The next 25 years: The future of the construction industry

Some of the possible actions and challenges confronting the construction industry in the next 25 years are discussed: conservation of worldwide resources through more effective recycling and more efficient use of these resources; smaller and more fuel-efficient engines; natural gas collection instead of flaring of gases; pumped storage gases or liquids for peak power production through substitution of more readily-available materials; fiber optics replacing copper and aluminum cables and wires; alternative renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water and safe nuclear; and integration of environmental policies on a global scale.