GITNUXREPORT 2025

Aec Industry Statistics

Global AEC industry valued at $10.5 trillion, driven by digital and sustainable innovations.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 34% of construction companies worldwide reported cybersecurity threats affecting their project data in 2023

Statistic 2

Construction-related cyber attacks increased by 67% between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures

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The U.S. construction industry contributes about 4.2% to the GDP

Statistic 4

About 70% of construction firms in the U.S. report labor shortages impacting project timelines

Statistic 5

Globally, 85% of construction projects experience cost overruns

Statistic 6

The AEC industry is estimated to face a productivity growth gap of 1% per year over the next decade

Statistic 7

The average age of a construction worker in the U.S. is 42, indicating a need for workforce renewal

Statistic 8

Female representation in the construction workforce is approximately 10%, with a goal to reach 20% by 2030

Statistic 9

The use of drones in construction has grown by over 200% in the last three years

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Construction related emissions contribute approximately 37% of the world's CO2 emissions

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78% of AEC firms report supply chain disruptions in 2023, impacting project timelines and costs

Statistic 12

The global demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 12 million by 2030

Statistic 13

65% of construction projects in North America face delays primarily due to poor planning

Statistic 14

45% of contractors cite labor costs as their biggest project challenge in 2023

Statistic 15

The average time to complete a commercial building project is approximately 16-24 months, depending on project size

Statistic 16

48% of construction projects in developing countries face significant delays, mainly due to funding problems

Statistic 17

Construction sector employment growth is projected to be 5% annually through 2028

Statistic 18

58% of project delays are attributed to poor communication among project teams

Statistic 19

The construction industry is projected to employ over 336 million workers worldwide by 2030

Statistic 20

Around 75% of AEC firms report that talent recruitment is a significant challenge, especially in specialized fields

Statistic 21

The adoption of lean construction helps reduce project delivery time by approximately 10-15%, leading to faster project completion

Statistic 22

The average wage for skilled construction workers in developed countries ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on specialization

Statistic 23

The global AEC industry is valued at approximately $10.5 trillion as of 2023

Statistic 24

Construction spending worldwide is projected to reach $15.8 trillion by 2027

Statistic 25

Modular construction accounts for roughly 10% of new construction projects in the U.S.

Statistic 26

The global market for construction robotics is expected to reach $26.3 billion by 2027

Statistic 27

The global prefabricated building market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 28

Investment in sustainable infrastructure is projected to reach $94 trillion globally by 2030

Statistic 29

The global construction software market is forecasted to reach $12 billion by 2025

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The average project cost overrun in the global AEC industry is approximately 27%

Statistic 31

The global market for smart buildings is expected to reach $150 billion by 2027

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The annual global spent on infrastructure projects exceeds $2 trillion

Statistic 33

The AEC industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2028

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The global tunnel construction market size is expected to reach $142 billion by 2028

Statistic 35

The global EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) market size is expected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2028

Statistic 36

The global demand for smart sensors in building management systems is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2022 to 2028

Statistic 37

The global market for construction coatings is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025, driven by demand for durable, eco-friendly coatings

Statistic 38

The construction industry's digital transformation spending is projected to surpass $50 billion globally by 2026

Statistic 39

Construction sector fraud and corruption losses globally are estimated at over $15 billion annually

Statistic 40

The global green building materials market is valued at approximately $410 billion in 2023 and growing rapidly

Statistic 41

The global infrastructure insurance market is projected to grow to $95 billion by 2028, providing risk mitigation for large projects

Statistic 42

The global demand for construction adhesives is projected to reach $8 billion by 2025, driven by the need for quick and durable bonding solutions

Statistic 43

Modular construction is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028, reaching substantial market size

Statistic 44

The global market for construction safety equipment is expected to reach $8.7 billion by 2025, emphasizing increasing safety standards

Statistic 45

The global market for smart building automation systems is projected to reach $115 billion by 2027, driven by increasing urbanization and smart city initiatives

Statistic 46

The adoption of green building certifications like LEED has grown by over 60% in the last five years

Statistic 47

Approximately 15% of construction waste is reused or recycled, with a goal to increase this to 50% by 2030

Statistic 48

Nearly 80% of construction firms are implementing or planning to implement green building practices within the next two years

Statistic 49

The adoption rate of green and sustainable materials in new construction projects is at 35%, with a goal to reach 70% by 2030

Statistic 50

Advanced construction materials account for over 25% of new building materials R&D investments globally

Statistic 51

The use of IoT devices in building management is expected to double by 2027, improving energy efficiency and maintenance

Statistic 52

The adoption of lean construction principles can reduce waste by up to 30% and improve efficiency

Statistic 53

Energy-efficient building designs in the AEC industry can reduce operational costs by up to 25%

Statistic 54

The use of eco-friendly construction materials has increased by 35% over the past decade

Statistic 55

Building automation systems can lead to energy savings of up to 30%

Statistic 56

The percentage of new buildings incorporating sustainable practices is expected to reach 50% by 2030

Statistic 57

The use of sustainable and recycled materials in construction has been linked to a 15-20% reduction in lifecycle costs for buildings

Statistic 58

The global demand for eco-friendly construction products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2028, driven by sustainability mandates

Statistic 59

The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has increased project efficiency by 20-30%

Statistic 60

About 60% of contractors believe that technology adoption significantly improves project delivery

Statistic 61

55% of construction firms worldwide plan to increase their investment in digital tools in 2024

Statistic 62

Around 80% of AEC firms are leveraging cloud-based project management tools as of 2023

Statistic 63

The adoption rate of AI in the AEC industry is around 20%, but expected to reach 50% by 2027

Statistic 64

The use of 3D printing technology in construction is projected to grow at a CAGR of 95% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 65

Automation and robotics could reduce construction labor costs by up to 50% by 2030

Statistic 66

The use of augmented reality (AR) in construction is reported by 32% of firms to improve accuracy on site

Statistic 67

Infrastructure projects utilizing digital twins can reduce operational costs by up to 20%

Statistic 68

Prefabricated and modular construction can reduce project delivery time by up to 50%

Statistic 69

Around 63% of contractors worldwide plan to adopt AI-driven project management tools by 2025

Statistic 70

Construction project management software adoption has increased by 45% in the last five years

Statistic 71

The use of virtual reality (VR) in construction design visualization is increasing at a CAGR of 57%, helping reduce errors and streamline planning

Statistic 72

About 40% of contractors plan to fully adopt digital twins in their projects by 2025, aiming to improve maintenance and operational efficiencies

Statistic 73

Advances in construction materials, such as self-healing concrete, are expected to increase durability and lifespan of structures significantly

Statistic 74

Approximately 15% of infrastructure spending is allocated to digital infrastructure projects like smart grids and intelligent transport

Statistic 75

The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in training new workers can reduce onboarding time by approximately 30%, increasing workforce readiness

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Key Highlights

The global AEC industry is valued at approximately $10.5 trillion as of 2023
Construction spending worldwide is projected to reach $15.8 trillion by 2027
The U.S. construction industry contributes about 4.2% to the GDP
About 70% of construction firms in the U.S. report labor shortages impacting project timelines
The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has increased project efficiency by 20-30%
Globally, 85% of construction projects experience cost overruns
Modular construction accounts for roughly 10% of new construction projects in the U.S.
The adoption of green building certifications like LEED has grown by over 60% in the last five years
The global market for construction robotics is expected to reach $26.3 billion by 2027
The AEC industry is estimated to face a productivity growth gap of 1% per year over the next decade
About 60% of contractors believe that technology adoption significantly improves project delivery
55% of construction firms worldwide plan to increase their investment in digital tools in 2024
The average age of a construction worker in the U.S. is 42, indicating a need for workforce renewal

The global AEC industry, valued at over $10.5 trillion, is on the cusp of a transformation fueled by rapid technological innovation, workforce shifts, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development—making it one of the most dynamic and impactful sectors shaping our built environment today.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Risks

About 34% of construction companies worldwide reported cybersecurity threats affecting their project data in 2023
Construction-related cyber attacks increased by 67% between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Risks Interpretation

With over a third of global construction firms hit by cyber threats in 2023 and attacks soaring by 67% since 2020, it's clear the industry must shift from hard hats to firewalls to keep its projects safe.

Industry Contributions and Employment Trends

The U.S. construction industry contributes about 4.2% to the GDP
About 70% of construction firms in the U.S. report labor shortages impacting project timelines
Globally, 85% of construction projects experience cost overruns
The AEC industry is estimated to face a productivity growth gap of 1% per year over the next decade
The average age of a construction worker in the U.S. is 42, indicating a need for workforce renewal
Female representation in the construction workforce is approximately 10%, with a goal to reach 20% by 2030
The use of drones in construction has grown by over 200% in the last three years
Construction related emissions contribute approximately 37% of the world's CO2 emissions
78% of AEC firms report supply chain disruptions in 2023, impacting project timelines and costs
The global demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 12 million by 2030
65% of construction projects in North America face delays primarily due to poor planning
45% of contractors cite labor costs as their biggest project challenge in 2023
The average time to complete a commercial building project is approximately 16-24 months, depending on project size
48% of construction projects in developing countries face significant delays, mainly due to funding problems
Construction sector employment growth is projected to be 5% annually through 2028
58% of project delays are attributed to poor communication among project teams
The construction industry is projected to employ over 336 million workers worldwide by 2030
Around 75% of AEC firms report that talent recruitment is a significant challenge, especially in specialized fields
The adoption of lean construction helps reduce project delivery time by approximately 10-15%, leading to faster project completion
The average wage for skilled construction workers in developed countries ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on specialization

Industry Contributions and Employment Trends Interpretation

Despite contributing just 4.2% to the U.S. GDP, the AEC industry is caught in a labor and productivity paradox—grappling with a widening workforce gap, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs—highlighting an urgent need to modernize, diversify, and streamline to build not only structures but resilience for the future.

Market Size and Valuation

The global AEC industry is valued at approximately $10.5 trillion as of 2023
Construction spending worldwide is projected to reach $15.8 trillion by 2027
Modular construction accounts for roughly 10% of new construction projects in the U.S.
The global market for construction robotics is expected to reach $26.3 billion by 2027
The global prefabricated building market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028
Investment in sustainable infrastructure is projected to reach $94 trillion globally by 2030
The global construction software market is forecasted to reach $12 billion by 2025
The average project cost overrun in the global AEC industry is approximately 27%
The global market for smart buildings is expected to reach $150 billion by 2027
The annual global spent on infrastructure projects exceeds $2 trillion
The AEC industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2028
The global tunnel construction market size is expected to reach $142 billion by 2028
The global EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) market size is expected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2028
The global demand for smart sensors in building management systems is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2022 to 2028
The global market for construction coatings is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025, driven by demand for durable, eco-friendly coatings
The construction industry's digital transformation spending is projected to surpass $50 billion globally by 2026
Construction sector fraud and corruption losses globally are estimated at over $15 billion annually
The global green building materials market is valued at approximately $410 billion in 2023 and growing rapidly
The global infrastructure insurance market is projected to grow to $95 billion by 2028, providing risk mitigation for large projects
The global demand for construction adhesives is projected to reach $8 billion by 2025, driven by the need for quick and durable bonding solutions
Modular construction is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028, reaching substantial market size
The global market for construction safety equipment is expected to reach $8.7 billion by 2025, emphasizing increasing safety standards
The global market for smart building automation systems is projected to reach $115 billion by 2027, driven by increasing urbanization and smart city initiatives

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With the AEC industry projected to surpass $15.8 trillion in construction spending and increasingly embracing robotics, modular methods, and smart infrastructure, it’s clear that building smarter, faster, and greener isn't just an option—it's a $94 trillion obsession with a healthy side of digital transformation, all while battling the perennial challenge of a 27% project overrun.

Sustainable and Green Construction

The adoption of green building certifications like LEED has grown by over 60% in the last five years
Approximately 15% of construction waste is reused or recycled, with a goal to increase this to 50% by 2030
Nearly 80% of construction firms are implementing or planning to implement green building practices within the next two years
The adoption rate of green and sustainable materials in new construction projects is at 35%, with a goal to reach 70% by 2030
Advanced construction materials account for over 25% of new building materials R&D investments globally
The use of IoT devices in building management is expected to double by 2027, improving energy efficiency and maintenance
The adoption of lean construction principles can reduce waste by up to 30% and improve efficiency
Energy-efficient building designs in the AEC industry can reduce operational costs by up to 25%
The use of eco-friendly construction materials has increased by 35% over the past decade
Building automation systems can lead to energy savings of up to 30%
The percentage of new buildings incorporating sustainable practices is expected to reach 50% by 2030
The use of sustainable and recycled materials in construction has been linked to a 15-20% reduction in lifecycle costs for buildings
The global demand for eco-friendly construction products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2028, driven by sustainability mandates

Sustainable and Green Construction Interpretation

As the AEC industry accelerates its green shift—marked by a 60% surge in LEED certifications, ambitious waste reuse goals, and soaring adoption of sustainable materials—it's clear that building a smarter, greener future not only benefits the planet but also promises substantial cost savings and innovation, proving that eco-conscious construction is not just a trend but a smart blueprint for longevity and resilience.

Technological Innovations and Digitalization

The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has increased project efficiency by 20-30%
About 60% of contractors believe that technology adoption significantly improves project delivery
55% of construction firms worldwide plan to increase their investment in digital tools in 2024
Around 80% of AEC firms are leveraging cloud-based project management tools as of 2023
The adoption rate of AI in the AEC industry is around 20%, but expected to reach 50% by 2027
The use of 3D printing technology in construction is projected to grow at a CAGR of 95% from 2021 to 2028
Automation and robotics could reduce construction labor costs by up to 50% by 2030
The use of augmented reality (AR) in construction is reported by 32% of firms to improve accuracy on site
Infrastructure projects utilizing digital twins can reduce operational costs by up to 20%
Prefabricated and modular construction can reduce project delivery time by up to 50%
Around 63% of contractors worldwide plan to adopt AI-driven project management tools by 2025
Construction project management software adoption has increased by 45% in the last five years
The use of virtual reality (VR) in construction design visualization is increasing at a CAGR of 57%, helping reduce errors and streamline planning
About 40% of contractors plan to fully adopt digital twins in their projects by 2025, aiming to improve maintenance and operational efficiencies
Advances in construction materials, such as self-healing concrete, are expected to increase durability and lifespan of structures significantly
Approximately 15% of infrastructure spending is allocated to digital infrastructure projects like smart grids and intelligent transport
The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in training new workers can reduce onboarding time by approximately 30%, increasing workforce readiness

Technological Innovations and Digitalization Interpretation

As the AEC industry races toward a digital utopia, BIM’s 20-30% boost in project efficiency, alongside surging AI, VR, and 3D printing adoption—projected to grow exponentially—signals that construction’s future lies as much in data-driven innovation as in bricks and mortar, promising both faster delivery and smarter, more durable structures.