INDUSTRY
Technological innovation spans a wide conti- nuum, ranging from the simple digitization of paper processes to the frontiers of science fiction. Whether it s collaboration software based on cloud computing, telematics, auto- nomous equipment, reality capture techno- logies or others, the design, construction and maintenance of the built world will be radically different.
Digitization has been the name of the game over the last few years. The next few will be about putting the reams of data to work.
Prefab construction
Today s off-site construction is more sophis- ticated than in its first generation, and is also expected to grow.
According to a 2019 study by the consulting firm McKinsey4, prefab construction can speed up project delivery by 20 to 50%. Over time, it can also cut project costs by more than 20% by optimizing materials, design, fabrication, technology, logistics and assembly.
Prefab also has significant benefits for the environment, such as reducing the spills, noise and dust that inconvenience those living near construction sites, as well as greenhouse gas emissions generated by the transportation of materials.
Environmental and social footprint
The industry has a responsibility, among others, to build differently in order to minimize the environmental impact of its projects and optimize the benefits for communities.
Construction and demolition waste generated by the Canadian construction industry repre- sents 27% of all solid waste that ends up in landfills. However, 75% of that waste has resi- dual value and could be recycled, recovered or reused.5
Moreover, in 2020, the buildings and construc- tion sector was responsible for 36% of the world s final energy consumption and 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions, compared with other final use sectors. The emissions level in the sector is 10% lower than it was in 2019, attaining the lowest point since 2007 a drop largely attributable to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.6
Builders must now master the highest envi- ronmental standards and develop mutually beneficial relationships with the communities where they work.
The REM, or the Réseau express métropolitain, is a colossal project that will add light-rail to public transit in Montreal. If we d built it 10 years ago, it would ve taken us at least twice as long, and would ve cost at least twice as much. Why? Because 75% of the project is prefabricated. And if we hadn t digitized, it would ve been impossible to deliver this extremely complex project within such a short timeframe. If we had to build the REM in 10 years, data analysis would be 1,000 times more advanced than it is today.
Pierre Pomerleau, to the Cercle des présidents du Québec, August 2021
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