According to the United Nations (UN) resources, the world population is estimated to have reached 6.5 billion in 2005, more than two and a half times the level in 1950. And the population is expected to continue to expand, growing by more than 2 billion people over the next 25 years. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be a need for 40% more housing and basic infrastructure services than existed in 2005. Eighty percent of that growth is happening in developing countries. An important reflection of this imposing growth is the urban migration that is occurring all over the world. UN statistics report that 180,000 people are migrating from rural to urban centres every day. This high-paced urbanisation requires an equally high-paced growth in housing and infrastructure.

As the need is massive and global, it requires building systems that can be rapidly constructed and are economical and efficient while providing the desired quality of life. And with this need comes the additional challenge of addressing the mounting concern about the impact of construction on the environment, both in the energy, materials and waste involved in the building process itself, as well as the final buildings. Consequently the construction sector is actively pursuing methods that consider energy savings, renewable raw material and energy usage and overall protection of the environment. Therefore, the challenge for our society today is to find better housing solutions that can address these future needs while considering social, economic and environmental concerns.

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