As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes the intersection of sustainability and profitability, Qualis Flow has unveiled its highly anticipated report on the state of data quality in the sector. In today’s digital age, data has become the lifeblood of industries worldwide and construction is no exception. While the industry has made progress in adopting digital tools for data capture, auditing and reporting, the quality of that data often lags in the race for quantity.
The construction sector faces mounting pressures, including net-zero targets, safety regulations and the demand for economic efficiency. This report sheds light on the state of data quality, with a focus on material deliveries and waste removal—categories that account for 40% of project budgets and 90% of embodied carbon emissions.
Analyzing over 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 offers a roadmap for improvement.
The challenges are significant, but so are the 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 poor data management, which contributed to a global loss of $1.84 trillion in 2020 (Autodesk, 2020). Moreover, one in three poor decisions in construction stems from inaccurate or incomplete data. Despite the increasing 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 product and waste data needed enrichment to be usable for analysis.
- A staggering 80% of contractors lacked a structured approach to tracking delivery data.
- 95% of issues with waste and delivery documentation could be solved through better data management.
Most critically, only 34% of construction materials have enough data to accurately calculate carbon emissions—a glaring issue as the industry works toward net-zero goals. Similarly, only 63% of waste removal data contained sufficient details to assess carbon emissions accurately.
“Data quality in construction is important because it ensures accountability. 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 just for efficiency but also for compliance, safety and sustainability. With increasing regulatory pressures, including stricter environmental reporting and carbon emissions tracking, the construction industry must ensure accurate, reliable data to enable better decision-making and regulatory compliance.
“By having better quality data, you’re going to be able to drive better outcomes on the construction site because it enables you to make better-informed decisions on the task you’re trying to achieve.”
Tony Harbour, Director of Partnerships EMEA, Procore Technologies
Inaccurate data isn’t merely inconvenient; it poses serious risks to public safety. Tragedies such as the Surfside condominium collapse in Miami, or the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK highlight the catastrophic consequences of poor data management in construction. Inadequate tracking of materials can lead to dangerous safety lapses and undermine accountability.
“Better data quality isn’t just a technical necessity; it’s a fundamental requirement for the future success of the construction industry.”
Brittany Harris, CEO and Co-Founder, Qualis Flow
Steps for action
The report outlines four practical steps that could resolve up to 95% of challenges related to delivery and waste documentation. These steps include:
1. Improved Standardization: Adopting consistent data formats and practices across the industry.
2. Enhanced Data Literacy: Training workers to understand and manage data effectively.
3. Stronger Collaboration: Encouraging cross-industry partnerships to address systemic issues.
4. Leveraging Technology: Utilizing tools that automate and streamline data capture and analysis.
The good news? These steps are actionable today. By implementing them, construction companies can quickly unlock significant benefits, including time savings, cost reductions and faster progress toward ambitious net-zero targets.
While the challenges of poor data quality are undeniable, this report sends a message of hope. The path forward is clear, and the tools for change are already within reach. 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 report in full here.
About Qualis Flow (Qflow)
Qflow envisions a construction industry that utilizes only the resources it truly needs, ensuring efficiency and sustainability while delivering a built environment that fulfills societal needs without compromising the well-being of future generations.
They are on a mission to be the simplest and fastest solution for decarbonizing construction, leveraging data-driven insights and leadership to drive significant change on construction sites across the globe.
Qflow collaborates with construction teams to help monitor and manage their consumption of materials and production of waste.
By automating data collection from on-site documentation, Qflow empowers contractors to make informed decisions that support the management of cost, quality and carbon.
