Concrete’s enabling role in building a sustainable and resilient future

The megatrends that will drive global concrete demand to 2050

Oxford Economics’ latest research for the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) examines how five major global megatrends—population growth and urbanisation, infrastructure and housing deficits, climate transition and resilience, geopolitical uncertainty, and digitalisation—are reshaping global construction demand.

With global construction activity forecast to increase by more than 70% to US$16.6 trillion annually by 2050, the report highlights the critical role of cement and concrete in delivering essential infrastructure, supporting economic development, improving living standards and strengthening community resilience.

The report also explores the strategic challenges of meeting rising infrastructure demand while reducing carbon emissions, improving productivity, managing costs and ensuring long-term sustainability. It highlights the importance of innovation, resilient supply chains and evidence-based infrastructure planning in delivering greater economic and social value from concrete.

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Concrete Construction Infrastructure Sustainability

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The experts behind the research

Thomas Westrup

Lead Economist

Thomas Westrup

Lead Economist

Thomas is a Lead Economist with the Construction and Infrastructure team at Oxford Economics Australia. After joining the company in 2019, he has managed or heavily contributed to a wide range of private consulting and advisory work across Oxford Economics Australia clients, with a heavy focus on market capacity, industry analysis, cost escalation, economic impact and workforce capability.
Adrian Hart

Head of Construction & Infrastructure Consulting, OE Australia

Adrian Hart

Head of Construction & Infrastructure Consulting, OE Australia

Adrian has over 23 years of economic analysis and consulting experience with Oxford Economics Australia, focusing on the infrastructure, building, maintenance and mining industries. Adrian has undertaken a wide range of consultancy projects for the public and private sector based on his detailed understanding of construction, mining and maintenance markets, their drivers and outlooks, the range of organisations operating in this space and the issues they face.

This work includes deeper industry liaison, contractor and competitive analysis, pipeline analysis, demand and cost escalation forecasting, and industry capacity and capability projects for the public and private sector. He is the lead author of major reports but also undertakes briefings and workshops for senior management, board members and industry associations, leads in-depth stakeholder consultation, and facilitates and chairs roundtables between government and industry.
Ryan Lee

Economist, OE Australia

Ryan Lee

Economist, OE Australia

Ryan is an Economist currently responsible for supporting the production of the Asian Construction Service. He has experience in econometric modelling and consulting and holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Economics (Honours), majoring in econometrics and finance.