Construction Trends for 2020

The construction sector, as well as other sectors, is very vulnerable to social changes, being in constant transformation. After a period of relative stagnation due to the economic crisis, this sector is now focused on growth and innovation. As well as looking for solutions to meet today’s demands, it is also important to be able to anticipate future trends. Read on to learn about some trends for the construction industry in 2020 and the impact these may have on your business.

 

1. Sustainability.

Sustainability is a global trend across all sectors and will be the main trend of 2020. Environmental awareness has grown in recent decades and governments and businesses are increasingly under pressure from communities to make sustainable decisions.

 

Product and service brands recognize the importance of environmental responsibility at the moment of consumer decision and adapt their means of production to this reality. The same is true in the construction sector.

 

We can even say that today, talking about the future of construction is talking about the future of Sustainable Construction.

 

Sustainable Building can be defined as “the responsible creation and planning of a healthy built environment, based on the optimization of available natural resources and ecological principles”.

 

Uniting environmental preservation and socio-economic growth should thus be the main focus of the sector next year.

 

 

2. Renewable Energy and Energy Optimization

As a consequence of environmental concerns and sustainability trends, the use of renewable energy sources will be a priority for construction companies in 2020.

 

Energy optimization certifications will also be increasingly important in the construction sector.

 

In Portugal, LEED® and BREEAM® certificates are increasingly in demand as they promote more sustainable construction, which results in economic, environmental and social benefits.

 

These certificates also assume an appreciation of the property and the company responsible for the work.

 

 

3. New Technologies

The AI ​​(Artificial Intelligence) it still may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but the truth is that this is already a reality in many aspects of our daily lives.

 

In the coming years, we will see an increase in the use of AI in the construction sector, particularly as regards the monitoring of the equipment work cycle. An example of this may be receiving a warning when some maintenance is required.

 

The IoT (Internet of Things) will also allow you to track materials, preventing losses and helping to control stocks.

 

At every stage of a construction project, technology solutions enable the agile circulation of up-to-date, real-time information. Access to this information can be done remotely.

 

Next year, the technological transformation of the sector thus anticipates greater control over the entire process to avoid unforeseen events and reduce costs.

 

 

4. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a technology that, while not very affordable, is growing in popularity in the construction industry.

 

It is expected that by 2020 this growth will be even stronger, while it becomes a fundamental tool of a project.

 

This technology allows us to place digital elements in our reality in order to visualize (and test) possible solutions before implementing them.

 

The use of augmented reality, or display a virtual item in 3D, from an object of reality, enables the engineering team to visualize spaces or building structures in actual size before the start of the work.

 

 

5. Modular Constructions

Modular buildings are one of the most innovative solutions in the industry, associated with increased productivity and cost savings. In addition, they can be easily expanded and use, in most cases, environmentally friendly materials.

 

This process of building buildings, usually dwellings, is defined by joining sections or modules that were manufactured in one place and later transported and assembled in the chosen location. The modules are assembled to form a single building using cranes or other necessary means of lifting.

 

Although not yet a very common practice in Portugal, it is now possible to find some companies specializing in the construction of this type of structure.

 

 

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