AI literacy and certification in construction, energy and utilities.
Construction, energy and utilities sit at opposite ends of the AI adoption spectrum. CBS reported 9% AI adoption in the construction industry in 2024; meanwhile, 74.3% of revenue in energy, water and waste management is generated by companies that use AI. For construction this means primarily design and planning; for grid operators it means managing critical infrastructure.
What is at play
What is at play in construction, energy and utilities.
In construction, AI is emerging in BIM-linked parametric design, cost estimation, computer vision for safety monitoring and predictive building maintenance. In the installation sector, the AI app Manuel supports approximately 550 technicians at 50 companies, drawing on a database of 10,000 manuals. In the energy sector, TenneT is leading the way in AI-driven grid management; Netbeheer Nederland expects data centre consumption to grow by 40–70% due to AI by 2050, in a network where more than 11,900 companies and institutions are already waiting for a grid connection.
Why AI literacy matters here
Critical infrastructure, NIS2 and the Machinery Regulation.
Under Annex III, point 2 of the AI Act, AI functioning as a safety component in the management and operation of critical infrastructure — covering energy, water, gas, heating, electricity and road traffic — is classified as high-risk. Beyond this, the Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 applies to AI-controlled construction machinery, alongside the Cybersecurity Act implementing NIS2 (which designates energy as an essential sector) and the Energy Act. The Gedragscode Slim Netbeheer (approved by the AP on 19 April 2022) provides the sector framework for grid operators.
The four SAIG levels for construction and energy
Four levels, one framework.
For construction site workers and technicians who work incidentally with AI systems.
For draughtspeople/BIM modellers, estimators, service technicians and customer service staff in energy who use AI in daily work.
For project managers, work preparers, asset managers, dispatchers and data analysts who independently assess AI output.
For directors, IT managers, congestion managers, security officers (NIS2), sustainability and compliance officers (critical infrastructure).
Which level fits which role?
Role and recommended level.
| Role | AI contact | Recommended level |
|---|---|---|
| Construction site worker, basic technician | incidental, via apps | Awareness Badge |
| BIM modeller, estimator, service technician | daily AI in design/fault finding | Basis |
| Project manager, site manager, engineer, asset manager | assesses AI in critical processes | Practitioner |
| Grid management dispatcher, congestion manager | works with grid management AI | Practitioner |
| Safety officer, NIS2 security officer | cybersecurity and duty of care | Advanced |
| Director, IT manager, compliance officer | governance, AI Act compliance | Advanced |
For organisations and for professionals
One standard, two tracks.
For construction, energy and installation companies, SAIG offers a structured approach to implementing Article 4 that aligns with the Machinery Regulation, NIS2 and the Gedragscode Slim Netbeheer. For individual professionals, the certificate provides independent evidence of tested competence that connects to the sector's layered requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about AI in construction and energy.
When is AI in the energy sector high-risk?
When it functions as a safety component in the management and operation of critical infrastructure (Annex III, point 2).
Is NIS2 already in force?
The Cybersecurity Act implementing NIS2 will be introduced in 2026; check the current entry into force with NCTV and RDI.
Is SAIG mandatory for grid operators?
No. Article 4 requires an adequate level of AI literacy; SAIG certification is one structured route.
Which level suits an asset manager in grid management?
Practitioner is the core level, with Advanced for strategic or compliance responsibility.
How does SAIG relate to the Gedragscode Slim Netbeheer?
Complementary. The code of conduct is an organisational standard; SAIG certifies individuals.
What changes on 2 August 2026?
Enforcement of Article 4 begins and Annex III obligations become active; for AI integrated in products (Annex I) the date is 2 August 2028.
Next step
Schedule an orientation call.
We will discuss what Article 4 means specifically for your organisation in construction and energy and which SAIG route fits your roles and risk profile.
Sources: CBS Digitalisering en kenniseconomie 2024-2025; Bouwend Nederland; Techniek Nederland; TNO/Techniek Nederland rapport 2025; Netbeheer Nederland Gedragscode Slim Netbeheer; AP approval (19 April 2022); EUR-Lex Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 and NIS2 Directive (EU) 2022/2555.