Digitalization is paving the way for future-proof real estate
Across Europe, property owners and asset managers are asking the same question: how do we make long-term decisions without reliable, accessible building information?
With regulations tightening, sustainability targets rising, and the lifespan of buildings being redefined, this question needs to be addressed at every stage of the building lifecycle. From design and construction to use, reuse, and redevelopment, every phase needs to be underpinned by reliable, accessible data.
In a recent article published by The Dutch Financial Times (Het Financieele Dagblad), these challenges are explored through the lens of digitalization in the built environment.
The article highlights why data-driven working is no longer optional, and how BIM is increasingly becoming the backbone of future-proof real estate portfolios.
Read the full article below (translated from Dutch) or visit the original version here.
Digitalization paves the way for future-proof real estate
Digitalization in the construction sector is firmly in the spotlight. In practice, however, achieving a real breakthrough remains a complex challenge. The sector is certainly moving, but unevenly and often hesitantly. At the same time, the sense of urgency is growing. Stricter regulations, higher sustainability targets and increasing maintenance demands mean that organizations need to gain control over their building data more quickly.
European directives are having an ever-greater impact on the construction industry. Property owners and asset managers are, of course, well aware of this. Concepts such as circularity, material transparency and energy performance are clearly shaping decision-making. One thing is certain: making future-proof choices is extremely difficult without reliable information. According to Roy van der Velden, Strategic Customer Success Manager at construction software provider BIMcollab, the key to progress lies in data-driven working. A Building Information Model (BIM) acts as the central carrier of information. Such a model provides both a visual and logical structure to connect and keep data up to date, from material passports to maintenance histories. “You should see it as a coat rack. Only when information becomes accessible to a broad group of users does data gain real value,” says Van der Velden.
For new construction projects, BIM and digitalization are increasingly becoming standard practice, a trend accelerated by European regulation. In existing buildings, however, the challenge is far greater. Property owners are often dealing with fragmented archives: physical folders, legacy systems, countless versions and incomplete records. Van der Velden supports organizations in gradually structuring this information. “By starting with an initial exploration, you immediately gain valuable insights, which then help define the desired direction.”
Growing urgency
The urgency is increasing due to stricter energy performance requirements. A poor energy label may mean that a building can no longer be rented out or used in the future. As a result, owners are faced with difficult choices: renovate, redevelop or divest. Without reliable data, making such decisions is challenging. Large property managers are becoming increasingly aware of this. While digital building information still felt distant five years ago, Van der Velden now sees clear momentum. More and more organizations are developing transition plans to make their portfolios future-proof.
The sustainability challenge is also playing an increasingly important role. The CO₂ footprint of buildings must be reduced, and that starts with insight into materials, structures and usage. “There is simply no way around it,” says Van der Velden. Universities, public authorities and other major investors are therefore exploring how they can better document and analyze their existing portfolios. More and more stakeholders also realize that well-structured building data is not only a regulatory requirement, but a strategic asset. It makes future scenarios easier to compare and investment decisions more robust.
Ultimately, it is about closing the life cycle of buildings: ensuring continuity between design, construction, use and reuse. This requires not only technology, but also changes in working methods and organizational culture. Even so, Van der Velden remains optimistic. “Every major challenge starts with a first step. That step forms the foundation for all developments that follow.”
End of article
What stands out in this article is the shift in mindset regarding digitalization. Digitalization in our industry has gone beyond being about innovation for innovation’s sake. Right now, the focus is on regaining control.
We see this every day in conversations with property owners, asset managers, and public institutions. The challenge is rarely due to a lack of ambition. It is the reality of fragmented data, disconnected teams, and information that becomes useful only when decisions are already urgent.
A BIM model, as described in the article, functions as more than a technical tool. It becomes a shared point of truth across disciplines and across the building lifecycle. That shared foundation is what enables better decisions. Earlier, more confident decisions.
Future-proof real estate does not start with a perfect model. It starts with the first step toward structured, accessible building information.
What’s next?
Want to read more on this topic? We explore a step-by-step approach to implementing a CDE in real estate development in this blog post: