Urbanization is changing the way we live, work and play. With more people flocking from rural to urban areas, this is shifting how construction companies build infrastructure. Industry needs to take into consideration the evolving needs of its citizens and how technology is advancing in order to build smart and sustainable transportation systems and infrastructure for the future.

The numbers tell an interesting story about what is in store for cities going forward. The world population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2037 and 10 billion by 2056—and a large portion of the population will live in cities. Roughly 68% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050, according to the UN (United Nations). Even more, we can expect to add 2.5 billion more people to urban areas by 2050.

Brendan Bechtel, chairman and CEO, Bechtel, explained it so eloquently at a reception it held marking its new presence in Manhattan when he said: “Big cities around the world are coping with congestion, the effects of climate change, and aging infrastructure, and nowhere are these challenges more complex than in New York.”

With this, the company has opened a new office in New York City to support local leaders in solving the region’s infrastructure challenge. It objective is to help the city reduce carbon emissions, improve transportation, expand its digital technology, and ensure access to safe and reliable infrastructure, according to Bechtel.

At the same time, cities are facing sustainability challenges that need to be addressed. Over on Connected World, we reported that 2020 will be the decade of enterprise sustainability. I am seeing companies recognize that sustainability is essential and that goals will need to be implemented in the heart of businesses and construction projects.

Bechtel has some pretty impressive sustainability policies and targets including: support global goals around energy, infrastructure, water, and worker welfare; advance sustainability in project development and delivery; strengthen the resilience of communities; and leverage supplier engagements to further catalyze sustainable opportunities.

The company also aims to use sustainable alternatives to reduce its environmental footprint on 100% of its key projects and non-project facilities and engage 100% of key suppliers to promote sustainability in the delivery of materials and services.

We have entered an era where urbanization and sustainability are changing the way construction builds projects. How will you respond in the years ahead?

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