Starting Point 

How can Architecture, Design and Engineering (ADE) organisations develop the digital capabilities and information systems required for efficient project delivery while addressing organisation-level challenges in digital sustainability? 

This research examines the opportunities and challenges facing the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector as organisations seek to integrate sustainability into digital practices and coordinate digital and sustainability initiatives across organisational levels. 

Project Summary 

The AEC sector is undergoing two urgent transformations: the transition towards sustainability and the rapid adoption of digital technologies. The sector is responsible for approximately 37% of global energy- and process-related carbon dioxide emissions (UNEP, 2023), placing it at the centre of global climate action. At the same time, digital technologies are reshaping how built-environment professionals design, coordinate and deliver projects. However, digitalisation and sustainability are often pursued as separate organisational agendas. Sustainability initiatives may be treated as compliance-driven additions, while digitalisation is primarily directed towards improving efficiency and productivity. This disconnection can lead to missed opportunities, duplicated efforts and organisational misalignments. This research explores how digital innovation and sustainability can progress together through two complementary concepts: 

• Digital sustainability: The use of digital resources, systems and tools to directly support sustainability goals. 

• Sustainable digitalisation: The design, development and operation of digital technologies with sustainability principles embedded from the outset. 

Research Design 

The research comprises three studies that examine digital sustainability, sustainable digitalisation and the convergence of both concepts.  

Study 1: Resolving Misalignments in Digital Sustainability Implementation 

• Objective: Developing implications for managing organisational alignment and supporting the implementation of digital sustainability initiatives. 

• Method: Qualitative case study using interviews and organisational documents collected over a two-year period 

• Status: Findings are being prepared for journal publication 

Study 2: Designing for Sustainable Digitalisation 

• Objective: Designing adaptable and sustainable digital systems, exploring how sustainability principles can guide the design of digital systems that are adaptable, maintainable and resilient over the long term 

• Method: Design Science Research drawing on qualitative data, organisational requirements and design knowledge generated through the broader research context 

• Status: Ongoing 

Study 3: Convergence of Digital and Sustainability through Co-Design 

• Objective: Co-design a digital system that support sustainable organisational practices combining digital and sustainability capabilities 

• Method: Action Design Research, building on the theoretical and practical knowledge developed through Study 1 and Study 2 

• Status: Open for research and industry collaboration