On paper, digital and ecological transitions are supposed to reinforce each other, accelerating innovation and carbon neutrality. However, in the construction industry, this ideal scenario seems far from reality. This is the conclusion of researchers from Grenoble Ecole de Management who conducted a qualitative study in eight French and German companies.
Interview with Anne-Lorène Vernay, head of the "Energy and Environmental Management" research team of Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), and Adélie Ranville, postdoctoral researcher.
Why did you choose to focus on the construction sector rather than other industries?
Anne-Lorène Vernay: The construction industry is not very digitalized and emits a lot of carbon. Its evolution is expected to be complex but highly significant, making it an interesting case study. Additionally, we wanted to compare the dominant discourse on the "twin transition"—the transformation of organizations towards zero-carbon emissions, largely enabled by digital technologies—with reality. This discourse offers an optimistic narrative, illustrated by success stories, but it often overlooks the obstacles and challenges involved.
Did your research confirm this gap between discourse and reality?
Adélie Ranville: Absolutely. Digital technology does not directly influence how buildings are constructed. Instead, it is used as a decision-support tool: What is the most sustainable material or design type? If I modify a parameter in my building, how does it impact costs and emissions? However, digital tools remain just that—tools. They do not influence decision-making criteria, which are primarily driven by regulations and cost considerations.
Have you observed a growing use of digital tools despite these limitations?
A.-L. V.: Yes, but only to address specific needs or for optimization purposes. For example, Building Information Modeling (BIM) helps in eco-design and prevents errors in the planning of complex buildings. Similarly, cement manufacturers use machine learning to quickly assess the quality of clinker, a key cement component. However, these are isolated initiatives. There is no overarching strategy to leverage digital tools for reducing carbon emissions.
What would a true dual transition strategy look like?
Adélie Ranville: It would require reliable and relevant data sharing among all actors in the value chain—developers, architects, engineering firms, cement manufacturers, construction companies, etc. This should take place within a continuous information loop of six interdependent steps (see schema below) that we have formalized. Beyond these technical measures, there must also be a shared commitment to transforming organizations. Digital tools can support the ecological transition, but they cannot drive it on their own.
Finally, let’s remember that digital technology is no miracle solution. We do not live in the cloud—we need real buildings. And concrete production will never be 100% digital; we will continue heating rocks to 1,450 degrees Celsius to manufacture it.
Towards a Continuous Information Loop in Six Steps
1. Make informed decisions with clear improvement objectives that integrate environmental impact.
2. Act in the real world by using digital tools to control machines or robots in ways that reduce carbon emissions.
3. Continuously collect relevant data through sensors and measurement instruments.
4. Process this data to extract insights, particularly regarding carbon emissions, and share them with other actors in the value chain.
5. Combine multiple sources of information to develop new expertise in environmental impact assessment and prediction.
6. Disseminate this expertise to stakeholders pursuing the same sustainability objectives.
The publication
Anne-Lorène Vernay and Adélie Ranville participated in the research project "Productivity in Transition – An International Comparative Analysis of the Twin Transition, Its Enablers, and Productivity Implications" hosted by The Productivity Institute and funded by the Economic & Social Research Council in the United Kingdom.
Bios
Anne-Lorène Vernay is an associate professor at Grenoble Ecole de Management and leads the "Energy and Environmental Management" (EEM) research team. Her research focuses on corporate strategies in the energy sector in response to the energy transition. She also contributes to the Energy for Society Chair.
Adélie Ranville is a postdoctoral researcher in the EEM team, working on the dual digital and ecological transition as part of an international project funded by The Productivity Institute (UK). She is also interested in business models and the governance of alternative organizations.
GEM Programs on Transitions
▶MSc Management for Sustainability Transitions
▶Advanced Master in Technology Management and Responsible Innovation
- Ecological transition
- Digital transformation
- GEM Research
