AI and BIM drive construction’s digital transformation

The latest NBS report reveals how the UK construction industry is entering a new phase of digital capability, with artificial intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and cloud collaboration now embedded across many project workflows.

Based on responses from 559 design and construction professionals, the Digital Construction Report 2025 charts the growing role of data in boosting efficiency, sustainability and safety across the built environment — including in concrete design, specification and performance monitoring.

Now in its 15th year, the study provides a detailed snapshot of current usage and attitudes toward digital tools. Key findings include:

• AI adoption has surged, with 42% of professionals already using AI and a further 38% planning to within five years. Common applications include design optimisation, data analysis, specification assistance and predictive maintenance.
• BIM remains central to digital transformation, with 72% of respondents now actively using it. Understanding of BIM has matured beyond “3D modelling” to encompass lifecycle management, digital twins and data-driven sustainability tracking — key for materials-intensive sectors such as concrete and precast manufacturing.
• Cloud-based collaboration has become standard, with 86% using shared platforms for data management, document control, and communication between site and office teams.
• Product Data and Digital Product Passports are gaining traction, with 83% of respondents supporting future adoption to improve transparency and traceability across materials supply chains.

The report also highlights a changing mindset. Although more than half of respondents worry about being left behind as digital transformation accelerates, confidence in new technology is rising. Many see AI and BIM as key to achieving net-zero and circular economy goals, including through better design for material efficiency and reuse.

Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, said the findings reflect a sector increasingly ready to integrate digital tools into daily practice: “Construction has often been seen as lagging in digital adoption, but our 2025 results show real progress. From BIM to AI, digital tools are no longer future trends – they’re today’s working reality.”

The report also draws attention to data-driven advances in material performance, including digital tracking of low-carbon concrete mixes, embodied carbon assessment, and the integration of sustainability data into specifications. These developments, according to NBS, are helping designers and contractors make better, faster and more measurable decisions.

This year’s survey, supported by multiple membership bodies and institutes, also raised funds for construction charity CRASH, with £1 donated for every completed response.

The full report, From AI to BIM: The Data Behind Construction’s Digital Shift, is available to download at thenbs.com/survey.