Safety, costs, environment: how construction companies prioritize their projects

A cautious confidence, built on experience

With an average score of 7,5/10, companies' confidence in their ability to evolve remains solid, without being excessive. This score reflects less blind optimism than a form of clear-sightedness: the sector knows how to cope with uncertainty.

The differences observed between large companies (up to 7,9/10) and SMEs (7,4/10) illustrate a well-known reality on the ground. The former have room to maneuver to invest in forecasting and management tools, while the latter proceed more cautiously, focusing their efforts on what immediately improves project execution.

Security: a worthwhile investment, even in tense times.

While budget allocations are tighter, 58% of companies still plan to invest in occupational health and safety in the coming months. This telling figure shows that safety is no longer seen as a cost center, but as a factor in operational stability.

On construction sites, this priority translates into better-trained teams, more rigorous organization and, for the most advanced companies, the use ofdigital tools facilitating the monitoring of risky situations. These systems provide site managers with a more reliable and responsive view, particularly in multi-site management.

Environment: the end of the experimental stage

The barometer marks a clear turning point: 9 out of 10 companies have already implemented, or are preparing to implement, waste reduction measures at the source. This figure confirms that the environmental transition has now become routine on construction sites.

Behind this generalization, the motivations are very concrete. Reducing waste also means limiting material losses, streamlining logistics, and better controlling costs. For project managers, the challenge is no longer simply "doing sustainable" work, but doing better, with less waste.

AI: a management tool before it is an innovation

Artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly, but its adoption remains pragmatic. 70% of companies already use or plan to use AI, and nearly a third have already integrated it into their processes. Far from abstract promises, applications are focused on what provides real-world relief: anticipating budget overruns, assistance with pricing, optimization of schedules.

The gap between large companies (78%) and SMEs (66%) primarily reflects a different level of data structuring. Where information is centralized and reliable, AI becomes a genuine decision-making tool for project teams.

Uncertainty and recruitment: the two persistent blind spots

While the sector is progressing, it remains hampered by two major constraints: 64% of companies cite both market uncertainty and recruitment difficulties. These pressures largely explain the increasing importance of financial management and resource forecasting, which have become essential for securing operations.

The construction site, the center of gravity of decisions

The barometer Orisha Construction 2026* shows a sector that is not seeking to reinvent itself at breakneck speed, but to strengthen the effectiveness of its business practices. SafetyEnvironment and management tools are emerging as concrete responses to current constraints.

In an unstable environment, the construction site becomes more than ever the center of gravity for strategic decisions made by construction companies.

To learn more about Orisha Construction:
https://construction.orisha.com/

*Orisha Construction barometer carried out in partnership with Infopro Digital study, among 150 decision-makers in the construction industry.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.