Construction Logistics in the Life Cycle of Construction Projects

Construction logistics is a key success factor for the timely and efficient implementation of construction projects. It enables the optimal execution of construction projects while adhering to schedules, budgets, sustainability goals, and quality standards.

It encompasses all tasks related to the planning, control, and optimization of material, information, and personnel flows on a construction site. Construction logistics planning integrates these tasks with construction site management across all phases of the building’s life cycle.

Demographic change, uncertainties in global value chains, and increasing regulatory and environmental requirements present challenges for stakeholders in the construction industry. A shortage of skilled workers, supply bottlenecks, and geopolitical dependencies are met with high demand for construction. The reasons include a scarcity of land, a housing shortage, and investments in infrastructure renovation and expansion.

This tension holds potential for the construction industry. Modern construction concepts such as serial construction, infill development, and green building, as well as technological innovations in construction logistics, unlock this potential. Examples include automation, efficiency gains based on digital data management, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics. With professional support, companies can capitalize on these opportunities more quickly.

Are you planning a complex construction project or developing a logistics site? The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML supports you in the development and implementation of construction logistics concepts throughout the entire building life cycle. This encompasses the redesign, construction, use, and selective demolition of a building. In the context of sustainable, circular construction logistics, energy-efficient retrofitting, upgrading, and repurposing are also considered part of the building life cycle.

Our services include, among other things:

• Development of construction logistics concepts for new construction, renovation, and demolition projects, including support for implementation—such as site planning, transportation planning, space planning, data management, waste disposal, sustainability, and recycling.
• Environmental assessment of processes, products, and services based on applicable standards such as ISO 14040, ISO 14083, or the REff-Tool®.
• Conceptual and prototypical development of solutions for Construction Logistics 4.0, such as automation, digitalization, connected construction logistics, AI, or digital building passports.
• Development of sustainable, circular business models such as light, heat, or components-as-a-service, as well as the recovery, processing, and recycling of construction products.

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The development of construction logistics concepts places high demands on planning, coordination, and flexibility. Even in the early project phases, project teams take into account complex conditions such as limited space, inner-city locations, traffic restrictions, and regulatory requirements. At the same time, they plan material and personnel flows to ensure a smooth construction process. A key challenge is coordinating the numerous project stakeholders and trades. Their requirements and schedules are often interdependent and change dynamically as the project progresses.

During the implementation of a construction project, the focus is on the efficient management and continuous adaptation of logistics processes. This includes coordinating deliveries and organizing storage areas, as well as ensuring orderly traffic flow on the construction site. Unforeseen events such as delivery delays, weather conditions, or schedule changes require a high degree of responsiveness. At the same time, digitalization, sustainability, and emissions reduction are becoming more relevant. Construction logistics concepts must therefore be designed to be efficient, environmentally friendly, and future-proof.

The Fraunhofer IML supports companies in the holistic planning, optimization, and implementation of construction logistics concepts, taking into account internal requirements and external conditions.

“It is clear that, particularly in the construction industry, professional logistics on the construction site and in site supply can make a significant contribution to cost reduction and on-schedule service delivery.”
Dipl.-Ing. Volker Fennemann, Head of the Sustainability and Circular Economy Department at Fraunhofer IML.

Using internationally recognized standards and methods for ecological assessment, our institute provides the necessary transparency to make operations in the construction industry more eco-efficient. Efficiency here refers to both emissions and costs. During the analyses we examine products and services along the entire value chain in the construction industry, for example through a corporate carbon footprint.

Companies receive relevant information for internal improvement processes. Additionally, the results provide content for marketing, reporting, and customer communication. We support companies in preparing for legal requirements and regulations such as emissions trading, EU legislation, and sustainability reporting under the CSRD.

In its ecological assessment studies, Fraunhofer IML bases its work on existing and upcoming standards and standardizations. Examples include VDI 4075, DIN EN ISO 14040, DIN EN ISO 14044, ISO 14064f, DIN EN ISO 14083, and the GHG Protocol.

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The potential of construction logistics in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation has not yet been fully realized. Through the intelligent networking of construction sites, supply chains, and construction machinery, material flows can be controlled in real time. Bottlenecks become visible early on, and resources can be optimally utilized. Building Information Modeling (BIM) forms the foundation for digital, networked logistics that make construction processes transparent, predictable, and flexible.

Automation and artificial intelligence are driving this transformation. AI-powered analytics forecast material requirements, optimize supply chains, and support the scheduling of machinery and personnel. Combined with robot-assisted construction site processes and automated transport solutions, this creates a highly productive, low-error logistics environment. Digital tools such as the digital building passport provide transparency regarding materials and components throughout the entire life cycle. This is a central building block for circular, sustainable construction.

Our research activities build on these potentials. Fraunhofer IML develops methods, digital tools, and practical concepts to shape the construction logistics of the future. An interdisciplinary approach combines technology, data-driven analytics, and innovative business models. The goal is to make construction processes smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. In this way, construction logistics is evolving into a networked, largely automated, and resource-efficient system for the construction industry of tomorrow.

Growing demands for sustainability and a circular economy pose complex challenges for construction logistics, as traditional construction and supply processes are typically organized in a linear fashion. Materials are delivered, installed, and disposed of after use. To achieve ecological and e al goals, experts transparently track all material and transport flows throughout the construction project. The goal is an optimized and resource-efficient design. This requires precise planning, stronger coordination among trades, and the integration of digital tools. This allows for the minimization of transport routes, the avoidance of empty runs, and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Legal requirements, certifications, and environmental standards increase the complexity of construction logistics.

Sustainable and circular business models in construction logistics create added value for construction projects. Concepts such as the reuse of building components, modular and demountable construction methods, recycled and sustainable building materials, and Product-as-a-Service models can be combined with targeted services to conserve resources and reduce costs. Tools such as the digital building passport enable the tracking and tracing of materials. This allows for the closing of material cycles and the reuse of building materials in future projects. The result is construction logistics that operate efficiently and act in an environmentally responsible manner.

Fraunhofer IML supports companies in these tasks. We develop methods and tools for the ecological assessment of processes, analyze material and substance flows, and develop concepts for circular logistics models. Through scientifically sound analyses, digital simulations, and consulting services, construction companies identify the potential of sustainable processes, evaluate this potential, and implement it in practice. In this way, Fraunhofer IML makes construction logistics more efficient, sustainable, and future-proof.

“Many improvements in construction logistics are difficult to implement without modern information and communication technology, as only suitable IT systems can effectively support processes and procedures in the construction industry.”
Jan-Philip Kopka, M.Sc., research associate conducting research on construction logistics at Fraunhofer IML.

Construction logistics brings together tasks related to the planning, operation, and decommissioning of construction projects and logistics sites.

Our institute supports clients in construction logistics with:

• Planning and execution of new construction, renovation, and demolition projects for industrial and logistics buildings, public buildings, and infrastructure projects.
• Site planning, construction site logistics, and construction supply logistics.
• Operational logistics, including energy management, energy infrastructure, and post-use concepts for building utilization.
• Sustainable building management in intralogistics, building equipment, and contracting for lighting and heating.
• Construction site logistics, including selective demolition, container management, and recycling concepts.
• Take-back systems and circular business models for material recycling in the construction industry.

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Construction logistics for safe and modern transportation routes

In a project for Bochum Economic Development, Fraunhofer IML investigated how a growing city can build safe transportation routes. The project developed a consulting service for project owners in early project phases, an analytical method for assessing inner-city bridge structures, and a systematically weighted, multi-criteria evaluation method for bid evaluation.

Learn more about construction logistics in the project

Study on the »Rosenstein District« in Stuttgart

The study on sustainable urban logistics in the »Rosensteinviertel« provided impetus for environmentally friendly and city-compatible mobility of people and goods. Examples include the relocation of delivery operations, multi-user micro-hubs, and sensor-based delivery zone management.

More about the study

KUBA – Plastic recycling in the construction sector

In the BMBF-funded research project KUBA, a consortium including Fraunhofer IML investigated the potential for plastic recycling originating in the construction sector. Results include a mapping of collection and capture processes, identified levers for change, best practices for capture and return logistics, and a target logistics process for plastic recyclates.

Learn more about the KUBA project

Gap analysis for transportation infrastructure planning

In a gap analysis, Fraunhofer IML is examining existing concepts, records, and documents related to a comprehensive road planning project to assess their completeness for implementation planning. The analysis identifies areas requiring action and prepares the groundwork for the new logistics concept.

• Take advantage of Fraunhofer IML’s research findings and services for construction or site projects. Teams at the institute provide support with analysis, planning, and evaluation. Choose the right starting point:
• Schedule a consultation on planning construction logistics systems, including resource and capacity planning for large construction sites.
• Discuss traffic concepts for large inner-city construction sites, including route planning, traffic simulation, and coordination with local authorities.
• Inquire about a waste management concept for the construction site.
• Learn about the application areas of construction logistics: industrial and logistics buildings, infrastructure, civil engineering, transportation routes, and building planning for public and healthcare facilities.
• Discuss the potential for circular, sustainable use of construction products, even when construction site waste needs to be disposed of.
• Request information on current research projects.

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Construction logistics addresses energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions from logistics sites and construction projects. The GILA Market Study 2024 collected 1,513 data sets from 942 locations across 153 companies in 52 countries. It analyzed energy efficiency and emission intensities. Electricity consumption profiles for various logistics sites—such as parcel centers, mail centers, container terminals, and distribution centers—show a range of consumption levels.

For the environmental assessment, Fraunhofer IML uses DIN EN ISO 14083, the REff-tool®, and the “Guide for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting at Logistics Hubs” as references. In addition, the institute develops carbon footprint models and calculators for intralogistics facilities. The goal is to determine the embodied carbon footprints of planned and completed facilities.