Public works projects, public money... Who's really in charge of the budget?

Every year, public and private projects experience budget overruns of 20 to 30%. From the Philharmonie de Paris (1) to regional high schools, these examples show that, without the obligation to use a construction economist, cost control too often remains haphazard, with a potential waste of public funds.

Behind these figures, however, one player could change the game: the construction economist.

The construction economist, the key player in protecting public funds for project owners

The construction economist is the true conductor of costs. An independent specialist, they intervene from the initial studies to verify financial feasibility, compare technical options, and monitor expenses in real time. Their role: to ensure the project is completed at the agreed price, while anticipating sustainability and environmental performance challenges through life cycle assessment (LCA) and the calculation of the project's total cost over 30 or 40 years. Still too often overlooked, the construction economist is the key player who will secure projects and protect public funds. Independent and impartial, they act as a financial watchdog, anticipating risks and proposing reliable alternatives to avoid cost overruns. They also compare different technical options and monitor expenses in real time throughout the entire construction process.

Enhanced protection of public finances and a sustainable vision

Founded in 1965, OPQTECC (Organisme de Qualification des Economistes de la Construction et des Programmemistes – the French organization for the qualification of construction economists and planners) is the only French body specifically certifying these professions. Today, nearly 400 professionals are qualified: they receive ongoing training, are regularly audited, and are subject to a strict code of ethics guaranteeing their independence and neutrality. For project owners such as local authorities, companies, or developers, working with an OPQTECC-qualified economist* ensures they benefit from a competent and impartial expert capable of securing every euro invested.

Major public projects represent considerable investments, often financed by taxpayers, and cost overruns can quickly strain public finances. The qualified construction economist acts as the guardian of public finances. They contribute to sustainable, responsible, and profitable construction in the long term, while providing essential transparency for decision-makers. By certifying these professionals and guaranteeing their independence, OPQTECC acts as a financial watchdog and a mark of trust, vital for the construction sector and the public interest.

Towards a requirement to secure all major public projects

Recognizing the importance of this role, Senator Jean Hingray is currently sponsoring a bill to make the use of a construction economist mandatory for all public projects exceeding €20 million. OPQTECC fully supports this initiative. Currently, the lack of such a requirement contributes to the financial excesses that are still too often observed. Making this practice systematic would help secure public investments, anticipate risks, and ensure better cost control for all taxpayers.

* OPQTECC: Qualification Body for Construction Economists and Programmers

(1): Source: Report of the Court of Auditors

Opinion piece by Matthieu Lamy, president of OPQTECC (LinkedIn).