This week, Asite’s team, Phil Hannabuss and Matt Fuller joined the buzz at London Build 2024 to connect with industry leaders, prospects, and customers, discussing what lies ahead for the construction industry in 2025 and beyond.
Couldn’t make it? No problem—here are three crucial takeaways from the event that could redefine the way we build.
1. The need to take control of your data
“Are you in control of your data?” This pressing question dominated discussions at London Build, underscoring how essential effective data management is to the construction industry's future.
Although it’s widely acknowledged that data is not merely a byproduct of projects but the lifeblood of modern construction, many organisations and projects continue to grapple with challenges such as fragmented data silos, inconsistent formats, and a lack of standardisation. These challenges have evolved from being minor technical nuisances to significant obstacles, hindering the adoption of transformative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
The AI challenge of construction data
Construction companies are eager to harness AI and advanced analytics, but success depends on the quality of the data fed into these systems. Without structured, integrated, and accessible data, even the most advanced AI tools will falter. It’s the age-old adage: Garbage in, garbage out. At the same time, the industry needs to not just adopt but also embrace new technology.
Why data control matters:
- Data control is critical not just for innovation but for compliance. With stricter regulations and growing demands for transparency, maintaining accurate, reliable data is essential for proving compliance and optimising workflows.
- AI adoption is accelerating, but its benefits—such as streamlining processes or reducing costs—are only achievable with robust data management.
How to take control:
- Integrate your systems: Eliminate silos by linking fragmented data sources to enable seamless collaboration.
- Standardise formats: Even if form layouts differ, aligning metadata ensures consistency and simplifies analysis.
- Upskill teams: Equip your workforce with the knowledge and tools to manage and leverage data effectively.
- Adopt AI strategically: Start small—use AI for repetitive tasks like data structuring before scaling to larger applications.
By taking control of your data now, you’re not just solving today’s problems but also future proofing your business.
2. Tracking deliverables: from carbon reduction to efficiency
While data is central to innovation, keeping track of deliverables remains critical—especially as the industry pivots toward sustainability. One major trend at London Build was the emphasis on tracking carbon reduction and improved project efficiency.
The UK government’s push for net-zero targets has construction firms reevaluating their deliverables to ensure they align with environmental goals. From monitoring carbon footprints on-site to adopting modular construction techniques, the industry is finding creative ways to track and optimise its output.
Key Innovations in carbon reduction:
- Carbon Tracking Tools: New tools are emerging to help firms measure and minimise their environmental impact throughout a project’s lifecycle. E.g BCIS Life Cycle Evaluator.
- Modular Construction: Companies like Facit Homes showcased their on-site micro-factories, which dramatically reduce the carbon footprint and speed of construction.
The message is clear: staying on top of deliverables isn’t just about meeting deadlines anymore—it’s about delivering value in a way that aligns with sustainability goals.
3. Modular housing: a new frontier
The housing industry is evolving to address challenges like urban density, sustainability, and affordability. Modular construction, often dismissed as basic or inflexible, is proving to be anything but. Companies like Facit Homes are pioneering new methods that reduce build time, costs, and carbon emissions. For example:
- Micro-factories (small, medium, or large) are set up directly on-site, cutting down transportation needs and overall emissions.
- Smaller factory setups mean fewer resources and reduced plot requirements, aligning perfectly with government housing mandates and net-zero targets.
Both innovations demonstrate that the future of housing isn’t just about building faster—it’s about building smarter.
Climbing the innovation curve: the way forward
The construction industry faces mounting pressure to address environmental goals, housing shortages, and evolving customer demands. By embracing tools like AI, tracking carbon deliverables, and rethinking how we build homes, the industry can rise to meet these challenges head-on. The path forward requires collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to transforming data and technology into strategic assets.
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