As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes the intersection of sustainability and profitability, Qualis Flow has released its long-awaited report on the state of data quality in the industry. In today’s digital age, data has become the lifeblood of industries around the world, and construction is no exception. While the industry has made strides in adopting digital tools for data capture, auditing and reporting, the quality of that data often lags behind in the race for quantity.
The construction industry faces increasing pressures, including net zero targets, safety regulations and the demand for economic efficiency. This report sheds light on the state of data quality, focusing on material deliveries and waste disposal, categories that account for 40% of project budgets and 90% of embodied carbon emissions .
Analyzing more than one million data points, the findings present clear, actionable solutions to persistent challenges. Developed with input from BW Construction, Willmott Dixon and industry leaders such as Procore Technologies and 2050 Materials, the report provides a roadmap for improvement.
Challenges are important, but so are opportunities for action. Better data quality can save time, reduce costs and bring the industry closer to achieving net zero goals.
Key findings
The report highlights the immense impact of data mismanagement, which contributed to a global loss of $1.84 trillion in 2020 (Autodesk, 2020). In addition, one in three bad decisions in construction comes from inaccurate or incomplete data. Despite the growing adoption of digital technologies, significant gaps in data quality remain.
The analysis revealed that:
– 95% of delivery documentation and 75% of waste transfer notes were incomplete, inconsistent or inaccurate.
– 91% of the product and waste data needed enrichment to be usable for analysis.
– A staggering 80% of contractors did not have a structured approach to tracking delivery data.
– 95% of issues with waste and delivery documentation could be resolved through better data management.
Most critically, only 34% of building materials have sufficient data to accurately calculate carbon emissions, a glaring problem as the industry works toward net zero goals. Similarly, only 63% of waste disposal data contained sufficient detail to accurately assess carbon emissions.
“The quality of data in construction is important because it guarantees responsibility. Accountability is what we need to transition the industry to a more climate-positive future.”
Phanos Hadjikyriakou, CEO, 2050 Materials
The stakes are high
The findings underscore the urgency of addressing these data gaps, not only for efficiency, but also for compliance, safety and sustainability. With increasing regulatory pressures, such as stricter environmental reporting and carbon emissions monitoring, the construction industry must ensure accurate and reliable data to enable better decision-making and regulatory compliance.
“By having better quality data, you’ll be able to get better results on the job because it will allow you to make more informed decisions about the task you’re trying to accomplish.”
Tony Harbour, Director of Partnerships EMEA, Procore Technologies
Inaccurate data isn’t just an inconvenience; poses serious risks to public safety. Tragedies like Surfside condominium collapse in Miami, or the Grenfell tower fire in the United Kingdom highlight the catastrophic consequences of poor data management in construction. Inadequate tracking of materials can lead to dangerous safety errors and undermine liability.
“Better data quality is not just a technical necessity; is a critical requirement for the future success of the construction industry.”
Brittany Harris, CEO and co-founder of Qualis Flow
Action steps
The report outlines four practical steps that could solve up to 95% of waste delivery and documentation challenges. These steps include:
1. Improved standardization: Adoption of consistent data formats and practices across the industry.
2. Improving data literacy: training workers to understand and manage data effectively.
3. Stronger collaboration: encouraging partnerships across sectors to address systemic issues.
4. Leveraging technology: Using tools that automate and streamline data capture and analysis.
The good news? These steps can be taken today. By implementing them, construction companies can quickly realize significant benefits such as time savings, cost reductions and faster progress towards ambitious net zero goals.
While the challenges of poor data quality are undeniable, this report sends a message of hope. The way forward is clear and the tools for change are at hand. By adopting better data practices, the construction industry can build not only smarter and safer projects, but also a more sustainable and profitable future.
Download the full report here.
About Qualis Flow (Qflow)
Qflow envisions a construction industry that uses only the resources it actually needs, ensuring efficiency and sustainability while delivering a built environment that meets society’s needs without compromising the well-being of future generations.
They are on a mission to be the easiest and fastest solution to decarbonize construction, leveraging data-driven insights and leadership to drive meaningful change on construction sites around the world.
Qflow works with construction teams to help monitor and manage their material consumption and waste production.
By automating data collection from on-site documentation, Qflow enables contractors to make informed decisions that support cost, quality and carbon management.
