Trends in engineering - The intersection of sustainability and technology

Author: Saskia Hoving

Editor-in-Chief

Rapid change in the engineering industry today centres around three major trends: a move towards greater sustainability, digital transformation, and the growing demand for renewable energy. Understanding these trends is essential for engineering businesses to stay competitive, both from a financial and regulatory perspective, and for strengthening brand image. For this blog we partnered up with Maverick Publishing Specialists to explore these trends and the interlinking influences and offers insights into how engineering firms can stay ahead.

Sustainability and green engineering

With global concerns over climate change and resource depletion, sustainability has become an urgent focus. Governments worldwide are setting ambitious net-zero emissions targets. The built environment is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions annually, placing increased pressure on engineers to turn to greener solutions.

Certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) are gaining traction as markers of sustainable practices. Alongside the environmental benefits, these certifications can provide access to government funding and enhance brand and reputation.

Sustainable and green engineering practices range from eco-friendly materials and waste reduction to energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources. A 2024 collection of articles on environmentally sustainable building materials looked at options to transform the traditional “take, make, dispose” approach, such as recycled and reclaimed material, and bio-based materials like bio-concrete. The studies highlight the environmental benefits of these materials, such as reduced energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the financial benefits can vary, with many eco-friendly materials requiring longer-term investment but leading to reduced costs for building occupants. This highlights the need for engineering leaders to adopt a future-focused approach when making sustainable investments.

Designing for energy efficiency is another key element for reducing emissions. Systems that provide real-time monitoring of energy consumption, smart sensors, and AI can significantly lower energy consumption. Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, can create Zero Energy Buildings where the building creates as much, or more, energy than it uses.

Despite environmental challenges, the construction sector remains a growth area. Deloitte’s analysis shows that spending peaked at over US$2trillion last year, with record employment levels in the US and a persistent talent shortage. The demand for sustainable solutions presents opportunities for engineers and firms that prioritise environmental practices.

Digital transformation in engineering

The huge advances in digital technologies and AI have revolutionised the engineering sector, as in other industries. These innovations are reshaping how projects are designed, managed, and maintained, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and cost-savings.

According to a recent study by Deltek, 76% of engineering and architecture firms intend to reach an advanced level of digital transformation within a few years, a rapid increase from 35% currently. This reflects the industry’s commitment to growing technological capabilities, including allocating significant investment. While the main use of AI in 2023 was generating text, it’s expected to soon help firms improve operational efficiency, project management, and risk prediction, all valuable to reduce costs.

Key technologies such as digital twins, building information modelling (BIM), and robotics and automation are already transforming the engineering industry, according to Deloitte’s 2025 industry outlook. Digital twins – virtual replicas of physical assets – allow engineers to simulate and track real-time performance of buildings and infrastructure, improving efficiency, safety, and utilisation. Deloitte predicts that future competition will focus on creating an ‘intelligent twin’ model which uses large datasets to create predictive insights. BIM integrates 3D models of buildings and projects with real-time data, enabling engineers to improve material selection, scheduling, and project co-ordination.

Robotics and automation allow for precise welding, remote operation in hazardous environments, and autonomous material transportation. As AI evolves, we will likely see humanoid construction robots to aid in efficiency, safety, and precision.

PWC’s latest report covers how augmented and virtual reality allow engineers to improve stakeholder management and training, while drones enable easier access to aerial surveys to provide frequent monitoring.

The term ‘Industry 5.0’ has been used to represent this stage of digital transformation in engineering. The opportunities for innovation, efficiencies, and cost-savings from technological advancements are clear, and firms and individuals will need to invest and upskill to take advantage of the potential.

The growth of renewable energy and electric vehicles

The global push to reduce carbon emissions has driven demand for renewable energy sources. 2024 broke records for investment in clean energy, according to Deloitte. This was matched by other record-breaking figures in solar power and battery storage in the US. This trend is expected to continue in 2025.

The main growth in demand for renewable energy is from cleantech manufacturing and data centres. The rapid growth of AI since the public launch of ChatGPT in 2022 is predicted to double the energy needs of data centres by 2026, and there is a determination in this industry to prioritise clean energy.

AI is also expected to play a role in creating and managing renewable energy. AI Smart meters are expected to improve grid stability, while robots powered by AI are already assisting with large-scale solar installations.

Electric Vehicle (EV) sales appear to be growing exponentially, with the International Energy Agency reporting that one in five cars sold in 2023 was an EV, a 35% increase from 2022. This growth is driven by consumer preference and government incentives in major markets like the US, China, and Europe.

However, the trend in EVs is towards larger cars, which need longer charging times and put more pressure on the grid. The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the EV industry by connecting smart devices in vehicles and charging stations, improving energy efficiency and performance. IoT also helps predict maintenance needs, which prevents breakdowns and extends the vehicle’s lifespan.

Clean energy brings together the trends of sustainability and digital transformation covered earlier, where demand and capabilities meet, along with investment from governments and venture capital firms.

Engineering a sustainable future

The engineering industry is in the midst of a transformative period, driven by sustainability, digital transformation, and the rise of renewable energy. By embracing and investing in these trends, engineering firms can not only meet regulatory, and consumer demands but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future. As former Royal Academy of Engineering president Jim McDonald recently said to The Guardian when asked about engineering’s role in a greener future, “We know what we need to do, we know why we need to do it, and we know where we need to do it. The ‘when’ is now.”

For more detail on the topics covered in this blog, Springer Nature has a wealth of information including a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), with a hub focused on sustainable materials shared as part of SDG 12, a goal that calls for a major shift in the way we produce and consume goods and services.

Another key resource is the Handbook of Sustainability Science in the Future which looks ahead at policies, technologies, and education in 2050. There are over 1,000 further books in the Springer Nature Engineering Collection.

For those conducting research in this field with their own contributions to make on this key topic, Scientific Reports has an open call for papers on alternative materials for building construction.

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