Construction News

• The 11^th edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa opens at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg
• Day one hosted the Stakeholders Engagement Forum focused on building sustainable and resilient infrastructure in South Africa
• Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards celebrated impact and achievements in construction in 10 categories

The 11^th edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa opened at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dr Hubert Joynt, Programme Manager – Centre of Excellence, Infrastructure South Africa and Vishaal Lutchman, Managing Director, Zutari. From dmg events, the organisers of Big 5 Construct South Africa, Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President, Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director – Construction and Tracy-Lee Behr, Event Director were also present.

“This year’s Big 5 Construct South Africa has opened to construction and engineering professionals, with strong participation from both local and international companies,” said Gürsoy. “The event has long served as a catalyst for driving investment and innovation within the nation’s economy, and its significance extends far beyond the exhibition floor. The next two days are just the start of its impact and how it ignites innovation and conversations across industry leaders and decision-makers.”

The ribbon-cutting was followed by the opening of the 7^th edition of the Stakeholders Engagement Forum which prioritised building sustainable and resilient infrastructure in South Africa. Addressing the attendees, Aubrey Tshalata, National President, NAFBI, South Africa, stressed the collective efforts initiated by industry professionals to drive forward the development and transformation of South Africa’s built environment, despite challenging market conditions.

Also, attending the event were renowned industry leaders, including Lufuno Ratsiku, President, The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions; Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, Chief Executive Officer, South African Institution of Civil Engineering; and Themba Mahambi, Chairman, SANRAL. Some of the discussions at the forum highlighted the state of infrastructure in South Africa, innovative strategies to address challenges and opportunities from the design and implementation stages and the importance of asset preservation and resilience.

As the event opens for three days of business making, networking and knowledge sharing, it hosts more than 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. Supporting South Africa’s growing demand for products and services, Türkiye-based Teknorm Plastik showcases polycarbonate sheets; South Africa-based Mundo Ladders presents high-quality and durable ladders; India-headquartered Surie Polex brings granite polishing machines; Fritz J, leading suppliers of industrial and commercial roller doors and generators; Singapore’s Lintec & Linnhoff presents leading-edge solutions for the asphalt and concrete industries; China-based Fujian Qunfeng Machinery brings block production line, cuber machine as well as automatic block cuber machine.

Day one of the event hosted several Big 5 Talks on Africa’s water infrastructure issues that unpacked the potential of digital in solving legacy challenges; sustainable construction which highlighted the use of engineered timber and digital design; and driving sustainable strategies for the built environment. The talks enhanced practical learning in the construction industry by providing a hands-on, immersive environment where professionals engaged with the latest tools, technologies and methodologies.

The evening of the opening day celebrated impact in construction at the 2^nd edition of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, where projects, innovations, businesses and the dedicated teams and individuals were recognised across 10 distinct categories in a gala ceremony.

The winners of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards 2024 were:

• Architecture Firm of the Year – GASS Architecture Studios
• Contractor of the Year – Construction for Africa
• Residential Project of the Year – Barlow Park Phase 1 by GASS Architecture Studios
• Commercial Project of the Year – 2.0 Conference & Private Lounge by Mkalavo Projects
• Community Project of the Year – Matale Secondary School by Avenir Holdings
• Retrofit Project of the Year – Flower Hall Test and Examination Centre by Maninga Engineering
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Green School South Africa by GASS Architecture Studios
• Excellence In Leadership – Darryl Epstein, Chief Executive Officer, Delta Scan
• Rising Star – Takalani Netshipale, Candidate Civil Engineer, KwaZulu Natal Department of Health
• Woman of the Year – Nathisha Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Transcendence Developments

“The next two days of the event are set to be as exciting and engaging, providing attendees with significant opportunities for growth and collaboration across a wide array of exhibitors, content programmes and speakers,” Gürsoy concluded.

Big 5 Construct South Africa is free-to-attend for industry professionals, excluding visitors under the age of 18. To register, visit: https://www.big5constructsouthafrica.com/

Taking an unconventional route into the construction sector, EB Construction’s Ben Wagner has built a solid contracting business that serves residential, commercial and industrial clients. Partnering with responsive and trustworthy firms like construction materials specialist AfriSam has been one of his secrets of success.

Wagner studied mechanical engineering and started his career in the motor trade. However, his work took the direction of building planning and management, and he soon developed a strong interest and skill set in construction. With his entrepreneurial flair, it wasn’t long before he decided to go his own way, and started out in what he describes as handyman work.

“When my wife and I started a family, I didn’t want to be boxed into a job that demanded long days that would not allow me to be part of my children’s growing up,” he explains. “I needed to be more in control of my time and destiny, and I started EB Construction to give me that.”

The jobs started off small, he says, but soon grew to include substantial home renovations and new builds. Much of the early insurance-related work dealt with fire-damaged homes, which usually involved extensive demolition and reconstruction. He also operated a plumbing team that would deal with issues like burst geysers and the resultant damage.

“Within about three years, I was able to move out of insurance work and take on my own residential, commercial and industrial projects,” he said. A meeting with AfriSam Sales Manager Adele Wentzel opened up an important supply link for cement and concrete. He acknowledges that any business in construction is highly sensitive to the cost of its inputs, but explains that this cost cannot be reduced to the simple price of products.

“As EB Construction moved into larger residential, commercial and civils projects, we went beyond purchasing AfriSam’s bagged cement and into procuring readymix and other construction materials,” says Wagner. “Our projects became more complex, and this meant stricter timeframes and an even closer focus on quality – to mitigate project risk.”

He notes that his company had built its reputation on its attention to detail and on the lasting quality of its workmanship. From its base in Johannesburg, its footprint of projects grew quickly to include working on buildings and infrastructure in quite remote areas of the country.

“It soon became clear that not many of AfriSam’s competitors could meet the high level of its service, as well as the breadth of products and solutions,” he says. “Our larger projects – especially those located some distance from the main urban centres – needed close collaboration combined with flexibility, while not compromising on quality.”

The relationship grew on the strength of the two companies’ shared commitment to the highest standards – whether in service, materials or final construction. Wagner highlights how much a contractor relies on supply partners’ ability to communicate and plan well – as well as to adapt plans when necessary.

“We are often in unusual situations which require both the contractor and supplier to go the extra mile,” he says. “Building in a sensitive wildlife area, for instance, would require readymix deliveries to meet certain unexpected conditions; AfriSam accommodates these in its stride, right from the call centre through to management and truck drivers.”

AfriSam’s depth of expertise – including its Centre of Product Excellence – and its choice of solutions for different applications, has also made a valuable contribution to EB Construction’s growing volume of contracts. At a recent project in the rural hospitality industry, the work included demolition, infrastructure, construction and structural engineering.

“We built the roads with interlocking pavers, so made use of AfriSam’s Roadstab stabilising cement in the sub-base, as well as AfriSam’s StarBuild 32 5N and AfriSam’s All Purpose Cement 42,5N for grouting on the paving,” he says. “AfriSam was also able to supply the readymix for the culverts and bases, and for the off-shutter concrete structure for a wedding venue.”

In addition, this project included a large steel structure over a dam, which required numerous large concrete plinths. AfriSam supplied about 36 m³ of readymix for each plinth, despite the considerable distance to the site. Wagner says he could also rely on the quality of AfriSam readymix, so there were never any issues when engineers required density tests, for example.

Wentzel emphasises that working with EB Construction has been positive for various reasons, including the regular communication during projects, and the feedback they constantly provide. “Our long working relationship with EB Construction is a good example of how we position our business,” she says. “Good working partnerships are built on trust, which we develop over years of meeting our promises.”

• Regional and international organisations from more than 20 countries are showcasing their expertise at the event
• The Stakeholders Engagement Forum on 4 June will include notable industry leaders, decision-makers and thought leaders from across the industry
• The African Smart Cities Summit will take place at the event on 05 June driving conversations around urban development, technology and sustainability

The world is up against significant infrastructural challenges. Water shortages, sustainable energy, robust infrastructure, and complex market conditions are putting pressure on the construction sector, both in South Africa and abroad. In South Africa, the construction industry is anticipated to grow by 1.3% in 2024 with a 3.7% projected AAGR. Big 5 Construct South Africa, taking place from 04-06 June 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, is bringing these challenges and narratives to light over three days of networking, exhibits and content programmes.

The event is set to host more than 8,500 attendees, who will connect with over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. Big 5 Construct South Africa will include more than 20 sessions across Big 5 talks alongside the African Smart Cities Summit and the Stakeholders Engagement Forum.

“Big 5 Construct South Africa brings together influential decision-makers, subject matter experts, and thought leaders in a space designed to enhance networking and learning opportunities,” said Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director – Construction, dmg events. “Big 5 Talks are CPD certified and currently there are more than 35 speakers set to provide educational and informative sessions that will count towards attendee CPD points. This is a significant benefit to those operating within the construction sector as they can not only connect with thought and market leaders but expand their skillsets while meeting their CPD requirements.”

Influential conversations at the Stakeholder Engagement Forum

Returning on the opening day of Big 5 Construct South Africa is the Stakeholders Engagement Forum which unites public and private sector leaders to collaborate on positively influencing the construction industry’s trajectory.

This year, the forum will be focused on the theme of ‘Building Tomorrow’s Cities’ exploring critical aspects including infrastructure, connectivity and the transformative impact of technology’. It will feature insightful discussions and conversations, with Aubrey Tshalata, National President, National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI) and Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, Chief Executive Officer, South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) delivering the welcome address.  Among other engaging sessions, the forum will host a panel discussion moderated by Friedrich Slabbert, Director, Sciendum and featuring prominent speakers such as Refilwe Lesufi, Chief Executive Officer, Prama Consulting & VP SAICE; Vishaal Lutchman, Managing Director – Transport, Zutari; and Hubert Joynt, Head – Centre of Excellence, Infrastructure South Africa as well as Themba Mahambi the Chairman for the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).

Commenting on the forum, Gürsoy said: “Prioritizing sustainable development, the forum advocates for eco-friendly practices and resilient urban planning to safeguard African cities against climate change. Beyond physical structures, discussions extend to the economic and societal impact of the built environment, aspiring to cultivate sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities ready for future challenges.”

Captivating discussions at the African Smart Cities Summit

One of the core events taking place is the African Smart Cities Summit which stands as a pivotal event on the continent. It is focused on unravelling the immense potential of smart cities and is an essential event for those interested in the intersection of urban development, technology and sustainability within the African context.

This year’s African Smart Cities Summit will be hosted by Professor Susan Bouillon, Extraordinary Professor in Planning Law at North West University and includes among its roster of speakers: Olivier Twagira Yezu,  Unit Manager: Digital Trade and Services, Smart Africa, Rwanda discussing the current construction landscape; Demola Aladekomo, Executive Chairman, Smart City, Nigeria, unpacking smart infrastructure development; Faranani Gethe, Chief Building Inspector, City of Johannesburg, South Africa, talking about the balance of urban regeneration; and Cameron Mc Millan, Director, SA Clean Water, South Africa, focusing on leveraging the Internet of Things for water security and optimization.

The African Smart Cities Summit will be taking place on 5 June, the second day of the event, and will include panel discussions, case studies and engaging debates covering critical areas of concern in South Africa. Commenting on the value of the African Smart Cities Summit, Gürsoy said: “This event addresses real-world solutions that transcend theoretical sustainability concepts and turn them into tangible actions.”

Registration is now open with free admission to trade and industry professionals over the age of 18. For more information visit: https://www.big5constructsouthafrica.com/

“Our housing market, in quarter one of 2024, is being steered by two distinct influences – that of lifestyle changes and broader buyer demographics.  Cape Town’s southern suburbs, in particular, have experienced a surge in demand, resulting in reduced time properties spend on the market,” comments Emanuel Germanis, CEO and founder of Revo Property.

The reason for this shift is due to the predicted mid-year reduction in interest rates by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), as inflation slows, and the upcoming general elections that potentially could result in a national coalition government, offering new prospects to South Africa’s challenges.

Set in the bustling green heart of Wynberg and a stone’s throw from Chelsea Village, Nova offers a dream of luxury living within reach, priced from R1,995 million. 

“We are seeing a trend of younger buyers looking for smaller living spaces that are more affordable and easier to maintain,” says Germanis.  “And this is driving current demand for apartments and townhouses, as well as for luxury properties in high-density, urban areas.”

Nova’s bespoke development features 14 meticulously-crafted apartments, ranging from two one-bedroom duplexes, nine two-bedroom, two-bathroom units and three luxurious penthouses with private entertainment roof decks.

A communal rooftop entertainment deck boasts a swimming pool to cool off in summer, accompanied by braai areas designed for relaxation and social gatherings, whilst enjoying the stunning views of Table Mountain and surrounds.

Each apartment is equipped with Bosch appliances and offers high-speed fibre connectivity, a necessity for all one’s digital needs. The building is also pet-friendly, a plus for those enamoured with man’s best friend, and features access control, secure parking and optimal premium upgrades like engineered oak flooring and back-up power solutions.  Every detail at Nova is designed to enhance one’s living experience. 

With local convenience continuing to influence residential choices, Nova is suitably located with direct access to a variety of shops, delis, parks and is one of the main transport hubs in the Southern Suburbs, giving residents and foreign visitors easy access in and around Cape Town.

“Wynberg is increasingly sought after by young working professionals with families, as it’s a catchment area for a number of good government and private schools,” comments Germanis.

“We are now seeing a large number of home renovations happening and new businesses opening, which is resulting in a general upgrade of the area and breathing new life into the suburb.”

Nova is also located close to the Old Wynberg Village, a well-known urban conservation area that houses one of the largest collections of historic properties in and around Cape Town.

In addition to the Old Wynberg Village, Wynberg is close to several other popular locations, including the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Memorial and the Maynardville Park Open-Air Theatre, leaving no surprise that residential properties in the Wynberg area are desired by locals and visitors alike.

Don’t miss your chance to secure an elegant home in one of Wynberg’s most sought-after developments. Join us for the sales launch on Tuesday 25 June 2024 at 1pm to take advantage of the R100 000 launch discount and begin your journey at Nova – where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Wynberg.

Offering sectional title purchase with no transfer duties applicable, with only a 10% deposit required. The estimated completion date is 2025. 

For more information Nova, visit http://www.thenova.co.za/

The South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) has a long and proud history of celebrating excellence and innovation in the steel construction industry. Over the years, the Steel Awards have become a prestigious event that showcases the best projects and talents within the industry. As we look forward to the Steel Awards 2024, we invite you to join us in celebrating this legacy and recognizing the achievements of our peers.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its inception, the SAISC Steel Awards have honoured numerous outstanding projects that have pushed the boundaries of steel construction. These awards highlight the ingenuity, creativity, and technical prowess of the professionals who contribute to the industry’s growth and success. From iconic skyscrapers to intricate bridges and innovative industrial structures, the Steel Awards have recognized projects that set new standards for quality and excellence.

Steel Awards 2024: A Night to Remember

This year, the Steel Awards 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme and dress to impress, making the evening a glamorous celebration of the industry’s achievements.

Venue: Emperors Palace

Theme: Peaky Blinders or Black Tie

Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Date: October 3rd, 2024

Guests can look forward to an evening of fine dining, networking, and entertainment, all while celebrating the very best in steel construction.

Honoring Past Winners

The Steel Awards have recognized a diverse range of projects over the years, each demonstrating the versatility and strength of steel as a construction material. Previous winners have included everything from large-scale infrastructure projects to innovative commercial buildings and unique residential designs. These projects have not only exemplified excellence in engineering and design but have also showcased the ability of steel to create aesthetically pleasing and functional structures.

Call for Nominations

We are excited to announce that nominations for the Steel Awards 2024 are now open. This is an opportunity for industry professionals to showcase their most impressive projects and gain recognition for their hard work and innovation. Nominations will remain open until  June 30th, 2024, and we encourage all eligible participants to submit their entries.

We urge all professionals and companies involved in steel construction to take advantage of this opportunity to have their work celebrated on a national stage.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are thrilled to have Unica as our main sponsor for the Steel Awards 2024. Their support is crucial in making this event a success. We also invite other companies to join us as sponsors. Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand to industry leaders and stakeholders. Various sponsorship packages are available, and we would be delighted to discuss how your organization can be part of this prestigious event.

Join Us in Celebrating the Best in Steel

The Steel Awards 2024 is not just an event; it is a celebration of the entire steel construction community. It is a chance to honour the remarkable achievements of our peers, to inspire future projects, and to recognize the importance of innovation and quality in our industry.

for project submissions or table bookings : https://www.saisc.co.za/listing/steel-awards-2024/

For any questions regarding nominations, sponsorships, or event details, please contact the SAISC at 011 726 6111 or email us at info@saisc.co.za.

We look forward to seeing you at Emperors Palace on October 3rd, 2024, for a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.

The SAISC Steel Awards 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event that continues the tradition of celebrating excellence in steel construction.

The construction industry is leaving a legacy of skills development and lifechanging improvements in communities across South Africa. As a Site Coordinator I have experienced the human side of an industry that is often portrayed as severe and cold. The truth is, it is a sector uniquely focussed on communal benefit, and on having a direct and positive impact on the lives of everyday people.

While studying civil engineering at the University of Cape Town, I was fascinated by the construction of the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. The city and the country were then readying itself for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This fascination lingered, and when I found myself in Johannesburg after completing my studies, I saw construction notices with the WBHO (Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon) logo all over the city. I took a chance and sent an email to WBHO, asking if they have any opportunities for someone like me. Taking that chance changed the trajectory of my life.

WBHO phoned me and offered me an interview. Before long, I started work for the company in Johannesburg. This opened the door for me to many meaningful opportunities.

One of the memorable projects I was able to work on was the Milpark Netcare Hospital ICU in 2020. We finalised and delivered this intensive care unit to Milpark, and three days later that same unit received its first Covid-19 patient in the first wave of the pandemic. It was a moment that made me realise that the construction industry isn’t just about putting up buildings, but it creates life-changing spaces – even potentially life-saving spaces.

Being able to see a final project that saves lives and offer better healthcare is incredibly meaningful to me. So far, I’ve been a part of teams that worked on the construction of no less than five hospitals.

Hospitals are the perfect example of how a construction project can bring human and infrastructure transformation to a community. At another hospital project I worked at in Limpopo, my home province, WBHO’s approach was to organise committees for local community leaders. These committees engaged with the construction processes – making sure the project was integrated into the community, and that everybody is updated about the progress of the project.

That project was also committed to using and training local labour. I have seen so many individuals gaining experience and acquiring skills. Employing workers from local communities and then offering training programmes is another way the construction industry places emphasis on people, on building human capacity, not just building walls and roofs.

This investment in people is further illustrated through a drive for diversity and inclusion within the sector and on construction sites specifically. Building sites are often not seen as inclusive environments for women. I can proudly say that on the project I am currently working, half of the staff in the site office staff are women, showcasing progress towards a more inclusive industry.

There is space for everyone in construction. And those who are currently working on-site are leading the way for others to follow. In the same way I saw the construction of the Stadium in Green Point all those years ago, young people might see new structures and tall buildings going up, and feel inspired to study engineering or building-related qualifications.

Seeing a structure go up, is to see our hopes and plans for the future take shape. That is the other truly human aspect of construction.

So many people I encounter think construction is a big, hard and impersonal industry. They are surprised when I tell them that every time I visit Durban, I go to Ballito Junction, just to see and experience the mall. I am proud to have worked on that massive structure. It is a part of so many lives now. The truth is that we in the construction industry are also connected to and invested in the structures we build, as well as their eventual goals – whether it is saving lives or stimulating the economy.

In a world where construction is often thought of as just concrete, steel and glass, or just large, bulky infrastructure, my experience is that rather, at its core, construction is about people.

Leading construction materials company, AfriSam, recently completed a significant upgrade to the Hillary Community Park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, transforming it into a vibrant and family-friendly recreational space. This initiative is part of AfriSam’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and enhancing the quality of life in the communities in which it operates.

The upgraded park now boasts a range of new amenities and features that cater to the diverse needs of families and individuals alike. AfriSam installed a sturdy fence around the park, ensuring the safety and security of visitors. In addition, the company undertook extensive garden maintenance, revitalising the park’s green spaces and creating a serene environment for relaxation and leisure activities.

One of the highlights of the upgrade is the addition of picnic tables and chairs, providing families with a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy outdoor meals and gatherings. These new seating areas are strategically placed throughout the park, offering scenic views and fostering a sense of community engagement.

Recognising the importance of physical fitness, AfriSam also introduced a range of outdoor gym equipment to the park. These state-of-the-art facilities cater to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, encouraging active lifestyles and promoting overall wellbeing. The new equipment includes cardio machines, strength-training apparatus and stretching areas, enabling visitors to engage in a variety of exercises and workouts.

The company’s commitment to children’s wellbeing is evident in the expansion of the existing play area. AfriSam enhanced the playground with additional equipment, ensuring that children have a safe and enjoyable space in which to play and explore.

“We are thrilled to have been able to contribute to the transformation of the Hillary Community Park,” said Senzi Mabaso, community development professional from AfriSam. “By creating a family-friendly environment and providing essential amenities, we hope to encourage outdoor activities, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen the sense of community within Hillary.”

The upgraded park is now open to the public, inviting residents from the surrounding areas to experience the enhanced facilities first-hand. AfriSam’s investment in this project reflects the company’s dedication to sustainable development and its commitment to making a positive impact on the communities in which it operates. This initiative has been made possible through the positive partnership the company has been built over the years with its stakeholders including The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the eThekwini municipality.

Globally, the building and construction industry has been putting more emphasis on using energy-efficient technologies and equipment to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in buildings. This has resulted in the integration of renewable energy sources in building designs with solar panels, wind turbines, and even geothermal systems becoming commonplace. Ultimately, the sector has been committing to reducing the environmental impact of buildings and embracing the move towards net zero.

To this end, South African builders have been looking towards using sustainable building materials such as recycled steel, bamboo, reclaimed wood, and eco-friendly concrete alternatives like fly ash or hempcrete. There has also been a concerted effort around adopting water conservation initiatives and reducing waste. For example, low-flow plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling are all gaining momentum locally. Improvements in recycling technologies are seeing the repurposing of construction and demolition materials for other uses.

From a waste reduction perspective, prefabrication and modular construction techniques have helped reduce on-site wastage by allowing building components to be built off-site in controlled environments. These techniques are enabling faster, more resource-efficient building processes. Additive manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, are enabling faster fabrication of complex structures using sustainable materials. This allows for precise material placement, optimised designs, and reduced material waste. Furthermore, using hydrophobic additives in concrete to reduce water requirements during mixing, employing waterless construction techniques like dry stacking for masonry walls, and optimising irrigation systems for landscaping all contribute to reducing water usage during the construction phase.

There is also green infrastructure which encompasses a range of nature-based solutions. These include green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban green spaces that can help manage stormwater, improve air quality, and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Technology usage

Of course, advances in technology have empowered those in the sector to become more efficient. Using real-time monitoring solutions like sensors, meters, and data analytics platforms can assist builders in monitoring water usage and help detect leaks much faster on construction sites. This can lead to significant water savings and cost reductions.

Using digital twins has also been a game-changer. This sees the creation of virtual replicas of physical infrastructure assets. Having such a digital twin means stakeholders can do everything from real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimisation in the construction process. But more than that, they can also simulate different scenarios and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement around energy consumption, water usage, and waste reduction.

Companies are also adopting circular economy principles when it comes to infrastructure development. This is designed to promote the efficient use of resources, reduce wastage, and see construction materials repurposed for other use cases.

Electric innovation

From a logistics perspective, the use of heavy-duty trucks powered by electric motors and batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines has seen a significant reduction of tailpipe emissions. This also reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with diesel-powered trucks.

Electric motors provide instant torque which means these trucks are well-suited for hauling heavy loads and navigating challenging terrain commonly encountered in construction sites. Electric trucks are also equipped with large-capacity batteries capable of providing sufficient range between charges. Additionally, these batteries usually feature fast-charging capabilities to reduce vehicle downtime.

Many electric trucks come equipped with telematics systems and remote monitoring capabilities. This provides companies with real-time data on vehicle performance, battery status, and charging infrastructure availability. Fleet managers can optimise vehicle usage, schedule maintenance proactively, and ensure the efficient operation of their electric trucks.

There is a myriad of options available to those in the building and construction sector who want to embrace technology and focus on more sustainable practices. Having sight of these and being willing to adopt them are key aspects in the race towards net zero.