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Building Resilience: How AI Can Protect Construction and Infrastructure from Climate Risk

by GroundBreak Carolinas Staff on

Construction executives know better than most how fragile our infrastructure can be in the face of hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other disasters. Deloitte’s new report, AI for Infrastructure Resilience, makes a clear case: artificial intelligence isn’t just another buzzword; it’s a tool that could prevent billions in damage and transform how the industry prepares, responds, and rebuilds.

The Stakes for Construction Leaders

By 2050, Deloitte projects global infrastructure losses from natural disasters could soar to $460 billion annually, more than double today’s average. But with strategic AI adoption, as much as $70 billion per year in damages could be avoided. In an industry where margins are thin and risks are high, those savings aren’t just numbers—they represent safer communities, more stable projects, and more resilient portfolios.

Jennifer Steinmann, Deloitte’s Global Sustainability Business Leader, put it bluntly:

“If deployed strategically, AI can help leaders identify risks sooner, optimize resources, prevent costly failures and disruption, and accelerate response and recovery times during natural disasters.”

For construction executives, this is about more than efficiency. It’s about competitive advantage in a world where resilience is becoming a deciding factor in project financing, insurance, and community trust.

Where AI Meets the Jobsite

The report highlights three areas where AI can directly impact infrastructure—and by extension, construction practices:

  • Planning: Digital twins, predictive maintenance, and AI-enhanced design can flag vulnerabilities before shovels hit the ground. Think of predictive vegetation management around power lines—a tool that reduces wildfire risk before it sparks.
  • Response: AI-enabled early warning systems for floods, storms, or wildfires can trigger faster mobilization of resources and crews. Deloitte estimates that in Australia alone, improved wildfire detection could save $100 million to $300 million annually.
  • Recovery: Post-disaster, AI accelerates inspections, damage assessments, and rebuild planning. Deloitte’s OptoAI tool, for example, has been shown to cut roof repair times in half while reducing material waste by up to 30%—a major win for contractors juggling costs, schedules, and sustainability mandates.

Collaboration is the New Foundation

One of the strongest messages in the report is that construction companies can’t go it alone. Policymakers, insurers, and tech firms all play a role in unlocking AI’s full potential. Costi Perricos, Deloitte’s Global GenAI Business Leader, notes:

“With broader adoption and improved AI capabilities, projected annual savings in direct disaster costs by 2050 could reach as much as $115 billion, potentially eliminating nearly one-third of disaster-related losses.”

That means construction executives should be thinking about data partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in AI tools as part of their growth and risk strategies.

What It Means for Your Business

For firms competing in infrastructure and capital projects, the message is clear: resilience is no longer optional. Owners, lenders, and governments are increasingly scrutinizing how projects prepare for climate risk. AI offers a differentiator—those who adopt it will position themselves as forward-thinking, reliable partners in a volatile market.

The playbook for construction executives is straightforward:

  • Invest early in AI-driven planning tools like digital twins and predictive analytics.
  • Train teams to integrate AI insights into project delivery and safety practices.
  • Collaborate with tech providers, insurers, and policymakers to shape standards and share data.
  • Market resilience as a core part of your value proposition to clients and communities.

The Bottom Line

The construction industry has always adapted—whether through new delivery models, prefabrication, or digital project management. AI for resilience is the next evolution. It’s not just about cutting losses; it’s about winning projects, protecting people, and building infrastructure that lasts.

As Deloitte’s report makes clear, the industry stands at a tipping point: those who weave AI into their planning, response, and recovery strategies will lead in both profitability and purpose.