Construction consumes 40% of the world's raw resources and generates 40% of global waste. Qflow is tackling this challenge head-on with their innovative AI-powered platform that tracks materials and waste in real-time. Through automated data capture and analysis, they're helping construction teams reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and manage compliance.
Leading this transformation is Brittany Harris, co-founder and CEO, whose mission is to decarbonise construction. As Qflow prepares to showcase their technology at 4YFN25, we spoke with Harris about her vision for sustainable building.
As a 4YFN finalist, where do you see Qflow in four years from now?
By 2028, we aim to be the industry leader in the UK and established across the US, Australia and key European markets. We'll develop our AI-driven materials tracking to enable material verification and the circular economy, with enhanced integrations across construction management software.Crucially, we want to demonstrate proven reductions in embodied carbon and waste with flagship case studies demonstrating scalability.
What impact do you aim to achieve with your technology?
We're focused on empowering understaffed construction teams to do more with less and rapidly upskill in sustainable practices. Our technology provides real-time insights to meet carbon reduction and waste targets, while supporting compliance with evolving sustainability regulations. We aim to achieve significant embodied carbon reductions across thousands of sites globally, track and divert millions of tons of construction waste from landfills.
What are the main challenges you face?
We're seeing tightened budgets for ESG initiatives and technology adoption, alongside political turbulence limiting investment in decarbonisation. There's also resistance to change within traditional industries and varying levels of digital readiness across different regions. The regulatory landscape and stakeholder engagement around sustainability also varies significantly.
Finally, how will AI transform your sector between now and 2028?
AI will automate carbon tracking, material reuse optimisation, and compliance reporting. It's transforming how we handle data – converting paperwork and handwritten notes to digital format, reducing data loss and improving consistency. This will enable predictive insights for sustainable project planning and simplify complex data management, making sustainability accessible and affordable at scale.
To know more about Qflow visit their site here and if you want to discover more about the 4YFN25 awards, check this out: 4yfn.com/4yfn-awards.