The construction industry is currently confronted with significant challenges in terms of both competitiveness and sustainability. According to a recent McKinsey article, this sector has a major role to play in achieving global sustainability goals. Notably, construction directly contributes to around 40 percent of CO₂ emissions and indirectly influences 25 percent of all greenhouse-gas emissions.
To maintain their competitiveness, construction companies must adopt digitisation, invest in research and development and deliver projects that align with evolving environmental requirements.
The construction sector has a significant demand for digitalisation, as studies demonstrate it leads to increased productivity, cost savings, improved safety, sustainability, data-driven decision-making and a distinct competitive advantage.
Streamlining construction processes
Improving procurement and supply-chain management
Infusing digital technology & advanced automation
New challenges in the construction sector
Stakeholders across the entire construction value chain are facing a series of upcoming challenges driven by local and EU regulations, circularity and sustainabillity requirements, all aimed at fostering a greener and more environmentally-friendly future.
To effectively address these challenges, the construction industry must elevate its efficiency levels and streamline its supply chains and life cycle processes. The initial crucial step involves digitising these activities and processes, thereby establishing interoperability and the necessary level of transparency mandated by regulations.
By embracing open global standards, stakeholders in the construction value chain can play a pivotal role in cultivating a more connected, efficient, and productive industry. This transformation will yield benefits for all parties involved in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure projects.
Where can GS1 standards help?
The GS1 system of standards is designed to enhance the efficiency of business processes and deliver cost savings through automation based on globally unique identification and digital information.
Businesses and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly collaborating to promote more sustainable economic, environmental and social practices. The circular economy model, which emphasises activities like sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products, stands as a pivotal aspect of sustainability.
The GS1 system’s three core components - Identification, Data Capture and Data Share - empower our members to establish globally unique means to identify real-world entities. This allows them to serve as the subject of electronic information that can be stored and/or transmitted by end users, effectively bridging the gap between the physical realm and the realm of electronic information.
Videos
GS1 Ireland use case from the Cresme event - long version
GS1 Norway use case from the Cresme event - long version
GS1 Germany use case from the Cresme event - long version
Publications
Guideline
GTIN Management Guideline for Construction Products
This Global Trade Item Number Management Guideline for Construction Products provides construction-specific examples of the GTIN Management Standard.
Report
Digital Product Data for Lifting Productivity (2020)
The building and construction industry can lift its poor productivity by establishing a digital database on building products, accessible to all industry players and providing them with important product assurance information.
This report by GS1 New Zealand, funded by BRANZ from the Building Research Levy, draws on analysis commissioned from the NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), on international examples of productivity gain from using digital data systems, and GS1 expertise in data standards and related technologies.
Report
Digital enablement of businesses, government agencies and consumers to make green building product purchases (2023)
This report created by GS1 New Zealand and commissioned by BRANZ is focusing on how digital innovations can support a greener construction and building industry.
It aims to support GS1 members and the wider building and construction industry, including government agencies, to take advantage of the opportunities highlighted in the document around the use and implementation of structured product master data, digital data templates and global standards.
GS1 US
For further information, contact your national GS1 Member Organisation
Want to know more about GS1 standards?
GS1 standards provide a globally recognized system for product identification, data exchange, and supply chain visibility, facilitating efficient and accurate communication among stakeholders across various industries.
Click here to learn more about the GS1 system
Identification
Capture
Share
Helpful resources and tools
GTIN Management Standard Decision-Support Tool
GTIN Management Guideline for Construction Products
Becoming an expert in standards is a substantial and demanding responsibility. That’s why our members are encouraged to reach out with any questions they may have. If you have questions regarding GS1 standards, please contact the Centre of Excellence Construction.
