According to the Construction Industry Association's economic outlook, a turnaround is taking place and construction is emerging from the recession. However, the recovery in production is not evenly distributed across all areas of construction. No change is yet visible in residential construction.
From the perspective of the HVAC and building services industry, the most significant growth driver is currently found in industrial construction, and especially data centers. Building services business cycle survey According to the report, data center investments currently create the strongest growth prospects, and their impact is particularly visible in the expectations and daily activities of large companies in the industry.
Data center cooling systems, energy efficiency, power supply and automation are built on strong building technology expertise. According to construction industry estimates, the potential investment pipeline for data centers by 2035 is almost 30 times higher than the actual figure in 2025. A significant part of these potential investments is focused on building technology systems.
However, it is not just about individual data centers. Energy, electrification, clean transition, digitalization and security are creating a new growth layer for the Finnish economy. Building services are at the heart of this development. As we build a new energy system, industry, data infrastructure and smart buildings, the need for skilled HVAC and building services contractors is obvious.
Are there enough factors when housing construction recovers?
Although housing construction remains at historically low levels, signs of bottoming out have intensified. According to the construction industry, the housing market is showing the first signs of a turnaround, although there is still some way to go before broader growth occurs.
As housing construction intensifies in time, along with data center, energy and industrial projects being implemented at the same time, the question of the adequacy of a skilled workforce will arise. Building services companies are already reporting growing challenges in the availability of skilled labor, even though construction volumes are still low. Traditional HVAC expertise will also be needed in abundance when housing construction starts in full swing.
We need to invest now in training experts and making the industry more attractive. In the coming years, Finland will need new building services professionals to implement the investments that will build both economic growth and the green transition.
Housing companies should also consider their repair needs right now, when skilled workers are still available and public incentives are available for energy renovations and energy efficiency projects. Timely investment will inevitably improve living comfort, energy efficiency and the value of the property.
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