A key element in the fight against carbon emissions is the sustainable transformation of the construction industry. In a recent interview, Thomas Donoghue, Vice President of Industry Innovation at CRH, shared insights with Muhammad Younis on how to achieve this transformation. He discussed cutting-edge technologies being developed to lower the carbon footprint of construction, as well as the most effective strategies and approaches for integrating these innovations into mainstream practices.

#CTS: Imagine a fully revolutionised construction industry; what does it look like in terms of  sustainability, safety, and intelligence? What are the key milestones we need to achieve to  get there?  

Thomas Donoghue: Before we look at what the future of construction looks like, we must consider some of the factors  instigating its change. Today, the world is increasingly vulnerable to a changing climate, and our  aging infrastructure is largely constrained. We need significant improvements to how we manage  water and fire, protect our coastlines, plan transportation networks and construct buildings in order  to climate-proof the built environment and the communities in which we live.  

Another factor is the rapid pace of digital transformation. The growth of video streaming, the continued shift to remote working, and the rapid emergence of AI is fuelling an insatiable demand  for higher capacity communications infrastructure including larger data centres and more  advanced cellular networks. 

So not only is there a demand for significant infrastructure upgrades, there’s also a demand for new, resilient infrastructure and smarter buildings, and the world needs them quickly, efficiently and more sustainably.  

We are working towards a future where buildings and structures are designed for efficiency, from  their design to their disassembly; where waste is minimised through advanced technologies, and  where the use of low-carbon materials becomes the norm.  

We can also expect more intelligent construction sites, where technologies like embedded  sensors and AI, provide real-time data and analysis to optimise our use of resources, to predict  and prevent safety incidents, and seamlessly coordinate human-machine collaboration.  

Industrialised construction techniques will also shape the future of the construction industry with  advanced materials supporting rapid, precise construction, with minimal waste. Every structure  will have a digital twin which is continually learning and adapting to occupant needs and  environmental conditions. 

To achieve this vision, the industry needs to hit some key milestones: establishing a common  approach to our data ecosystem for the built environment, scaling green building materials to  mass adoption, industrialising and upskilling the workforce for the next level of human-machine  collaboration, and achieving net-positive energy buildings at scale. At CRH, we're working across  all these dimensions to accelerate that transition. 

#CTS: What are some of the most promising new technologies being developed to reduce  the carbon footprint in construction? How do these technologies differ from traditional  methods?  

Thomas Donoghue: The construction industry is witnessing a surge of innovative technologies aimed at reducing its  carbon footprint. Some of the areas that we in CRH are particularly excited about include the use  of carbon as a resource in material production, harnessing the power of data to optimise material use, and embracing precision manufacturing principles. We see innovation in these areas as  having immense potential to help reinvent the way our world is built. The industry has worked  hard to innovate to decarbonise traditional production processes, including, for example, the  capture of carbon emissions in cement manufacturing, which can then be recycled as an  ingredient in concrete production. 

By mineralising CO₂, it can be safely sequestered, which helps to address one of the most critical climate challenges facing our industry today, and at the same time, it has the potential to enhance  concrete performance, so it’s a win win. 

Another exciting frontier is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise concrete mix  designs. Advanced AI algorithms can analyse vast datasets to identify precise recipe adjustments  that maintain performance while minimising embodied carbon. Simulating building efficiency with  AI is a stark contrast to more labour-intensive traditional methods.  

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, using low-carbon materials is also gaining traction. This  technology enables formwork-free construction with near-zero waste and is highly resource efficient. 

These emerging technologies present opportunities to continue the decarbonisation of  construction while also providing benefits in areas such as efficiency and resilience.  

#CTS: What strategies and approaches are most effective in mainstreaming these new  technologies within the construction industry? Can you provide examples of successful  implementation?  

Thomas Donoghue: Embracing new technologies at scale requires a multi-faceted approach. 

At the policy level, supportive measures such as carbon pricing, green building standards, and  targeted R&D funding can create the necessary market incentives to stimulate adoption of sustainable solutions. However, policy alone is not sufficient. 

Fostering a culture of innovation within the industry itself is equally crucial. For industry players  this can involve setting ambitious sustainability targets that help cultivate innovation, providing  foundational training around innovation best practice, and engaging employees through initiatives  like innovation challenges. Collaborating closely with universities and startups can also inject  fresh ideas and accelerate the development of breakthrough solutions. 

Close collaboration across the construction value chain is also important. When architects,  engineers, contractors, and clients come together to co-develop and pilot new approaches, they  can overcome barriers and optimise solutions for real-world impact. Establishing shared data  standards, innovation roadmaps, and contractual frameworks can help align incentives and de-risk the adoption of new technologies. 

At CRH our $250 million venturing and innovation fund is enabling us to support the development  of new technologies and innovative solutions to meet the increasingly complex needs of  customers and evolving trends in construction.  

A Water Solutions accelerator launched by our venture capital unit, CRH Ventures, in 2023,  championed advancements in sustainable water management technologies for wastewater, stormwater and potable water, leading to the piloting and planned integration of applications  across a multitude of urban development projects.  

Through our more recent Roads of the Future accelerator we’re working with six startup ConTech  and ClimateTech partners that can deliver and embed technology solutions focused on smart and  safe roads, green and resilient roads, and productivity in road construction. 

Ultimately, mainstreaming sustainable construction technologies requires a combination of  enabling policies, industry leadership, value chain collaboration, proof of concept, and knowledge sharing. By working together, the sector can unlock the full potential of innovation for a more  sustainable built environment.  

#CTS: How important is collaboration between designers, contractors, and owners in  advancing innovation across the global construction value chain? Could you share a case  study or example where such collaboration led to significant advancements?  

Thomas Donoghue: Collaboration across the construction value chain is not just important – it's essential to drive  innovation and solve the complex challenges facing the industry. No single player has all the  answers, and it's only by leveraging the collective intelligence and expertise of designers,  contractors, owners, and suppliers that we can develop and scale truly transformative solutions. 

We find that when we come together with these stakeholders early in the process to align on  shared goals, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions, we can unlock new possibilities and  overcome barriers to innovation. Bringing diverse perspectives to the table and fostering the right culture of experimentation and learning, helps identify blind spots, challenge assumptions, and  spark creative problem-solving. 

Effective collaboration in construction innovation often involves setting ambitious sustainability  targets, co-developing new technologies and processes, and sharing knowledge and best  practices across projects and regions.  

Collaborative innovation can take many forms, from joint R&D initiatives and pilot projects to  industry-wide alliances and open-innovation challenges. 

Of course, effective collaboration requires more than just good intentions. It needs to be supported  by the right collaboration frameworks, data standards, and governance models to enable  seamless information-sharing and joint decision-making. It also requires a shift in mindset, from  short-term, zero-sum thinking to a long-term, value-creation orientation. 

By working together across the value chain to innovate, experiment, and scale solutions, we can  accelerate the transition to a net-zero built environment and create lasting value for all  stakeholders. 

#CTS: The London Climate Technology Show 2024 showcases technologies driving the  transition to a net zero economy. How significant are such events, particularly for  innovations in the construction industry? 

Thomas Donoghue: Events focused on climate technology play an important role in accelerating the net-zero transition across all industries. These events provide a vital platform for innovators to showcase their cutting-edge solutions, for industry leaders to align on shared challenges and opportunities, and  for policymakers to engage with the latest technological developments. They can help forge new  collaborations, attract investment, and build momentum for the adoption of sustainable practices. 

As the transition to a net-zero built environment accelerates, we need these events to align  stakeholders, spark ideas, and spur collective action. They offer a space for the construction value  chain to come together, identify synergies, and chart a common course towards a more  sustainable future. 

The construction industry has a pivotal role to play in the transition to a net-zero economy, and  events like the London Climate Technology Show can be positive catalysts for change. By shining  a spotlight on innovative solutions and facilitating meaningful dialogue, they contribute to the  ecosystem of transformation. It is through this collective effort that we can build a more  sustainable future together.