Finding the Digital Path to Sustainability in Construction with Paloma Hermoso (Ward Williams)

Paloma Hermoso, Head of Sustainability at Ward Williams, joins Deconstructing Digital to challenge one of construction's most persistent assumptions - that sustainability is something you address once the real decisions have been made. Drawing on over a decade of experience across project management, construction and corporate sustainability, Paloma makes a compelling case for why the industry scores just 5 out of 10 on sustainability, why digital tools and AI are powerful but not a silver bullet, and how her own tool - the Sustainability Pathfinder - is giving construction teams a practical way to move from good intentions to real action.

Construction has more data than ever before. So why does the industry still struggle to turn that data into better decisions, better projects, and better outcomes? In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, Dr Adam O’Rourke, Emerging Technologies Consultant and former academic, brings a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on why construction data isn’t working - and what the industry must do to fix it. Drawing on decades in academia and his work supporting Causeway’s evolution into digital construction, Adam explores the hidden complexity behind construction data, from disconnected systems and fragmented processes to the critical interfaces where projects succeed or fail. If you think the future of construction is just “more AI,” this conversation may change your mind.

What does forty years in construction actually teach you about digital change? Quite a lot, it turns out - including what not to do. David Emery, consultant at the Supply Chain Sustainability School and one of the industry's most experienced digital voices, has been there for all of it: the early computing systems that cost two company cars and became obsolete before they paid back, the rise of BIM, the smartphone revolution that finally democratised data, and now the AI wave that's moving faster than anything he's seen before. In this episode, David brings refreshing honesty, a few brilliant stories, and zero jargon to one of construction's most persistent questions: why, after forty years, are we still struggling to make digital stick?

AI is already shaping the way construction, infrastructure and built environment projects are delivered. The focus now is on turning early adoption into long-term value while ensuring industry and policy evolve together. In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, we’re joined by Ben Goodwin, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), to unpack what that shift means in practice. Through his role representing civil engineering contractors across the UK and working closely with government, Ben shares a unique perspective on how AI in infrastructure is being used today, not just discussed. He also highlights some of the sector’s biggest challenges, from uneven adoption and the growing skills gap to the investment needed to make AI work at scale.

April 2029 is closer than you think. So what happens when e-invoicing becomes mandatory and your business isn’t ready? In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, Tim Cole, Trading Cloud Product Director at Causeway, joins us to break down the UK e-invoicing mandate and what it means for construction businesses ahead of the 2029 deadline. With over 30 years of experience in digital invoicing and data exchange, Tim shares practical insight into how e-invoicing in construction is evolving, what businesses need to do to comply, and why this shift goes far beyond regulation. He explores how data quality, invoice processing, automation and AI are set to transform finance processes, helping construction businesses improve efficiency, accelerate payments and gain a competitive edge across the supply chain.

Digital transformation doesn’t start with AI. It starts with getting the basics right. In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, Mike Gibbons - former CIO of Holcim UK - reflects on more than 20 years leading IT and digital strategy in one of the UK’s largest construction materials businesses. An engineer by background, with a career spanning automotive and construction, Mike brings a rare combination of operational understanding and executive technology leadership. He shares hard-earned lessons on sustainability, data ownership, cybersecurity and AI and what it really takes to move from operational stability to strategic impact. Digital strategy gets attention. Stability earns trust. This episode explains why you need both.

Digital adoption doesn’t fail because the technology is wrong. It fails when it makes the job harder. You can invest in the right systems. Roll them out well. Track the adoption numbers. And still struggle to make digital stick. In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, Brian Hammersley, Director of Digital Adoption at Balfour Beatty, shares what it really takes to bridge the gap between IT and frontline operations in construction. Drawing on more than 20 years of operational experience, Brian talks honestly about friction on site, the balance between security and usability, and why productivity – not just log-ins – is the real measure of success. If you’re leading digital change, shaping IT strategy or responsible for operational performance, this conversation offers practical advice you can apply straight away.

Paper is old. That’s where this episode begins. In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, Will Clarke, Managing Director of Direct Enviro Services, shares how to connected digital systems helped reduce admin, improve visibility and support rapid growth. From creating digital job packs to developing AI-powered identification and alert systems, Will explains what it really takes to scale operations without adding complexity.

Scaling a construction business from small beginnings to £5 million and beyond takes more than tools and talent, it takes the right strategy. In this episode of Deconstructing Digital, Amelia speaks with Greg Wilkes, founder of Develop Coaching, about how construction firms can grow sustainably in a digital-first world. They explore lessons learned the hard way - what happens when systems outpace people - and how to get growth back on track. Greg shares his honest lessons from experience and the five-pillar framework he now uses to help others scale smarter.

How do you transform one of England’s most rural and complex highway networks into a high-performing, data-driven, digitally connected service? In this episode, Kris Westerby, Head of Highways at Northumberland County Council, shares how his team has redefined public service delivery - starting with potholes, and ending with transparency, trust, and performance at scale. With real examples of innovation, impact and ambition, this episode is essential listening for professionals in local government, infrastructure or technology.