Global Scans · Construction · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: 65 per cent of global construction growth for the next decade will happen in emerging markets. Smart cities, sustainable construction, greater urbanization and pre-fabricated buildings will all play their part in future construction growth.

• [New] As governments and private developers seek faster, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable building methods, modular construction is expected to play a major role in infrastructure development by 2026. Core Insights
• [New] Higher electricity use from space cooling, data centers and heat pumps make up almost half of the growth in the buildings sector worldwide out to 2030. IEA
• [New] Big Tech's combined AI infrastructure spending is projected to exceed $700 billion in 2026, with Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta each committing tens of billions to data center construction and GPU procurement. Tech Insider
• [New] At least three US states will impose moratoriums on new data center construction by 2027. Tech Insider
• [New] In the New York legislature, there is a bill that would prohibit new data center construction for three years while leaders assess the risks. Brookings
• [New] Construction spending in the U.S. is expected to increase 1% in 2026 compared with 2025. For Construction Pros
• [New] Construction is forecast to grow 4.5% in 2026, driven by defence, transport and energy infrastructure. CPA | The Credit Protection Association
• [New] Analysts from McKinsey & Company emphasize that industrialized construction methods could significantly improve productivity and sustainability across the building sector. Core Insights
• [New] By shifting construction activities from unpredictable building sites to factory-based production systems, modular construction is helping the industry transition from a project-based model to a manufacturing-style approach, which may redefine global construction practices over the next decade. Core Insights
• [New] The construction industry in Southeast Asia is embracing sustainable building practices and green building certifications, creating opportunities for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly hurricane window solutions. Persistence Market Research
• [New] For CRE developers and value-add investors, autonomous construction equipment, spatial AI for site monitoring, and AI-powered permitting tools could meaningfully reduce development timelines and costs over the next 3 to 5 years. The AI Consulting Network
• [New] Outside Phoenix, Arizona, TSMC (the world's largest chipmaker) is executing one of the largest construction projects in US history, a $165bn mammoth site featuring six chip plants where Apple will be the primary customer. Dedicated Follower of Tech
• [New] In 2026, we will see a significant increase in the scale and volume of 3D printed construction projects being completed. 3D Printing Industry
• [New] Construction and extraction occupations will add over 600,000 jobs by 2033. metaintro
• [New] By putting conditions in place to catalyze maximum investment while mainstreaming advanced methods of construction, Canada has the potential to cut building timelines by up to 50%, reduce costs by as much as 20% and lower emissions by approximately 20% during construction. SenCanada
• [New] Committed show estimations for low-emissions hydrogen production in 2025 and 2030 based on projects that are operational, under construction or that have reached a final investment decision. IEA
• [New] Blue Origin's Blue Moon MK2 lander will provide a second crewed landing capability beginning with Artemis V, and both SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing cargo variants of their landers to deliver habitats, power systems, and construction equipment. Rise of the Black Dragon
• [New] Projects like the deepwater port at Grays Bay are critical for resupplying the north and supporting naval operations, but construction is unlikely before 2030. Ainvest
• [New] Industry leaders and local partners are now pushing toward late 2026 through 2027 as realistic windows for initial operations, even as expertise, regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and vertiport construction are still progressing. Miami Today
• [New] WORK is set to begin on the construction of two new hospital helipads at Ysbyty Gwynedd - a project that will see the hospital gain one additional helipad, significantly improving emergency air access for some of the most seriously ill and injured patients in North Wales. North Wales Chronicle
• [New] RMK Marine has launched construction of a new yacht-focused shipyard - with full operational capacity targeted for 2027. Ocean Magazine
• [New] New Zealand's construction sector lost momentum in the December quarter, as fresh data showed a sharper-than-expected drop in building work put in place, driven by a steep fall in non-residential projects while housing activity broadly held its ground. Mortgage Professional

Last updated: 25 March 2026