Electrification tops U.S. construction trends

The U.S. government is projected to have invested more than $6 billion in autonomy R&D in 2021 (Photo: Adobe Stock)

It’s all about electrification in the future of construction. Or is it?

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has released a white paper on ‘The Future of Building’ with an analysis of the top 10 key trends that could influence the way construction companies will operate in North America.

According to the study, ongoing advancements in technology are likely to transform the way the construction industry functions.

It’s reported that more construction companies will look to electrification as a way to not only meet regulatory and social pressures but also reduce operating costs.

It’s suggested that significant economic or other market disruptions could possibly slow the shift toward electrification, however.

The white paper further notes that given the U.S.’s goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030, the electrification of many segments of the compact construction equipment market will take place over the next decade.

In addition to this, ‘The Future of Building’ suggests that construction companies will be critical in the nationwide energy transformation. Beyond taking steps to lower their own greenhouse gas emissions, it’s anticipated that construction companies will build the vital infrastructure necessary to help renewable energies claim a significantly larger share of total energy consumption over the next 10 years.

Autonomous equipment is also seen to be a critical beneficiary of connected job sites. Although full autonomy in all operations will likely not yet be achieved within the next 10 years, says the white paper, situational automation and moments of autonomy will increase considerably.