University of Cambridge Unveils New Framework to Enhance Construction Productivity Measurement
The University of Cambridge has introduced a pioneering framework designed to revolutionise how productivity is measured and improved within the construction industry. Despite the vast amounts of data generated by construction projects, productivity levels often remain inconsistent and poorly understood. The newly published Cambridge Framework for Construction Productivity: Measure · Benchmark · Improve seeks to address this challenge by enabling organisations to systematically analyse project delivery and identify opportunities for enhancement.
Developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre, the Framework draws on data collected from over 25 UK construction projects over the past three years. This comprehensive approach offers the industry a practical and standardised method to assess productivity across various scales, including entire projects, work packages, and specific activities. Alongside the Framework, a software tool named Camentis is currently undergoing pilot testing to facilitate its application in live projects.
By integrating metrics such as production rates, labour productivity, workflow, variability, and influencing factors, the Framework assists construction teams in pinpointing inefficiencies and obstacles. It also helps determine where targeted interventions can yield the most significant improvements. For clients, the Framework provides reliable, evidence-based benchmarks that enhance confidence in project schedules and outcomes.
The Framework’s development team includes Dr Danny Murguia, Dr Ashan Asmone, Dr Asitha Rathnayake, and the late Professor Campbell Middleton. Professor Middleton emphasised the transformative potential of embedding consistent productivity measurement within procurement processes, stating, “To really shift the dial, we believe that this framework should be embedded within the procurement process, with clients requiring the collection of productivity data as a matter of course during project delivery. This could be one of the most consequential shifts the industry can make.”
Since its inception in 2021, the collaboration between academia and industry has been marked by strong partnerships and trust. The Cambridge team worked closely with industry stakeholders, analysing real project data and refining their methodology through live demonstrator projects. This iterative process ensured the Framework’s practical relevance and robustness.
Dr Murguia, Assistant Research Professor and lead author, highlighted the Framework’s focus on actionable data during project delivery: “The framework is about using data when it can make a difference: during project delivery, when teams still have an opportunity to intervene and improve outcomes. But it is also about learning from every project, building an organisational evidence base so that the next one can be planned, scheduled, priced and risk-assessed using better information than the last.”
The Framework arrives at a critical time, aligning with the forthcoming PAS 4010:2026 standard, which mandates a productivity management strategy for infrastructure development and delivery. By offering a consistent method to measure productivity, identify blockers, and convert project data into actionable insights, the Cambridge Framework supports the objectives of this new standard.
To operationalise the Framework, the research team is advancing Camentis, a software platform currently being piloted on active construction sites. This tool aims to enhance project controls, benchmarking, and advanced analytics, including artificial intelligence, enabling teams to make evidence-based decisions that improve productivity.
The Framework and Camentis were showcased at an exclusive pre-launch event held at the University of Cambridge on 22 September 2026. The gathering included senior executives from leading construction organisations who contributed to the research and helped shape the Framework’s development.
Interest in the Framework has also been strong among the UK Construction Productivity Taskforce and members of the World Construction Leadership Forum, a global platform founded by Cambridge to unite senior leaders from the construction sector worldwide.
The overarching goal is to transition the construction industry from fragmented, retrospective productivity reporting to a consistent, evidence-based delivery approach. This shift aims to establish a solid foundation for continuous improvement across projects and organisations.
About the Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre
Situated within the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering, the Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre integrates research, education, and industry collaboration to tackle significant challenges in the construction sector. Its mission focuses on developing and applying innovative knowledge, technologies, and methodologies to drive lasting advancements in construction.
