their decisions regarding climate-related threats and taking into account the short- and long-term implications of the crisis, thereby emphasising the importance of digitalisation, as already being witnessed in the GCC region.
As government mandates, priorities for digitalisation, and other strategies and vision for the future have been put in place, convincing companies to adopt construction technology has become easier as compared to before.
Trimble Advances Towards Net-Zero Future with New Sustainability Goals
Additionally, the Expo 2020 event in the UAE highlighted a number of these environmental and climate changes, as well as several alternatives and solutions that could promote sustainability in the region. As a result of these developments in the Middle East, sustainable construction practices have become one of the top priorities for project stakeholders.
Paul Wallett, Regional Director of Trimble Solutions Middle East and India comments: “Digital construction technologies have become highly prevalent and are now playing a significant part in the process.
"For instance, a digital construction technology that embodies a carbon calculation feature is one of the most innovative tools available to project stakeholders today and aids them in achieving their sustainability targets.
"The feature, which is used during the design and detailing phases, provides visual calculations that illustrate the environmental effects of various design choices.
"Leading digital solution providers in the region are making this software technology easily accessible to the industry, in efforts to ensure a sustainable future.”
“Similarly, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins of buildings and cities also contributes to sustainability in construction projects.
"These technologies are equipped with capabilities that can enhance the construction process by effectively tracking and regulating the supply chain.
"By using real-time data, users can create computer models that show various aspects of buildings, such as heating and air conditioning systems, traffic patterns, and staff schedules.
"As a result of having accurate information, project stakeholders can apply more effective decarbonisation techniques to address sustainability challenges."
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) is a leader in digital construction technology. The company has incorporated these methods into its wide range of construction solutions and leads the example for other companies in the construction industry.
The company recently released its sustainability report for 2021, which outlines the company's objectives to lower greenhouse gas emissions and achieve a net-zero future.
Additionally, the company’s Science Based Targets initiative received approval this year, which will result in an emission reduction of 50% by 2030.
Apart from that, Trimble’s Tekla Solutions have significantly contributed to major projects across the region, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Ain Dubai, One Za’abeel Tower, Coca Cola Arena, the Mobility pavilion at Expo 2020, Lusail Multipurpose Stadium Qatar, Dubai Opera House, and Riyadh Metro.
One of the most significant examples in recent times to apply sustainable practices in the project was the Museum of the Future. Its contractors, architects, and engineers applied advanced global technologies to design, fabricate, and operate the building in a sustainable manner.
They were successful in preventing waste and lowering their carbon footprint, all while saving time and money. The project was also awarded the LEED Platinum certification, due to the use of BIM technology to develop the sustainable collaborative process.
A growing number of construction projects are embracing sustainability, and technology will continue to play a key role in this process.
By adopting sustainable practices and methodologies sooner rather than later, construction firms can better position themselves to drive sustainability across the sector and contribute to a cleaner future.
Read More: Trimble Commits to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 50% by 2030
