4 trends shaping the construction sector in 2022
The construction sector has historically been a significant contributor to employment and growth in South Africa.
Business Wire (2022) indicates that the sector is expected to see significant growth in 2022 and expand by 9.1% in real terms. Additionally, the government has announced that various infrastructure projects are set to take place in areas such as the Wild Coast, which should contribute a mini construction boom in the country (Kokayne 2021).
The key to the expected growth in the construction sector also lies in the ability to find more innovative ways to operate. As the sector continues to rebuild, here is a look at the current global trends in the construction sector:
- Investing in efficient technology: In order to continue to operate while keeping workers safe, construction companies are investing in technologies such as digital twin technology, which creates a virtual replica of an existing structure by accumulating physical-world data through drones, robots, sensors and the internet of things (IoT), and wearable technology, such as smart boots and smart hats that offer the possibility of added safety for workers, potentially preventing injuries and deaths across the industry.
- Growing demand for small-scale contractors: Small-scale contractors are in demand at the moment due to the rise in home renovation projects by people who are now working remotely. Some are investing in home offices, while others are renovating to make their home more comfortable to live in since they spend more time there than ever before.
- Remote worksites: Due to the rise of mobile applications in the construction industry, workers can do anything from conducting real-time inspections to taking accurate measurements from a mobile phone camera.
- Advanced building materials: In an effort to embrace sustainability and green practice, many construction companies are starting to use advanced materials such as 3D-printed concrete and basalt, mycelium composites, bioplastics, bio foam aerogel, spider silk, carbon composites, hydro ceramics and nanomaterials. In addition to being more sustainable, these materials also have higher strength and biodegradability.
Construction is a crucial sector in our economy, and local companies should stay abreast of global trends and find ways to adapt them locally in order to succeed.
References:
Business Wire. 2022. ‘Key Trends and Opportunities in the South African Construction Industry to 2025: Rebound Forecast for 2022 - ResearchAndMarkets.com’. [Online] Available:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220221005249/en/Key-Trends-and-Opportunities-in-the-South-African-Construction-Industry-to-2025-Rebound-Forecast-for-2022---ResearchAndMarkets.com (Accessed: 21 June 2022).
Cokayne, R. 2021. ‘Wild Coast Toll: Ramaphosa Asks Communities Not to Disrupt Govt Infrastructure Projects’. Moneyweb. [Online] Available: https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/wild-coast-toll-ramaphosa-asks-communities-not-to-disrupt-govt-infrastructure-projects/ (Accessed: 21 June 2022).