The built environment sector, which includes construction, architecture, engineering, (#AEC) and property management, is one of the most critical industries in the world. It plays a vital role in shaping our communities and cities and is responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports our daily lives. However, despite its importance, the sector has been slow to embrace change and has been stuck in its ancient and traditional ways for far too long. As the quote by Rumi suggests, "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself," the #BuiltEnvironment sector needs to change itself to adapt to the changing world around it.

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"Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." – Rumi

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The Planet

One of the most significant challenges facing the built environment sector today is the need to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. #ClimateChange is a reality that cannot be ignored, and the industry needs to adapt to this new reality by embracing green building practices and using sustainable materials. According to the reports, buildings account for 40% of #CarbonEmissions globally. Therefore, the built environment needs to reduce its carbon footprint to mitigate the effects of climate change. Green buildings not only help to protect the environment, but they can also save money in the long run. According to the World Green Building Trends report, the payback period for green buildings is typically less than two years.

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The Technology

Another essential change that the built environment sector needs to embrace is the use of technology. One of the most promising technological advancements in the built environment sector is using Artificial Intelligence (#AI) and Digital Twins. AI and #DigitalTwins are becoming increasingly popular in the built environment due to their numerous benefits in optimizing the process, reducing errors, and improving safety. According to a #McKinsey study, using AI in the construction industry could lead to a $1.2 trillion boost in productivity.

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Additionally, digital twins can improve communication between various stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, and improve collaboration. According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), using digital twins can lead to a 25% reduction in the cost of maintaining a building. Using AI and Digital Twins in the built environment sector can significantly improve the efficiency, accuracy, and #sustainability of built assets throughout the asset lifecycle.

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“The built environment needs to adapt to the changing world around it. By embracing green building practices, using technology such as AI and Digital Twins, and focusing on diversity and inclusion in the workforce, we can ensure that our industry is ready for tomorrow." – Suhail Arfath, CEO Hloov

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The People

Finally, the sector must also embrace the changing #workforce. The built environment has traditionally been male-dominated, but in recent years, there has been an increasing number of women entering the field. This positive development should be embraced, as #diversity and #inclusion can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making. For example, according to a study, companies with more diverse teams have a 35% higher return on investment than those with less diverse teams. Furthermore, the built environment sector should also focus on developing and training the workforce in the latest technologies, such as AI and Digital twins, to ensure that the industry can fully benefit from the opportunities these technologies offer.

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The Conclusion

In conclusion, the built environment must #embracechange to remain relevant and competitive in the 21st century. This means embracing sustainable building practices, using technology, and valuing diversity and inclusion. The sector must change itself to adapt to the changing world around it, just as #Rumi suggests in his quote. Using AI and Digital Twins in the built environment sector can significantly improve project efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. The industry should invest in research and development, training and education, and workforce diversity to fully benefit from these technologies. By embracing change, the built environment sector can build a better future for all of us, creating a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient built environment for the betterment of society and the planet.

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