ETX-10829_Etex-AR2017_WEB_2018_DEF2 (2)

1.5
About Etex
Megatrends
Etex Annual Report 2017
About Etex
Megatrends
Megatrends
1
Rapid urbanisation
How four
megatrends are
reshaping the
construction industry
An increasing number of people are
moving to live and work in urban areas.
People want affordable, quality housing
and the accompanying infrastructure that
supports their way of life. Ageing cities
in developed countries are strained by
the higher population density and need
upgrades. Energy-efficient, space-saving
and sustainable materials are needed
to assure that old buildings can cope
with modern requirements. Meanwhile,
emerging countries cannot build fast
enough to keep up with demand. They turn
towards dry construction, modular and
prefabricated building solutions that are
quick and easy to construct and meet the
surging demand at an affordable expense.
3
Disruptive technology
Disruptive technology is changing the way businesses
operate in industries across the globe. In the world of
construction, they are driving process innovation to
reshape how buildings are designed and constructed. One
example is BIM, short for building information modelling.
This technology facilitates collaboration throughout the
building cycle from conception to demolition.
Furthermore, automation and robotics will speed up
production and enhance quality assurance. While
innovation will build smart cities where energy is
harnessed through solar panels and conserved via highperformance
insulation materials.
2
Climate change and
resource scarcity
Human activity is depleting our planet’s resources
at an alarming rate. The construction industry is the
number one global consumer of raw materials. In
addition, buildings are responsible for 30% of global
greenhouse gases. Significant changes in the way
we work are crucial to curb our drain on resources
and reduce emissions. Construction projects should
consider a building’s complete life cycle—not just
building costs. More efficient use and recycling of
raw materials must evolve towards cradle-to-cradle
solutions. Industrial processes must be optimised to
ensure lean production.
4
Sharing global responsibility
Social responsibility is high on the agenda worldwide.
Companies must demonstrate they are committed to
responsible, safe and sustainable business practices.
They must also recognise the effect these have on their
employees, customers and the communities in which they
operate. Success is measured not just by profit but by
making a positive and lasting impact. A company that acts
responsibly in a transparent way is one that is trusted by its
stakeholders and will assure a stable future.
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