Launch of Socotec Digital: a new entity to accelerate the digital transformation of the construction sector

This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive response to the challenges facing the construction and real estate sector: accelerating productivity, monitoring performance and compliance with laws and standards, controlling construction and building operating costs, reducing carbon footprint, securing data and adapting to new regulatory expectations.

A sectoral context marked by still uneven digitalization

Digitalization is progressing in the construction industry, but significant gaps remain. In France, only 39% of companies in the sector have already deployed digital processes. While a majority of stakeholders recognize the need for transformation, adoption remains uneven and often partial. At the European level, analyses highlight the same trend: a minority of companies actually apply digital tools end-to-end, despite the proliferation of initiatives and public policies[3]. In France, 56% of professionals already engaged in BIM now use it on more than a quarter of their projects, and 72% consider these practices essential to their business[1]. More broadly, 67% of construction companies have deployed or are planning actions to accelerate their digital transition, while approximately a third use or plan to use BIM and a quarter use AI[2].

Data: A concrete lever for performance in the sector

Data applied to buildings offers tangible benefits. According to the French Building Federation (FFB), BIM combined with data can lead to savings of up to 20% on construction costs, notably through a reduction in design errors and improved coordination among stakeholders. Furthermore, buildings that fully utilize their data achieve a 10 to 15% reduction in energy consumption, while also optimizing their maintenance: it's worth noting that 30 to 40% of a building's operating costs are related to maintenance and can be reduced through analysis and predictive monitoring of equipment [4].

An integrated positioning within the SOCOTEC group

The integration of SOCOTEC Digital into the SOCOTEC Group strengthens the credibility of its offering and allows it to leverage the existing ecosystem (engineering, inspections, audits, specialized expertise). It provides clients with a single point of contact capable of creating synergies between the Group's digital and traditional activities. With nearly 150 experts mobilized from launch, SOCOTEC Digital aims to cover the entire French territory and expand into international projects.

A vision centered on data, innovation and impact

To advance the digitalization of the sector, the essential pillars of digital technology cannot be separated. Therefore, SOCOTEC Digital offers holistic support across the entire digitalization process of a real estate project:

• Data strategy and governance: structuring and leveraging data as a strategic asset.
• Modeling, digital twins and BIM: dynamic modeling and interoperability of projects.
• AI & predictive analytics: anticipating risks, optimizing performance and reducing unforeseen events.
• Responsible digital technology and cybersecurity: eco-friendly solutions, digital sobriety, regulatory compliance and system security.
• Operational support & training: skills development, certification and ongoing support for teams.

This comprehensive approach allows SOCOTEC Digital to intervene from the strategic phase and to remain present until the operation and maintenance of the works.

According to Harold Huillier, Managing Director of SOCOTEC Digital: “SOCOTEC Digital is evolving BIM in Motion, SOCOTEC’s historical BIM entity, into a sector-specific digital consulting business, specializing in building and real estate. By combining data, modeling & digital twins, AI, responsible digital practices and cybersecurity, we provide an end-to-end solution, from strategy to operations. Our promise: a measurable impact on the performance, compliance and sustainability of assets — with the ambition to triple our business by 2030.”

According to Franck Pettex-Sorgue, Managing Director of SOCOTEC Construction and Real Estate: “By launching SOCOTEC Digital, we are affirming our commitment to making data, modeling, and responsible digital practices key drivers of the real estate industry. SOCOTEC Digital aims to embody the convergence of technology, sustainability, and operational rigor. By combining technical expertise, artificial intelligence, and digital responsibility, the entity positions itself as a strategic partner for project owners, operators, and industrial companies seeking to transform their existing or future buildings in an increasingly demanding environment.”

[1] Ministry of Ecological Transition — Barometer on the use of digital technology and BIM by construction professionals (2024) — PDF*

[2] FFB / Le Moniteur — 2024 Barometer: Innovation in progress in companies — ffbatiment.fr

[3] BUILD UP (European Commission) — Digital adoption in construction: 2024 status (ref. RICS 2024) — build-up.ec.europa.eu

[4] FFB — Data exploitation: how is the building sector affected? (2023) — ffbatiment.fr