Construction cranes at sunrise

Why AI is a game-changer for Belgium’s construction sector


From generative design to predictive maintenance, AI is reshaping how Belgian construction companies build and operate.


In brief

  • AI promises to revolutionize the Belgian construction sector by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation adoption.
  • The sector faces significant barriers including digitalization gaps, high investment costs, and a fragmented industry structure.
  • EY supports the sector by providing strategic insights, fostering collaboration, and offering tailored AI solutions to overcome these challenges.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the Belgian construction sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation adoption. The recent whitepaper by Buildwise, supported by EY-Parthenon, delves into the transformative potential of AI and outlines the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Transformative Potential of AI

AI encompasses a range of technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, each offering unique applications in the construction sector. For instance, AI can automate routine administrative tasks, optimize project management, and enhance safety on construction sites through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.

 

One of the most promising applications of AI is in generative design, where AI algorithms can generate multiple design options based on specific constraints and requirements. This not only fosters innovation adoption but also leads to more efficient and sustainable building designs and operations. Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance can significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs by identifying potential issues before they become critical.
 

 

Key Challenges

Despite its potential, the adoption of AI in the Belgian construction sector faces several significant barriers. The sector is characterized by a lack of digitalization, with many companies still relying on traditional methods and manual processes. This digital gap hinders the effective implementation of AI technologies, which rely heavily on digital data.

 

High investment costs also pose a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack the financial resources to invest in AI solutions. Furthermore, the fragmented nature of the construction industry, with numerous stakeholders and varying standards, complicates the integration of AI systems.
 

How EY can help

EY is committed to supporting the Belgian construction sector in navigating these challenges and harnessing the full potential of AI. We provide end-to-end support, from defining a clear AI strategy and prioritizing use cases to developing proof of concepts (PoCs) and minimum viable products (MVPs). This process requires a thorough review of the availability and maturity of the sector's digital infrastructure, ensuring that solutions are both practical and impactful.


Ready to future-proof your construction strategy?

Discover the full insights in the whitepaper “Impact of AI Applications in the Belgian Construction Sector: Towards 2030 and Beyond” (available in Dutch).


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    Summary

    AI holds immense potential to transform the Belgian construction sector by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation adoption. However, significant challenges such as digitalization gaps, high investment costs, and industry fragmentation must be addressed. EY is dedicated to supporting the sector through strategic insights, fostering collaboration, and providing tailored AI solutions to navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.


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