Digitalization and sustainability go hand in hand

For some time now, Johanna Järvinen has been part of the business development team at Symetri Europe. Based in the UK, she operates across Europe and brings valuable experience from her previous work with Symetri’s partner, One Click LCA. With a strong commitment to tangible results rather than empty promises, Johanna is passionate about combining technology and sustainability — and demonstrating how digitalization can be a powerful driver for a more responsible construction industry.

BIM and AI Are Shaping the Future of Construction

When Johanna looks ahead, she is clear: BIM and AI will be central building blocks in the construction sector of the future. It's not just about building right from the start, but also about building for the future.

BIM makes it possible to gather and coordinate all information within a single digital ecosystem. It reduces errors, saves time, and provides a better foundation for sustainable decision-making. But when we connect BIM with AI, we can take it even further — we can integrate sustainability requirements directly into the design process, optimize buildings’ energy use, and choose materials with lower climate impact before a single shovel hits the ground.

AI as a Catalyst for Sustainability

Johanna sees a clear role for AI in driving the construction sector toward greater sustainability. By combining digital intelligence with human creativity, she believes we can streamline processes and make more sustainable choices that stand the test of time.

“AI can analyze large volumes of data in ways humans simply don’t have time for. This allows us to quickly identify smarter material choices, more efficient construction methods, and energy-saving solutions. Early in a project, AI can provide design teams with suggestions on how to reduce climate impact — while also drawing on lessons from previous builds.”

Digital Twins Enable Long-Term Sustainability

Johanna emphasizes the value of accurately creating digital replicas of buildings and infrastructure.

“With a digital twin, we can simulate and predict how a building will perform even before it's completed. We can analyze energy use, indoor climate, and resource consumption, and adjust the design to achieve optimal results.”

But the value of digital twins extends far beyond the construction phase. By tracking a building's actual performance over time, you can plan maintenance, replace components at the right time, and reduce resource waste.

“This not only leads to a more sustainable building, but also one that’s more economically efficient and adaptable throughout its lifecycle. Digital twins help us truly think long-term.”

A Clear Goal – Smarter and More Sustainable Projects

The link between technology, sustainability, and business value is obvious, Johanna concludes.

At Symetri, we work to ensure that digitalization and a sustainability focus are embedded throughout the entire construction process. With solutions like Naviate Zero, we provide our customers with the tools they need to create projects that are smart, cost-effective, and sustainable. The construction industry is facing one of its biggest transformations ever. It’s inspiring to be part of that shift — and to contribute with both experience and solutions.