The 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Buildings and Construction (ICSBC2025) is happening this November 3–6 in Muscat, Oman, hosted by the Military Technological College. It’s shaping up to be a vibrant gathering of engineers, academics, and industry leaders, all coming together to share ideas and push forward innovations in construction and geomatics.

This year’s focus? Everything from AI and digital tools like BIM, to smart cities, sustainable building materials, energy efficiency, and geospatial technologies. If it’s about building better and smarter, it’s on the agenda.

Researchers are encouraged to submit original papers—nothing previously published. Each one will be carefully reviewed, and selected papers will be presented at the conference, either in person or as posters. There’s also the potential for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal, which is a big plus for academics.

With support from respected organizations like ICE, RICS, and OSE, and a strong international speaker lineup, ICSBC2025 is set to spark valuable discussions and collaborations. Bonus: ICE members get a 20% discount on registration.

If sustainable construction is your thing, this is one event you don’t want to miss.

🌟 Editor's Note

Welcome to another exciting week in VCE Build! We've got a packed newsletter full of insights, events, and inspiring stories from the world of civil engineering, architecture and construction.

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🚀 Stay Inspired

The Changes in Unexpected Places

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• Flood Resilience: 3 ways the UK can take climate resilience beyond flood defences

🔥 In Case You Missed It…

Blog Roundup

• The Idea of circular cities, inspired by principles of sustainability and efficiency, challenges traditional urban designs. A circular city integrates circular economy concepts, minimizing waste, optimizing resources, and promoting environmental balance. But should cities adopt this model?

• In architectural design, the ability to strike a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality is crucial. While architecture is undoubtedly an art form, it is also about creating spaces that serve practical purposes, meet the needs of the users, and enhance the surrounding environment. The challenge for architects is not only to design visually striking buildings but also to ensure that these structures are comfortable, efficient, sustainable, and fit for their intended use.

🏆 Reading of the Week

Major Challenges in the Construction Industry

Cost Overruns

Cost overruns occur when construction projects exceed their initial budget due to unexpected expenses and delays. Rising material costs and poor productivity are significant contributors. Fluctuating prices of raw materials make accurate cost prediction difficult, impacting overall profitability. Enhancing productivity through technology such as automation, drones, and AI can help mitigate these overruns.

Delays

Delays disrupt construction timelines, affecting businesses and supply chains. They are often caused by supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, transportation issues, and regulatory changes. Effective project management, aided by software to monitor progress and address bottlenecks, is crucial. Weather conditions, scope changes, and design adjustments also contribute to delays.

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Slow Adaptation to Emerging Technologies

The construction industry is slow to adopt technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D Printing, which can enhance efficiency and safety. Financial constraints often hinder the adoption of these innovations.

Inadequate Communication

Effective communication among various stakeholders is essential but often lacking. Communication gaps between on-site workers and office staff can lead to unrealistic expectations and overlooked tasks. Clear guidelines, regular updates, and documentation can help bridge these gaps.

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Labor Shortage

A significant challenge is the shortage of skilled workers. The industry needs over two million workers by 2025. This shortage is due to an aging workforce and inadequate training opportunities. Additionally, competition for skilled workers from other industries drives up wages and impacts equipment usage.

Poor Planning, Forecasting, and Budgeting

Accurate data is essential for effective planning and budgeting. Without real-time information on project timelines, material costs, and labor expenses, managers struggle to create accurate budgets, leading to delays and cost overruns. Investing in construction software can provide the necessary data for informed decision-making.

Lacking Organization and Haphazard Document Management

Manual document management can be inefficient and error-prone. Efficient organization and management of contracts, orders, receipts, and certificates are critical to avoiding errors.

Problems with Cash Flow

Reliable cash flow is essential for timely payments to employees, subcontractors, and suppliers. Outdated invoicing systems often lead to cash flow disruptions, causing project delays.

Scheduling Issues

Ensuring workers and subcontractors arrive on time remains challenging. Labor shortages, overworked employees, and supply chain disruptions complicate scheduling, often leading to delays.

Impact and Solutions

These challenges significantly impact construction businesses, slowing productivity, increasing costs, and reducing profit margins. Addressing these issues requires proactive measures such as:

Embracing New Technology: Utilize project management software and modern tools to enhance planning, forecasting, and productivity.

Developing a Talent Pipeline: Partner with trade schools, offer apprenticeships, and create training programs to attract and retain skilled workers.

Increasing Transparency: Share regular updates to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

Optimizing the Supply Chain: Work with multiple suppliers, improve inventory management, and consider local sourcing.

Prioritizing Safety: Invest in safety training, equipment, and protocols to prevent accidents.

Fostering Collaboration: Encourage resource and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to develop effective solutions.

Understanding and addressing these challenges is essential for construction companies to remain competitive and successful in the industry.

Did You Know? The world’s first known civil engineer was Imhotep, who lived in ancient Egypt around 2600 BCE. He designed the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the earliest large-scale stone structures in history—making him not just a builder, but a pioneer of architecture, engineering, and urban planning all in one.

Till next time,

VCE Build Weekly Pulse