Emilio González Gaya (AEDICI): Installation engineering firms grow by 10%, with 9.5 billion invested in projects

During the past year, these engineering firms grew by nearly 10%, with more than 1,500 projects executed and €9.5 billion in project investment.  

How much did installation engineering firms grow in 2025 and how has their activity evolved?

In general terms, the sector's performance in 2025 was positive, albeit with an increasing level of technical demand, responsibility and administrative burden for engineering firms. Engineering firms grew by nearly 10%, with more than 1,500 projects executed and €9.5 billion invested in projects during 2025.  

After several years marked by regulatory uncertainty and the pressure to decarbonise the building stock, 2025 has seen a clear recovery in activity, especially in projects linked to energy efficiency, renewables and the technical retrofitting of buildings. Energy-efficient retrofitting continues to be a key driver for the sector, especially in facility modernisation. 

The momentum from European regulations, especially the revision of the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), has strengthened the demand for advanced solutions in climate control, automation, indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy management. The professionalisation and technical specialisation of the sector have also continued to grow, driven by the demand for increasingly complex, digitalised and sustainability-focused projects. 

What are the expectations for the construction sector in 2026 and what challenges will engineering firms face in this context?

The Euroconstruct report predicts that growth in the Spanish construction sector will moderate from 4% in 2025 to 3.6% in 2026. While growth remains positive, it forces the engineering sector to improve its competitiveness and efficiency. Looking toward 2026, we highlight several key challenges related to decarbonisation requirements and regulations, the real-world digitalisation of installations and buildings, increasing technical project complexity, and the recruitment of technical talent. 

In terms of decarbonisation requirements and regulations, there is pressure to comply with European standards: the practical application of Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) standards; the stricter incorporation of Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA), carbon footprinting and material assessments; and mandatory monitoring with the need to accurately justify energy and environmental performance.

In relation to the real-world digitalisation of installations and buildings, there is still a long way to go in extending the use of advanced digital modelling (BIM at more mature levels), real-time energy management platforms, and open, interoperable control systems.

On the other hand, there is increasing technical complexity in projects, especially in hospitals and laboratories, data centres, advanced industry and logistics, and tertiary buildings with high IAQ requirements. Hospitals, data centres, and advanced logistics are recording activity increases between 10% and 15% in non-residential construction for 2025‑2026, which requires a very high technical level in HVAC systems, security and monitoring.  

Finally, regarding technical talent recruitment, the shortage of engineers specialised in installations will remain one of the main challenges for the competitiveness of companies in the sector.

What issues remain to be resolved in the field of training and professionalisation?

There is a significant gap between academic training and the requirements of current projects. There is a growing demand for specialists in energy modelling, complex installation design, HVAC simulation, technical regulations, renewable energy integration, and control and interoperability systems that is not yet matched by current academic offerings. 

In terms of professionalisation and recognition, installation engineering firms are assuming greater responsibility, but it is still necessary to reinforce the professional figure of the consulting engineer; greater recognition of the role of engineering; standardising processes; ensuring adequate timeframes and fees for project quality, given their increasing complexity; and promoting value-based rather than price-only procurement. The sector is also undergoing consolidation with the entry of large international groups, which necessitates reinforcing the professionalisation and value of the consulting engineer.  

How can the constant technological evolution of installations be addressed?

Installation technology is evolving rapidly. Staying updated requires continuous training, access to simulation and modelling tools, and cross-disciplinary knowledge spanning energy, comfort, automation and sustainability. The advancement of new technical solutions is forcing a constant update of competencies. 

What should sustainability be based on? 

Sustainability must be data driven. The challenge is no longer just to "include sustainable measures", but to technically justify their impact, to ensure they work in real-life conditions, and to coordinate all agents so that sustainable design is properly executed. Energy-efficient retrofitting will remain key in 2026; in 2025, retrofitting activity surpassed 2019 levels.  

What legislative matters do you consider fundamental?

Key topics for 2026 will be: the transposition of the EPBD, which will establish more demanding criteria for retrofitting, monitoring and energy quality; indoor air quality (IAQ) regulations, a factor that has become central post-pandemic and is particularly relevant in schools, hospitals and offices. Additionally, the updating of the RITE to reflect new technological scenarios, such as advanced heat pumps, hybrid systems, thermal renewables and continuous monitoring; and the growing importance of health-focused design, involving comfort, ventilation, environmental control and safe materials. It will also be essential to homogenise criteria between autonomous communities in order to streamline engineering projects. 

How will installation engineering contribute to achieving efficiency and sustainability goals?

Installation engineering is already an essential pillar for achieving efficiency, safety and decarbonisation goals. To achieve decarbonisation targets, there must be technically rigorous and independent design. In addition, through AEDICI, we continue to work to promote the technical quality of the sector; to foster continuous training; to promote collaboration between companies, public authorities and knowledge centres; and to defend the importance of the project and the consulting engineer throughout all phases of a building's life.