Factors Influencing Big Data Adoption for Sustainability in the Swedish Construction Industry: Technical, Economic, and Organizational Perspectives

The construction industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions due to high energy consumption in buildings and the production of carbon-intensive materials. Although Big Data is recognized as a transformative tool for improving sustainability by optimizing energy use, resource efficiency, and decision-making, its adoption in construction remains limited. This study aims to identify and analyze the technical, economic, and organizational factors influencing Big Data adoption for sustainability and climate neutrality in Swedish construction companies. A quantitative survey was conducted among 150 industry professionals, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, ANOVA, chi-squared (χ2) tests, and principal component analysis (PCA), guided by the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory. The results indicate that the respondents broadly acknowledge benefits such as energy savings, cost reductions, and improved decision support. The PCA revealed two key dimensions—one capturing technical/environmental benefits, the other economic/regulatory benefits—while barriers included standardization issues, limited digital skills, and investment uncertainties persist. The findings suggest that overcoming these barriers is essential for accelerating a strategic and climate-aligned digital transition in construction, offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders.