After more than one year of the global COVID 19 crisis, a spectrum of the economic consequences remain challenging. We can also say that the construction industry has proven incredibly resilient in the face of multiple national lockdowns, public health restrictions, and temporary supply chain breakdowns. Where possible, new ways of working have been introduced, with interventions ranging from staggered shifts to wider adoption of digital tools, not only for communication, but also for example for assessment and surveying check.
Construction is one industry that, in most countries, was able to continue functioning on-site after implementing safe ways of working. In fact, the sector was key to maintaining continuity of economic activity in many countries. Moreover, construction has played a key role in the short-term economic recovery efforts launched by many governments, supporting jobs and businesses at a local level.
For example, Germany have seen the introduction of tighter regulations associated with near-zero energy standards (nZEB). In addition to regulatory requirements, now is possible to access to low-cost funding to support investments in low-carbon rehabilitation. In the UK or in French cities, there is a particular focus on the promotion of skills and capacity required to rehabilitation and reduce the carbon footprint of existing buildings. The uncertainties around the future of offices buildings have been multiplying with the development of teleworking, and the transformation of offices into housing is a lever to meet the growing demand for housing but also a way to boost innovation and economic dynamism.