For over a decade, I’ve been part of the debate about what “BIM” actually means. Is it just a 3D model? Is it a software package? Or is it something deeper?
The recently released NBS 2025 Digital Construction Report has officially called it: the industry has reached a “digital tipping point.” Having spent my career advocating that information is the heart of every project, I find the 2025 data incredibly encouraging. It suggests that the industry’s mindset is finally shifting toward a more mature, data-driven approach.
1. The Death of “BIM = 3D Model”
The most striking statistic for me is the 42% drop in professionals who describe BIM as simply “3D models with data.”
Today, only 15% of the industry holds that limited view. Instead, the vast majority now define BIM as a collaborative project information management process. This is a massive shift. It means we are collectively moving away from “pretty pictures” and toward the “Golden Thread” of data that ensures buildings are safe and efficient.
2. AI: From “Gimmick” to “Daily Tool”
The 2025 report reveals a profound transformation in how we view Artificial Intelligence.
- Rapid Adoption: Over 40% of construction professionals now use AI tools regularly. Five years ago, that was less than 10%.
- Practical Use: AI isn’t just generating images; it’s being used to analyze project data, automate document reviews, and help summarize technical specifications.
- The Fear of Falling Behind: Nearly 60% of people I talk to (and who responded to the survey) are now worried that their firms will fall behind if they don’t embrace these tools quickly.
3. Sustainability via Digital Product Passports
Environmental impact is no longer a “nice-to-have” add-on. The report highlights a surge in the use of Digital Product Passports (DPPs).
With 73% of manufacturers now providing digital objects for their products, the gap between the supplier and the designer is finally closing. These passports allow us to track the carbon footprint and material origins of a building in real-time. It’s no longer about a theoretical “sustainability dimension”—it’s about having the hard data to make better decisions.
4. We Are No Longer the “Laggards”
For years, construction was mocked as the least digitized industry. The 2025 NBS report finally puts that to bed. Over half of all professionals now believe construction is on par with, or even ahead of, other sectors in digital adoption.
What I think this means for you
In my work at CoulterBIM, I see these findings as a validation of the “Information First” approach. The “digital tipping point” isn’t about owning the most expensive software; it’s about how you manage, share, and trust your project data.
The gap between the “digital leaders” and the rest is widening. If you’re looking to navigate these changes—whether it’s the new ISO 19650-6 safety standards or figuring out how AI fits into your workflow.
Coulter BIM Information Management 
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