It’s no surprise that significant growth in mission-critical construction awaits us in the new year. Driven by an increasing demand for data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, and critical infrastructure projects, this expected growth derives from technological advancements and a rising need for operational resilience.
Specifically, the areas within mission critical construction that can expect to see major growth in the new year are:
- Hyperscale data centers
- Healthcare facilities
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Critical infrastructure upgrades
2025 won’t be without its obstacles. Challenges related to skilled labor shortages in construction will continue to be a major issue, as well as supply chain constraints and complex infrastructure design requirements.
Here is a closer look at what we could expect from mission-critical construction in 2025.
Four Trends to Follow Closely in Mission Critical Construction
High Demand for Data Centers
The ever-growing need for data storage and processing will drive robust construction activity in the data center sector, requiring highly reliable and resilient infrastructure. Factors like the rise of AI and machine learning as well as increased use of cloud computing across various industrial sectors will continue to drive demand for data centers. Therefore, the need for modular and scalable designs and integration of complex construction will also continue to rise.
Advanced Manufacturing Expansion
Investments in advanced manufacturing facilities, particularly those incorporating automation and robotics, will create demand for specialized construction expertise. This is driven by technological innovation, economic priorities, and the need for resilient and efficient infrastructure. In healthcare facilities, for example, there will be a rise in demand for prefabrication of surgical suites and ICUs as well as advanced HVAC systems to ensure sterile environments. This will require more advanced and streamlined construction for production.
A Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability initiatives will be integrated into mission critical projects, with emphasis on energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources. Adoption of sustainable materials will also be widespread to reduce carbon footprints and create a greener construction process.
Technological Integration
Increased adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT sensors, and AI-powered construction management tools will enhance project efficiency and accuracy. Technology will be relied on heavily to prevent rework in construction projects. Platforms like the Cumulus Quality Execution System, which automatically captures granular data in the field, will be used to inform decision making and maintain compliance with complex requirements.
What to Expect from Construction Technology
Construction technology is also expected to continue evolving at a rapid pace driven by advancements in digital tools, automation, sustainability, and data integration. Here are six trends and developments to watch for in ConTech:
- Increased Adoption of AI and Machine Learning
- Digital Twins
- IoT and Smart Construction Sites
- Advanced Materials
- Improved Data Integration and Collaboration
- A Focus on Workforce Development
With the increased reliance on technology, the construction industry will invest more in training workers in new skills, including robotics operation, BIM software, and quality execution systems.
Challenges in Mission Critical Construction for the New Year
Complex Design Requirements
Mission critical projects will involve intricate systems for power, cooling, security, and redundancy, necessitating specialized design and construction expertise. Because of complex design requirements, contractors specializing in advanced cooling systems, energy efficiency, and modular construction will be particularly well-positioned to benefit from this challenge.
Specialized Labor Shortage
The skilled labor shortage will continue to pose a significant hurdle for contractors, particularly in areas requiring specialized knowledge for mission critical projects. Upskilling workers and leveraging technology will be the solution in bridging this gap to remain on schedule and on budget in 2025.
Supply Chain Lead Times
The rapid expansion of sectors like data centers and AI infrastructure is driving up demand for specialized materials like high-capacity cooling systems and reinforced structures. This surge is leading to extended lead times and potential shortages for equipment. A proactive procurement strategy will be key to navigating this challenge.
Conclusion
Despite the obstacles, it’s an exciting time to be in the mission-critical construction space! The future is being shaped by technological advancements, changing priorities, and advanced solutions engineered to respond to emerging challenges. In 2025 we can expect significant evolution of this industry pushing mission-critical construction to be more resilient, efficient, and sustainable while meeting the demands of rapidly advancing technology and increasing global challenges.
