According to research, the construction sector falls behind other industries when adopting new technologies. Only less than 20% of correspondents are thinking about incorporating new technologies.
Many construction firms wait until their competitors have jumped on board with a new technology or practice before they even consider it. However, a few construction firms are ahead of the curve and are reaping the benefits of being early adopters. These firms can become more efficient and productive by implementing new technologies and practices.
Some of the benefits of adopting new trends include:
- Increased efficiency and productivity
- Lower costs
- Reduced waste
- Improved safety
- Better quality control
To stay competitive in the construction industry, firms must keep up with the latest trends. Here are some of the key trends to watch out for in 2022.
The Demand for More Eco-friendly Business Practices
Eco-friendly practices are becoming increasingly crucial to construction firms to reduce their environmental impact. Studies show that the construction sector accounts for approximately 38% of total global emissions. This is because construction projects often require the use of heavy machinery and equipment which release harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Many construction firms are now incorporating sustainable practices into their business models to combat this. This includes the following:
Use of Recycled Materials
Incorporating recycled materials into construction projects is a great way to reduce waste and lower emissions. By rethinking their choice of materials, construction firms can significantly impact the environment.
For example, construction firms can opt for recycled lumber instead of virgin wood. This lumber is just as strong and durable as traditional lumber but doesn’t require the felling of trees.
Investing in Renewable Energy
Another way construction firms are reducing their environmental impact is by incorporating renewable energy into their projects. Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular as they provide a clean and sustainable energy source. Not only do renewable energy sources help reduce emissions, but they can also save construction firms money in the long run.
These days, more construction firms have incorporated renewable energy into their projects. This helps their clients in reducing emissions and saving money in the long run.
Using Environment-friendlier Construction Equipment
Construction firms are also opting for environment-friendlier construction equipment. This includes electric excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. Electric construction equipment is not only more eco-friendly but also quieter, cheaper to operate, and emits lower emissions.
Construction firms are also investing in modern equipment like EcoMax-powered backhoe loaders for sale to reduce fuel usage, lower noise levels, and reduce emissions. Such equipment comes equipped with innovative technologies that are considerably more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. By investing in such technology and finding the right supplier, construction firms can reduce their environmental impact without compromising quality or performance.
The Increasing Use of Drones in Construction
Construction firms are beginning to use drones for various tasks, including surveying land, inspecting buildings, and delivering materials to hard-to-reach places. Drones offer several advantages over traditional methods, including being faster, more accurate, and less disruptive.
In the past, construction firms would have to rely on surveyors to assess land before starting a project. This process was often time-consuming and expensive. Now, with the use of drones, construction firms can quickly and easily survey land without having to send people out into the field.
Drones are also being used to inspect buildings under construction. This is particularly useful for checking work progress and identifying potential issues. Using drones for inspection is often quicker and more effective than people, as drones can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time.
Another way construction firms use drones is to deliver materials to hard-to-reach places. This can be particularly useful for construction projects that are taking place in remote locations. By using drones, construction firms can save time and money on transportation costs.
The Rise of Prefabrication Construction
Prefabrication is the process of manufacturing components of a structure in a factory setting before assembling them on-site. One of the main benefits of prefabrication is that it allows construction firms to complete projects in a shorter amount of time. This is because the manufacturing process can be completed concurrently with site preparation.
The use of prefabricated construction has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. This is because it offers many advantages over traditional construction methods, including shorter completion times and lower costs.
The average time to build a pre-assembled home is between six and 10 weeks. This is significantly shorter than the average construction time of traditional houses, which can take between four and six months to complete.
In addition to being faster, prefabricated construction is also generally more cost-effective. This is because the manufacturing process can be completed in a controlled environment, which often leads to lower labor and material costs. This also allows for greater precision and quality control since components are manufactured in a factory setting.
Due to these reasons, many construction companies are increasingly turning to prefabrication methods to build new homes and other structures. This trend is likely to continue as the benefits of prefabricated construction become more widely known.
These are but three of the many industry trends currently transforming construction firms’ operations. Each of these trends significantly impacts how construction projects are planned, executed, and completed. As construction firms continue to seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs, these trends will likely continue to gain popularity in the years to come.
