State of the Industry: Industry’s current state and future prospects
Posted January 6, 2025 in Metal Construction News
The metal building system industry has long been a featured aspect of the construction landscape, known for its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Over recent years, significant transformations have been driven by evolving market demands, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. There is a surge in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices, influenced by global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and achieve energy efficiency goals. With their recyclable materials and energy-efficient designs, metal buildings are well positioned to meet these demands. Integrating insulated metal panels (IMPs) and adopting modular construction techniques are notable trends enhancing sustainability and construction efficiency.
Energy efficiency standards are becoming increasingly stringent due to their critical role in mitigating climate change, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring sustainable development. Buildings account for significant global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, making enhanced energy efficiency crucial for achieving environmental goals. Stricter standards drive the adoption of advanced technologies and building practices, minimizing energy waste and lowering utility bills and operational costs for building owners and occupants.
Staying abreast of the latest energy efficiency standards as building codes evolve is essential. A critical element in these standards is the stringent air leakage requirements for structures, particularly for metal building systems. While states like California and Washington have been pioneers in adopting these codes, many others—especially those aligning with ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2021—need to prepare now.
Technology is the future
Technological advancements are also shaping the future of the metal building system industry. The use of building information modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence (AI) in design and fabrication processes streamlines operations and improves precision. Smart building technologies incorporating sensors and automation systems are becoming increasingly common, offering real-time data for building maintenance and energy management.
In the metal building industry, the same entity/manufacturer typically handles their respective structural design, drafting, and fabrication, often utilizing proprietary software. This may challenge the process-driven needs of a BIM program, so companies are advised to work closely with their manufacturer before leveraging a BIM contract. AI enables the integration of information, analysis of data, and improved decision-making, transforming unexpected situations into anticipated and planned events. This scalability is particularly evident in project estimating (budgeting or costing), where AI-empowered management software, powered with historical data, excels in running “what if?” scenarios and contingency planning.
Increased safety standards
Fire safety standards are becoming increasingly stringent due to heightened awareness of the devastating impacts of fire incidents on lives, property, and the environment. Building codes vary by state and locality, with some regions adopting stricter standards. For example, California and Washington are known for their stringent energy efficiency and fire safety codes. Builders and designers must stay informed about local requirements to ensure full compliance. Continued compliance with these standards will help reduce insurance costs and liabilities for building owners and operators. Adopting and enforcing rigorous fire safety standards in building codes is essential to creating safer, more resilient built environments, ultimately protecting lives and reducing the economic and social impacts of fire incidents.
Supply chain issues
Metal building system manufacturers will continue to optimize their supply chains to address challenges related to international trade dynamics. This includes managing logistics, sourcing materials, and navigating trade regulations. While maintaining standardized practices, companies may customize their metal building systems to meet local regulatory requirements, climate conditions, and architectural preferences, ensuring that structures are suitable for diverse international markets.
Looking ahead to the next year
In 2025, an exciting and pioneering move will see the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), the Metal Building Institute (MBI), and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) continue to create and deploy an innovative metal building assembly training program. This initiative seeks to elevate training to the standards of a formal apprenticeship, offering comprehensive and specialized education tailored to the unique demands of metal building construction. Each module will place a strong emphasis on safety and structural integrity, moving away from traditional, textbook-based learning methods to embrace a modern online format that provides an interactive and engaging educational experience.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the metal building industry, underscoring a commitment to fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce ready to tackle the challenges of today’s construction landscape. The future of metal building assembly training has arrived, promising to set new benchmarks for quality and excellence in the industry.
Robert Tiffin is the national accounts manager of Silvercote. He also serves as the president of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) and as the chair of the architects committee of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA).