As the world pushes forward on its twin transition, green and digital, the construction sector stands at a crossroad. Responsible for over 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, the built environment must rapidly evolve. One of the most powerful enablers of this transformation is digitalization.
Building smarter with BIM and digital tools
Digital technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) are already redefining how buildings are designed, constructed and operated. BIM allows for better coordination among stakeholders, reduces material waste and helps anticipate energy performance long before a building is completed. It enables a life-cycle approach that supports both efficiency and sustainability, two core goals of the European Green Deal.
Beyond BIM, the Digital Building Logbook and Digital Product Passports are set to become essential tools. They provide transparent, traceable data on a building’s components, energy use, maintenance history and carbon footprint. This not only supports better decision-making during renovations but also enables circularity by making materials easier to reuse or recycle.
From smart buildings to smart ecosystems
Smart buildings use sensors, automation and AI to optimize lighting, heating, cooling and water usage based on occupant behavior. But the potential goes further. Integrated building management systems can respond in real time to environmental changes or grid signals, turning buildings into active players in a flexible, low-carbon energy system.
Moreover, when buildings are interconnected within neighborhoods or cities, they form smart ecosystems. This level of digital integration will be vital in reaching climate neutrality by 2050.
The Occupant Health
Digitalization also enhance occupant wellbeing, comfort, and productivity by enabling smarter, more responsive building environments. For example, smart indoor air quality monitors or real-time hydration tracking systems can help ensure healthier indoor environments. Digital tools don’t just support energy goals, they improve the health and comfort of people who live and work in these spaces.
Challenges and Opportunities
The EU has emphasized the need for standardized, open-source data frameworks to ensure that digital tools are interoperable across the industry. Challenges remain, including fragmented regulations, a lack of digital skills, and inconsistent data quality. However, the Renovation Wave, the Digital Decade 2030 targets and funding through programs like Horizon Europe provide a strong framework for scaling innovation.
For developers, investors and public authorities, embracing digital solutions has become a strategic necessity. At BuildGreen, we work with project teams to integrate smart systems from the ground up, helping them meet both performance and sustainability targets with confidence.
