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] Asia Pacific is expected to account for about 50% of global construction output by 2030, with China alone representing roughly 20% of worldwide construction investment, creating sizeable pull for low-carbon insulation materials. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Musk envisions Optimus bots aiding construction and operations, accelerating timelines despite historical delays in projects like AI5 and AI6 chips. remio
• [New] Twenty-three electricity transmission projects valued at USD 1.21 billion are planned, including the construction of 1,350 kilometers of transmission lines and new substations, which will bolster the national electricity network. ALN | Africa Legal Network
• [New] After 2026, drones will probably be used even more in construction. Remote Estimation
• [New] Prioritising reduction and reuse could cut construction emissions by 38% by 2050. Edie
• [New] Nonresidential construction activity will pick up speed in 2027. IndexBox Inc.
• [New] The world is entering what could be the greatest period of construction in all of human history, investing as much as $85 trillion in infrastructure over the next 15 years. BlackRock
• [New] Modular construction will play an increasingly central role in infrastructure development by 2026. Core Insights
• [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
• 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
• 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
• In 2026, we will see a significant increase in the scale and volume of 3D printed construction projects being completed. 3D Printing Industry

Last updated: 01 April 2026