New technology continues to make significant changes to the construction industry to help increase profits and win more projects. Significant trends like automation and robotics make positive impacts on industry professionals by improving processes and safety, and risk management.
These innovations are essential for any construction firm and help you stay competitive. Here are some must-watch construction trends that will increase in popularity through 2021 and beyond.
Green Construction
Green building continues to rise in popularity due to society’s growing concern for the environment. Many sustainable trends promote energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and enhanced quality of life, from corporate facilities to residential buildings. Here are some crucial green construction trends that help minimize environmental impacts:
- Solar Roofing Panels: Solar roofing is becoming a more accessible option for homeowners when it comes to residential roofing systems. This is due to the solar panels’ durability, affordability, and the benefit of saving you more money on your electricity bill.
- Low-chemical Building Designs: The use of non-toxic materials like non-VOC paints and other construction items will help reduce negative impacts on the environment and human well-being.
- Green Roof System: Green roofing is the practice of placing plant coverings on rooftops that help improve the temperature, air quality, and your well-being. It also saves more energy as green roofs act as insulators, lowering energy costs for heating and cooling that can add up to thousands of dollars annually.
Efficient Technology
The technological innovations in construction will be the biggest differentiator for developers this year and beyond. Aside from enhancing efficiency, the pandemic also caused an increased reliance on these technologies to further improve productivity. Here are some technological trends that will continue to deliver benefits long after this global health crisis is over:
- Construction Drones: The use of drones in the construction industry is one of the fastest-growing trends, with the global construction drone market projected to account for about $14,123.3 million by the end of 2028. This technology is used for real estate aerial photography, mapping large areas, and on-site surveillance to avoid injuries and theft.
- Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) is one of the most significant technological advancements in the construction industry as it allows a more streamlined approach and accelerates the construction process. The use of AR through 360-degree video and wearable technology enables automated measuring of buildings, 3D visualization of future projects, and hazard simulations for the workers’ safety.
- Construction Robotics: Construction robots help with time-consuming and repetitive tasks like welding, painting, and bricklaying with great precision. They also help with the transportation of heavy equipment and other load-lifting tasks that reduce operational time and increase overall productivity.
Off-site Construction
Off-site construction allows manufacturing, designing, and fabricating of building elements in a controlled factory environment. Unlike traditional construction, where the project can be delayed due to bad weather conditions, building off-site ensures that everything is delivered on time and with the highest quality.
It also requires less energy and less usage of heavy machinery, so companies can save more on production costs. The amount of waste is also reduced because most unused parts can be kept in the factory for the next project.
Sustainable Building Materials
Innovative and sustainable materials like bioplastics and mycelium composites are replacing the traditional ones used in construction. These materials can replace foams and plastics for insulation, flooring, and other furnishings as they are more eco-friendly and equally durable. Here are other green building materials that are used in construction:
- Cork: Cork is flexible, resilient, and reverts to its original shape. It’s perfect for insulation sheets as it excellently absorbs noise and has good shock absorption qualities. It sustains pressure and is wear-resistant, ideal for use in floor tiles.
- Reclaimed Wood: Using reclaimed wood can save trees and reduce lumber that goes to landfills. It’s suitable for flooring and structural framing due to its durability and organic natural beauty. It brings out the attractiveness of repurposed wood without causing environmental hazards in manufacturing new products.
- Straw Bales: Straw bales can be a substitute for lumber, and they feature a high insulation factor and fewer toxins. They add aesthetic value to the building and help reflect sunlight in the room.
- Bamboo: Due to its elasticity, bamboo is usually used in areas with frequent typhoons and earthquakes. It’s cheaper and absorbs shocks and high winds better than steel or concrete.
These new practices and technologies can help you improve efficiency, maintain workplace safety and increase profitability. Adopting these advancements will drive your construction company forward and build stronger, safer, and more energy-efficient projects.
