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Urbanisation and Sustainable Development are key economic drivers leading the global construction industry’s post-pandemic recovery. Despite supply-chain stoppages, rising raw material costs and the recessionary-effect of rising inflation and interest rates, these two (seemingly) diametrically opposed trends are driving innovation and development in the advanced building materials market.

The global advanced building materials market – defined as those construction components that are more sustainable with advanced technical properties compared to conventional building materials – was valued at $56.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to top $111.7 billion by 2031 at an estimated 6,8% cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR). 

We took a look at the top trends and technologies driving this dynamic sector:

1. Urbanisation

The ever-increasing world population – projected to grow by more than two billion by 2040 – means there is increased demand for housing and supporting infrastructure. The work-from-home phenomena that resulted from Covid-19, and the repurposing of vacant commercial and industrial complexes into new residential spaces present further growth potential.

The construction industry, and specifically cement production contributes between 7-8% of the world’s carbon emissions, highlighting its’ enormous carbon footprint. This provides significant opportunities for affordable, eco-friendly and durable building materials.

Designers and architects are using creative building solutions to beautify outdoor spaces and delineate areas. Eva-Last’s sustainable Bamboo Plastic Composite (BPC) provides the ideal low-maintenance building solution that enhances and protects the environment.

Their versatile decking ranges Pioneer, Apex, Infinity and Eva-Tech create striking outdoor applications with superior wear-resistance and long-lasting durability guaranteed for up to 30 years. Eva-Last’s innovative Lifespan hybrid aluminium composite beams form remarkable architectural features such as screens, pergolas and soffits in any outdoor area including parks, passages and shopping centres.

Cladding can also instantly transform and soften a building’s façade, simultaneously improving its’ energy-efficiency by insulating it. Eva-Last’s popular VistaClad composite cladding range features an innovative clip-lock system that lightweight Eva-Last boards simply clip into for a quick and easy installation. This innovative design allows for improved airflow and ventilation, while its engineered polymer surface protects against degradation from exposure to the elements, reducing the costs of maintenance and replacement.

• Sustainability

Climate change, waste reduction and decarbonisation are major driving forces compelling authorities and organisations to adopt policies designed to halt or mitigate harmful practices – from extraction, through manufacturing, consumption and disposal – and implement more sustainable ones.

Various initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at promoting more energy-efficient and sustainable building practices in the United States, and the European Union’s Next Generation supports large investments in sustainable projects for improved energy-efficiency and compliance with environmental standards.

One of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (No.11) is “To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. This necessitates the adoption of green building principles and materials, to protect the planet’s diminishing natural resources including forests and reduce dependence on fossil-fuels such as coal and oil-derived petroleum.

Manufacturers constantly look for alternative raw materials such as recycled plastics, and develop new advanced materials such as biofibres (bamboo, hemp, sisal, jute) or engineered components for improved resource efficiency, durability and sustainability. Many of these new cyber-technologies blur the lines between biological and technological characteristics and are designed to outperform traditional building materials.

Eva-Last’s portfolio of bamboo plastic composite building products merge the latest building materials technology with a sustainability mindset.

Using solar-power in the manufacturing process provides clean, renewable energy and saves 2 000 tons of CO₂ emissions every day. Eva-Last’s eco-friendly composites combine easily replenishable bamboo with recycled plastic, effectively eliminating their reliance on limited timber resources whilst enjoying the proven performance properties of bamboo fibre. Eva-Last recycles over 31,043 tons of plastic waste annually in its production of market-leading structural bio composites for the construction industry.     

• Digitisation

Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of technology in both the home and work environments. Social distancing measures drove producers to increase automation and improve resource efficiency, while consumers and businesses connected online for everything from shopping to meeting, as well as socialising and project tracking.

Sophisticated software for 4- or 5-D simulations, project management and procurement programmes, to the connected construction site monitoring all equipment, materials and people, and to smart cities networking in the cloud, digitisation is disrupting the construction industry and its practices at an exponential rate.

The EU’s impending introduction of a Digital Products Passport Programme will certainly escalate the growth in green building materials. Designed to make sustainable products the norm in sectors with a high potential for circularity, the programme will track building materials to ensure their proper recycling and treatment from cradle to grave.

By specifying an Eva-Last composite product for your next green building project, you’re assured of an eco-friendly, sustainable and long-lasting material guaranteed to perform and protect in any environment.

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[1] https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/advanced-building-materials-market-A16498#:~:text=The%20global%20advanced%20building%20materials,6.8%25%20from%202022%20to%202031.

Sleek, modern transparent roofing can add a touch of sophistication to any patio or garden deck.

To give your pergola roof a glass-like look, without compromising strength and durability, EZ Glaze may be a suitable solution for you. This article explains how to plan and how to build a DIY lean-to pergola using EZ Glaze glass-like polycarbonate panels.

Let’s take a quick look at what makes EZ Glaze so unique:

• Seamless, glass-like finish that creates an elegant and distinctive look.
• It requires a frame without purlins, so you can save materials, time, and money.
• Installation is easy and safe. Fits directly over the rafters, with minimal fixings.
• 3mm thick panels of solid polycarbonate. This means strength, durability, and superior wind and hail resistance.

As users have said in their reviews, EZ Glaze offers excellent value for money. Stylish, practical, and cost-effective roofing of premium quality.

Get Practical: Build a DIY Pergola with EZ Glaze Panels

What Rafter Type to Use with EZ Glaze?

Rafter width should not exceed the width of the panel’s corrugation ridge.

If you use EZ Glaze 60, get 40mm-60mm wide rafters.

For EZ Glaze 50 use 40mm-50mm wide rafters.

EZ Glaze suits both wood and metal rafters.

How Many Rafters do We Need?

You can use this formula to calculate how many rafters you need:

L = The length of the roof in millimeters.

S = Center-to-center spacing of the rafters in millimeters.

The total number of rafters needed is equal to (L / S) + 1

Here’s a practical example with EZ Glaze:

We plan a lean-to pergola, 3.6 meters long.  L= 3,600

Center to center rafter spacing is 600 millimeters. S = 600

The total number of rafters needed would be (3,600 / 600) +1 = 7 rafters.

What is the required roof pitch?  

EZ Glaze roofing sheets need a roof pitch of at least 10% rise for proper drainage.

For example, if our pergola roof runs 3,000mm, a rise of 300mm or more would clear rainwater efficiently.

How to Control Thermal Movement Friction?

Apply friction reduction tape along the top side of all the rafters. It accommodates thermal movement between the roof panels and the rafters. Add the total length of all the rafters to figure out how much friction reduction tape you need.

How Many Fixing Fasteners Needed?

The spacing between fixings should be 500mm.

Determine how many fasteners needed for the pergola roof using this simple calculation:

Multiply rafter length (in meters) by 2, add 1, and round up or down if needed. Multiply the result by the quantity of rafters, and you got your required number of fasteners.

Back to our example:  7 rafters, approximately 3 meters long

Number of fixings per rafter: (2 * 3+ 1) = 7

Total number of fixings required: Multiply 7 (fixings per rafter) by 7 (number of rafters).

You will need 49 fixings.

How Much Overhang is required?

A typical overhang for EZ Glaze roofing panels would be 50mm-150mm over the edge of the rafters.

This will provide effective protection from rainfall and will not cause excessive wind drag.

Flashing Profiles for EZ Glaze

It’s a smart idea to rainproof your pergola roof or awning. You’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space all year round and keep your garden furniture safe and dry.

For lean-tos and awnings, use wall flashing.

EZ Glaze panels may need to be trimmed to fit tight corners. Use side wall flashings in such cases.

It’s time to get the job done.

Thanks for reading! We hope you have gained some valuable planning insights. Taking on DIY home improvement projects is exciting and rewarding. For more roofing ideas to brighten up your home.

Palram and its global affiliates provide a wide range of roofing, cladding, and glazing products for home and outdoor use. Leading the way in innovation, quality, and service around the world.

At Sika, we are committed to social responsibility and always looking for ways to support local communities. So, when Chris Howes from CHC-SA Concrete Floors (Pty) Ltd, contacted John Zehmke, Sika Eastern Cape Area Sales Manager, to partner with Ironman 4 the Kidz who were seeking partners in their initiative to build a pool for the Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre, we were eager to lend a hand.

Ironman 4 the Kidz is a charity that aims to raise awareness for the plight of less fortunate children. By gaining sponsorship for participating in various Ironman challenges, the charity is able to make a real difference in the lives of kids across South Africa.

At the Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre, children between 6 and 21 are given a safe and nurturing home, with physical, emotional, and intellectual support. Many of these kids had previously been in dangerous environments, surrounded by crime, abuse and poverty, and the centre is able to provide all the children in their care with another chance to reach their true potential.

With physical support being one of the key focuses of the centre, Ironman 4 the Kidz realised that a new pool would give the children the opportunity to learn a new skill – and, of course, to have fun on hot days.

As this cause is close to our hearts, Sika donated some of the concrete and construction chemicals required for the project, while providing the team with expert support and advice. After consulting with the team, we provided the following solutions:

•             Sika® Form Oil, an emulsion-based shutter release agent, was used as a release agent on the steel shutters prior to pouring the concrete

•             Sika® Cemflex® universal waterproofing and bonding agent was used to waterproof between the wall and floor joint

•             SikaTop® Armatec®-110 EpoCem® bonding primer and reinforcement corrosion protection was used as a wet-to-dry bonding agent where required

•             SikaGrout®-212, a high-strength shrinkage compensated cementitious grout, was used to grout around the weir boxes and to do small repairs

Working together with contractors CHC-SA Concrete Flooring, along with a host of generous individuals and companies, the project was completed in just 25 working days, an incredible achievement by all involved. We would like to make a special mention to Chris Howes and his wife Michelle from CHC-SA Concrete Flooring, without their dedication and hard work, this project would not have been possible. They were the driving force behind this project and their enthusiasm was contagious.

With the newly built pool topped up and ready to go, the kids at Khayalethu are now all able to learn to swim, or to hone their skills. Who knows – maybe one day, they’ll be competing in their very own Ironman challenge!

A big thank you to everyone who was involved in this project. We are extremely proud to have been a part of such a meaningful initiative, and one that will make a big difference in the lives of the kids at Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre.

SIKA AG CORPORATE PROFILE

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,500 employees generated annual sales of CHF 10.49 billion in 2022.

Leading clay brick and paving manufacturer Corobrik continues to add to its existing product range with the launch of three exciting new face brick products. These are Vanilla Travertine, the first-ever so-called ‘white’ brick available in South Africa, and Vanilla and Honey face bricks with an artisanal finish that gives the appearance of a handmade texture.

The new range is also the first engobed bricks to come out of the Kwastina factory in Carletonville, says Corobrik Sales Director Ockert van Heerden. Engobes are colourants that mainly consist of clay minerals and oxides. Mixing them with water creates a liquid that is sprayed onto the unfired bricks as a thin layer. The engobes are then sintered firmly onto the surface. Engobe spots can cover the brick completely or partially.

The new face brick range is partly in response to local and global trends. “We take cues from around the world and from our own market. At the end of the day, we perceive architects as brand owners. They have their own identity, they challenge our factory, they test the limits. This is exactly what we want as a manufacturer,” says van Heerden.

Interestingly, the colour options available with engobe is entirely up to the imagination of the architect. The new range allows Corobrik to start a discussion about innovation and trends and for architects to approach it with any bespoke or unique requirements.

“It is quite difficult to replicate all sorts of colours in the traditional clay brick manufacturing process, whereas engobe allows us to match the colour preference as close as possible to whatever the customer is looking for,” says van Heerden. “What we hope to achieve with the launch of this new range is to encourage architects and designers and excite the profession as to what is possible.”

Corobrik’s flexibility allows it to accommodate both mega or high-volume developments to smaller orders where customers only want to do a section or even a portion of a house. “We have a minimum order quantity, but our volume flexibility will play a major role in the new range’s uptake,” says van Heerden. “It is all about the consistency of quality, the extent of play we have in the production, combined with our technology and available capacity.”

Commenting on the choice of the ‘white’ brick, van Heerden says this is traditionally difficult to achieve with a full body product. However, it was felt that white would complement the existing mono-coloured range, including Corobrik’s latest black brick. “It is a fairly neutral, relatively easy colour,” notes van Heerden. However, some architects may prefer other colours. “That is the beauty of engobe. Our flexibility means we do not have to hold significant stock of these line items and can make to order.”

The design potential of the white brick makes it ideal to be used in conjunction with a white mortar for a completely different look and feel. White brick is popular in residential developments in Europe and the US and is also often used in feature panels. Such a neutral colour is perfectly matched by Corobrik’s range of mono products from black to red and beige. “We have a wide range, and the white brick definitely complements that,” says van Heerden.

As for the Vanilla and Honey face bricks, these are influenced by the European trend for a heritage look, supplemented by the unique artisanal finish. Van Heerden says that the new products will be available on a national basis, with customers able to take advantage of Corobrik’s simple and flexible order process.

“What we hope to achieve with the launch of this new range is to encourage architects and designers and excite the profession as to what is possible.” – Ockert van Heerden, Sales Director, Corobrik

As of the 1st of April 2023, any Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by paper will not be considered valid.

As of the 1st of April 2023, any Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by paper will not be considered valid.

SAQCC Gas is proud to announce the complete digital shift to the issuing of certification by gas practitioners in
South Africa. The move comes in the wake of an increase in certification-related incidents of fraud. This is a
proactive initiative put in place by the SAQCC Gas, to ensure accountability and safety within the gas industry, only
a registered gas practitioner can issue a CoC.

The digital CoC was launched in 2021 and is in line with South African standards, ensuring the gas industry
remains one of the safest in the world.

SAQCC Gas would like to encourage the end-user to not accept paper CoCs after the 1st of April 2023 and confirm
the validity of a gas practitioner’s registration by visiting www.saqccgas.co.za.

Practitioner’s registration cards can also be viewed onsite via the SAQCC Gas App.

We call on the gas industry and consumers to report any illegal installations by emailing info@saqccgas.co.za.
At SAQCC Gas we encourage all gas practitioners to download the SAQCC Gas App and register. The process of
issuing a digital CoC is quick, simple, and convenient whether you are on or offline. The application has specifically
been designed to suit the requirements of our industry and technical support is on hand to assist with any
enquiries.

We would like to thank the gas practitioners who have made the transition to issuing digital CoCs effortlessly and
look forward to assisting others to do the same.

Constant loading shedding leaving you out in the cold – insulation could help!

The electricity crisis in South Africa has made a consistent and reliable supply of electricity a top priority for many homeowners. In response to this crisis, it is now more important than ever to promote household energy efficiency, as this is a meaningful solution to reduce the country’s consumption of electricity. By using energy-efficient products and practices, households and businesses can reduce their energy consumption, helping to ease the burden on the country’s electricity supply.

One way to improve energy efficiency in the home is through the use of insulation. Between the roof, walls and floor, a home can lose up to 70% of its temperature and about 40% though its ceiling. By insulating your ceiling you are able to slow the heat loss in your home, making your home up to 5 degrees warmer in winter and saving up to 16% in electricity costs.

When choosing insulation for your home, always try to choose a product that is environmentally friendly, made from naturally occurring raw materials and recycled items, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint. Your insulation should also provide excellent acoustic properties. This will reduce the noise both within the house and also reduce the amount of noise coming into your home from the outside world, helping to create a more peaceful and relaxing environment.

In conclusion, promoting energy efficiency is crucial to respond to the electricity crisis in South Africa. Investing in energy-efficient products like Saint-Gobain Aerolite® Soft Touch glasswool insulation not only helps to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall comfort of homes, but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Loadshedding has had a significant impact on workers returning to the office full-time. It has resulted in disruptions and delays in work, leading to decreased productivity and a negative impact on employee morale. “The implications for the work at home model are that it may become more attractive to employees who wish to avoid the disruptions caused by loadshedding to return to the office,” says Conrad Burger, MD of X-Furniture.

Here the high-performance work environment provides employees with the necessary tools and resources to work effectively, including access to reliable internet and software tools, as well as clear communication channels and expectations for deadlines.

Employers can offer training and support to help employees adjust to the return to the office, as well as flexible schedules and work arrangements to accommodate the challenges of loadshedding and other disruptions. “By fostering a high-performance culture that values flexibility and adaptability, companies can assist their employees to succeed in the face of challenges like loadshedding and build a sustainable high-performance work model,” says Burger.

Today’s workers expect more from their workplaces, and understanding these aspects may assist to develop environments that are better for employees and create better outcomes for companies. While the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of remote work, many companies have subsequently adapted, and employees are now looking for more flexibility in their work arrangements. This has placed a greater emphasis on employee well-being, including physical and mental health. The adoption of agile work processes has also resulted in the high-performance work environment, characterised by collaboration, flexibility and adaptability.

Some of the trends here are data-driven decision-making, with companies increasingly using data to make decisions about their operations, products and services. Data is also being used to measure employee performance and areas for improvement. Technology plays a critical role in the high-performance work environment, with companies now adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and cloud computing to improve efficiency and productivity.

Corporate Real Estate (CRE) strategies have expanded beyond space and cost reductions to include initiatives to transform the office environment. High-performance workspaces are a physical reflection of a strong understanding of organisational goals. All-important high-performance features are aesthetics, energy efficiency, sustainability, safety, engagement, experience and occupant productivity.

While there is no simple ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy, facility managers can drive innovation and positive change in the workplace by understanding the trends in the ongoing evolution of the workplace environment. How can employers design their workplaces to ensure high performance, while also keeping employees engaged and committed to the company?

The physical workspace

This refers to the physical setting where people carry out their job, encompassing both traditional office and factory floor settings. To create high-performance workplaces, we need to be aware of how physical design decisions impact our psychological well-being in addition to providing workers with the tools they need to carry out their jobs.

Responsibility towards employees and the environment

Today’s workplaces must account for the health and wellbeing of employees by paying attention to factors like air quality and lighting.

The activity mix

It is crucial to understand the tasks or actions that team members carry out in a certain space. Only if the combination of spaces fits the demands of the workforce will the new environment pay off with a high-performing workplace. The greater the variety of activities carried out in a specific space, the greater the benefit workers derive from having areas especially created for the tasks they must complete.

Diverse work settings

A high-performance workplace can include open plan seating for teamwork, comfy lounges for brainstorming, a café to promote unplanned cooperation, and more private and quiet locations to concentrate, depending on the demands of the teams. You can design a high-performance workplace where each team can do their best work if you have a clear knowledge of how each team uses the spaces, with technologies like heat maps allowing you to visualise the data.

Change management

You cannot expect a new workplace design alone to influence the culture of a company or change working habits to impact employee performance. To alter worker attitudes and behaviour, the employer must provide change management before, during and after the adoption of the new work environment. The new environment will not be utilised as planned and will not transform into the high-performance workplace you had in mind until the company policies support such change.

All these factors relate to our behaviour, ingrained routines and attitudes about our workplace. It is obvious that the working environment impacts employee attitudes and workplace performance. Companies should view offices as a strategic instrument to engage, motivate, retain and hire workers rather than as a real estate cost centre.

In turn, employers must learn the value of formulating workplace strategies and how best to integrate these to ensure that employees perform at their best and enjoy their jobs. This not only future-proofs the business, but also builds a sustainable competitive advantage.

REFERENCE

‘5 Elements of High Performance Work Environments’

https://www.sunonglobal.com/inspiration/ideas-and-tips/5-elements-of-high-performance-work-environments

“The adoption of agile work processes has also resulted in the high-performance work environment, characterised by collaboration, flexibility and adaptability.”

Conrad Burger, MD, X-Furniture

The science of substituting clinker in cement with a portion of alternative cementitious materials has paved the way for substantial gains in decarbonisation.

According to AfriSam process engineer, Marieta Buckle, the company has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cement by 33% since 1990. An important factor in this sustainability journey has been the use of extenders – mainly fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag.

“We have been on this journey for many years before buzzwords like ‘net zero’ were in common use,” says Buckle. “Our Project Green Cement began in 2000, involving significant research and development being invested; among the outcomes, we were able to launch our Eco Building Cement in 2010 as the lowest carbon footprint product.”

AfriSam became arguably the world’s first construction materials supplier to ‘carbon footprint’ all our production operations, including cement, aggregate and readymix concrete, she notes. Its carbon dioxide rating system indicates each product’s carbon footprint relative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

Buckle explains that producing clinker is the most energy intensive aspect of cement manufacturing – and is therefore a prime driver of carbon dioxide emissions. A central strategy at AfriSam has therefore been to promote decarbonisation by reducing the portion of clinker in cement while maintaining its strength and other properties. As an added advantage the utilisation of extenders also enables formulation of cement products that have improved characteristics specific to the application.

“AfriSam’s extensive research and development effort has been able to develop a cement mix that comprises up to 70% of alternative materials,” says Buckle. “Such a mix would contain only 30% of clinker while still providing the required cementitious properties for the application. Importantly, it consumes less energy – and generates fewer carbon emissions – in the production process.”

Its ongoing achievements in this field are reflected in the statistics. AfriSam’s carbon emissions per tonne of cement produced is – at 598 kg in 2021 – is considerably lower than the 671 kg average among South African cement producers, measured in 2016. It is lower, too, than the global average of 642 kg of carbon emissions per tonne of cement.

“By using what are essentially waste materials like fly ash and slag, we can leverage the energy that has already been consumed in generating them as by-products,” she says. “Apart from the value of recycling a waste product, we can make our cement production gradually more sustainable by reducing the energy that is required.”

This year, Saint-Gobain is launching the Sustainable Construction Observatory, which aims to bring together the main stakeholders in the construction industry to promote the sharing of knowledge and accelerate the transformation of the sector worldwide.

In this context, Saint-Gobain presents the findings of the first International Sustainable Construction Barometer, a study conducted by the CSA Institute with sector professionals, public officials, associations and students.

More than 800 stakeholders from 10 countries participated in this survey. Their feedback provides a snapshot of the development of sustainable construction around the world and identifies the expectations, drivers and trends needed to make sustainable construction a shared reference.

The Sustainable Construction Observatory: listen, inform and unite!

In the face of climatic, environmental, and demographic challenges, and at a time when the energy crisis makes comprehensive renovation efforts urgent, a strong mobilization of the construction sector can lead to a drastic and sustainable reduction of housing and construction-related greenhouse gas emissions, while preserving non-renewable natural resources and providing everyone with a decent and comfortable home.

“Saint-Gobain wants to be a benchmark, both a trendsetter and a driving force, to involve all stakeholders in the transition of the construction sector. To achieve this ambition, Saint-Gobain

has created the Sustainable Construction Observatory, with the Barometer as a key component. The good news is that the first results show that sustainable construction is considered a priority by all parties in the main regions of the world. But we note that the full benefits of sustainable construction are not always considered and that the sector is not always clearly understood. We also identify the educational efforts to be made, the evidence to be provided and the action levers to be applied to convince the entire value chain of the need to accelerate,” explains Benoit Bazin, CEO of Saint-Gobain.

The Barometer provides and overview of sustainable construction worldwide.

This survey was conducted by the CSA Research institute with more than 800 respondents (professionals, public officials, associations, students) from 10 countries (Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Spain, UK and USA). Their responses help us understand how these stakeholders perceive sustainable construction in a context of the fight against global warming, the need to preserve natural resources, the demographic explosion and increasing urbanization.

Sustainable construction: recognised worldwide as a priority issue, though not yet defines in a standardized way.

88% of respondents say they know the concept of sustainable construction and 97% believe that the implementation of more sustainable buildings is a priority or important.

However, the definition they give is mostly limited to environmental issues, without taking into account the social and human dimension i.e. the health or well-being and comfort of occupants.

In emerging countries, particularly in South Africa and India, which are more affected by climate problems and rapid urbanization, awareness of the importance of sustainable construction (building quickly and well from the start) is very high. It is approached with a balanced view, with greater recognition of the impact on health and well-being.

An Operational reality that contrasts with an awareness of the urgency to act.

While sustainable construction is widely perceived as a priority issue, it is less visible in the field or in decision-making.

Thus, only 30% of the professionals surveyed have already carried out projects that take sustainable construction into account, whereas 63% of them say that its implementation is a priority, and 57% estimate that more than half of their activity will be in the field of sustainable construction within the next five years.

While students are the most convinced of the urgency of developing sustainable construction, more than half (55%) of them say they would still accept a job offer in a company that is not invested in this sector. The question arises as to what leverage the public and private sectors should use to attract a young generation that is already committed and convinced of the urgency of action.

To accelerate the development of sustainable construction, the respondents identify three main drivers.

Competitiveness of solutions

For 70% of respondents, all profiles included, the perceived cost is considered as one of the obstacles to developing sustainable construction.

Yet, building sustainably is not more expensive in the medium or long term. By considering the entire life cycle, from the design of a building to its renovation or demolition, sustainable construction solutions make it possible not only to conceive buildings that are very well insulated (direct savings on the energy bill), resilient to climatic hazards and modular (possibility of multiplying the uses of the same building over time) but also to reuse materials. Sustainable construction also brings economic and social benefits through its impact on the well-being and comfort of occupants. At the same time, the ongoing industrialization of sustainable construction solutions will result in long-term price reductions.

The financial sector, banks and insurers could contribute to positive change by actively supporting the initiators of comprehensive renovation or new and sustainable construction projects.

The Key role of public policy

44% of respondents believe that public institutions are the most legitimate stakeholders to advance sustainable construction. However, even today, most elected officials never exclude from public contracts projects that do not take into account sustainable construction methods.

To accelerate the development of sustainable construction, 52% of students cite private companies. Regarding the role of elected officials, only 22% of students perceive them as legitimate in advancing sustainable construction.

37% of respondents believe that increased regulatory requirements will accelerate the deployment of sustainable construction, which makes it the second most important factor identified, after funding.

Better support for all stakeholders in the sector

One paradox: the Barometer reveals a gap between the importance given to the subject of training in sustainable construction techniques, which seems uncontested, and its expertise, which appears less certain. Thus, 38% of professionals say they do not feel adequately trained in sustainable construction.

61% of students consider the lack of training and qualification of professionals as one of the main obstacles to the development of the sector. This feeling is widely shared in emerging countries:

 71% of respondents from South Africa, Brazil and India, versus 50% of respondents from Europe, the United States and Japan.

***

The Barometer’s findings are a strong signal for the entire sector: collective mobilization is essential to lead the transition to sustainable construction. This mobilization requires a clarification of the definition of sustainable construction, regulatory changes, political will and commitment of a value chain that unites students, local elected officials, project leaders, banks and insurance companies.

The Sustainable Construction Observatory aims to set this process in motion.

All the Barometer’s findings can be found here.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming quite predominant and is going to be a major player within the next few years, reflects Sergio Castanheira, newly appointed Digital Lead – Enterprise Capabilities at globally trusted infrastructure firm AECOM.

Tools like Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, or ChatGPT, can assist with routine tasks like report writing, translation or even coding, to a certain degree. “AI is definitely going to augment our current skill set.” Castanheira says AECOM already has an Australian team focusing exclusively on workflows and automation routines.

He points out that BIM software package Revit has included generative design components for a while now. “That is the general trend going forward, with AI becoming more prevalent. We will have to work with AI at some point for sure. I do not think it is only going to be construction, but across the board.”

A lot has happened in the digital space since 2018 when AECOM hosted ‘The Digital Future’. The event showcased the potential of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction and consulting engineering space as the future of a fully integrated approach to project delivery.

“It was quite successful. Allowing clients to interact with the digital tools brought a whole new dynamic to the process,” reflects Castanheira. While Covid-19 did put the development of VR and AR on hold within the business, these tools are emerging again for use in design reviewing, construction planning and management.

Despite Covid-19, AECOM nevertheless remained a leader and successfully transitioned to remote working and global collaboration. Teams were forced to work from home and digital tools enabled them to continue delivering projects with minimal restructuring and training, as they adapted fairly quickly.

AECOM’s Enterprise Capabilities’ Digital Hub consists of an applications team, an automation team and a BIM and information management team headed up by Castanheira, one of four global centres offering digital skills and services to the broader business. He joined AECOM in 2016 as a Discipline BIM Lead for the mechanical engineering team, prior to which he worked in London for 14 years for various consultants and contractors.

“I have been privileged to have seen the evolution of BIM within the UK construction sector,” says Castanheira. He sees his current role “as an exciting change,” driving value and excellence in the company’s core offering. Digital technology has enabled AECOM to share specialist skills globally, giving it a distinct advantage.

It can leverage technical skills from other regions for specialist infrastructure projects, using digital technology to augment these skills. The South African office has adapted quickly to this change, with teams well positioned to support AECOM teams in other geographies.

Looking at the latest trends, Castanheira points to significant advances in cloud computing over the past couple of years enabling building information to be shared across the various stages of the design and construction lifecycle. Data analytics is providing valuable insight metrics as to how the digital assets are performing over the lifecycle of the project. Examples include BIM model health, data validation and progress metrics.

Another area where BIM is making a major impact is sustainability. AECOM’s goal is to be operationally net zero by 2030. At present, 80% of the energy consumption of buildings is over their operational phase. Digitalisation allows carbon data to be embedded into BIM models from industry sourced databases.

This allows designers to select sustainable materials and equipment to drive down the expected carbon output. These databases also facilitate better building simulations like energy analysis to reduce energy consumption, while at the same time making buildings more comfortable for occupants. Smart buildings using this embedded data can also operate these buildings more efficiently.

“We will have to work with AI at some point for sure. I do not think it is only going to be construction, but across the board.” – Sergio Castanheira, Digital Lead – Enterprise Capabilities