‘Build Digital’ project is re-energised

The Build Digital project has been in existence for 18 months and the aim of the recent seminar was to re-establish the programme of work and objectives of the project. The event, which took place in June, provided an opportunity for industry representatives from the CIF, RIAI, ACEI, SCSI, Engineers Ireland and the Building Materials Federation to inform the Build Digital project team exactly what digital transformation looks like to their businesses and for their supply chains and, as a result, to identify what they want the team to deliver in its 5-year plan.

The event kicked off with introductory and context setting presentations provided by Pat Lucey, Chair of the Build Digital Project Steering Group and PJ Rudden, Chair of the CSG Innovation and Digital Adoption

Working Group. This was then followed by a presentation from Stephen Lynam, Technical Advisor from the OGP, who set out clearly the intended timing of the Digital Mandate on Public Works Contracts which will commence in Q1 2024 and will then be introduced on an incremental basis.

This was followed by break-out sessions where stakeholders from the various construction bodies were asked to consider what they believed should be prioritised from the current list of deliverables for the project, with the addition of new work streams they feel are of importance and will add value.

The event was hosted by Fiona O’Carroll, CEO of The Digital Mindset, who has a wealth of experience in digital transformation, albeit not in the construction sector. Fiona concluded the event by outlining the importance of leadership and culture due to the disruption that new technologies and ways of working are having on the construction industry which, by the way, is evident in all industries.

This is the first pillar of the five pillars of the Build Digital project:

• Digital Leadership and Cultural Change;

• Digital Standards;

• Digital Education and Training;

• Digital Procurement;

• Sustainability and the Circular Economy.

It is anticipated that the recent seminar will provide fresh and insightful views that will reinvigorate the work programme going forward, while also maintaining this first and important pillar throughout its work programme.

To find out more about the Build Digital project see https://www. builddigitalproject.ie/

With so much at stake with regard to energy usage, carbon reduction, sustainability and the circular economy, clarity of thought with regard to decision-making is essential.

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