2020 was quite the start to this decade for the construction industry. From COVID-19 to the materials shortages builders and contractor businesses faced, the 20s have brought their fair share of challenges.

Looking forward, this article covers key construction industry trends 2024 brings to the market.

More importantly, you’ll learn some strategies to keep you up to speed with these industry innovations.

Here we go!

What construction industry trends should you watch out for?

1. The rise of smart cities

The first trend to expect is the rise of smart, connected cities. This article by the Journal of Urban Technology explains smart cities as “high-tech intensive” urban solutions that connect people, data, and city elements to improve:

  • Eco-friendliness.
  • Economy.
  • Quality of life for society.

As smart cities become more common, construction projects become more complex.

And by that, you can imagine more pedestrian sensors and WiFi-enabled lighting. Construction companies need to increase their technical know-how to stay on the same page as these developments.

How sustainability plays a role in the smart city

It’s predicted that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. There’s an obvious need for smart, sustainable cities.

A few roles that sustainability plays in the construction industry trend include:

  • Public transportation using real-time data and sensors to monitor high passenger volumes and accidents.
  • “Smart roads” that reduce fuel costs and emissions.
  • Waste management, which includes smart bins and data to improve garbage collection and waste audit. Not to mention, less fossil fuel use.
  • The internet of things (IoT) to include sensors that measure air quality, noise levels, and energy.

Here’s what you’ll need to do with these insights:

  • Figure out what skills and equipment smart city development requires.
  • Plan for this shift, including how your government might respond.
How to overcome this key construction industry trend

Education is key to preparing for the rise of smart cities. Even taking part in skills training early will pay off for professionals who want to own this niche.