Oriol Perna (ACI): Installation engineering is a strategic element in building projects

How did installation engineering evolve over the past year?

In 2025, installation engineering ceased to be "the part that is squeezed in at the end". It is a strategic element of the project: it defines technical criteria, introduces innovation and provides a global vision of the building. This is key because energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability already dominate the market. The sector is also gaining visibility: its impact on how a building actually functions and its energy performance is more widely recognised.

What challenges will this sector have to face in 2026?

One of the challenges will be to manage increasingly complex regulations without turning projects into an obstacle course. In terms of sustainability and decarbonisation, more and more projects will require environmental certifications and carbon footprint reduction; and that requires innovation, the right materials and highly skilled teams. Another challenge will be to digitalise through action rather than rhetoric: BIM, energy simulation and 3D modelling improve coordination and reduce errors, but BIM implementation is not yet progressing at the desired pace. And in terms of talent, it is necessary to attract and retain technical profiles prepared for a more demanding and technologically advanced environment.

What needs to be covered in the area of training and professionalisation?

Firstly, continuous training: technical knowledge expires quickly, so you have to keep up to date with regulations, software and new methodologies. In addition, there is a need for a real connection with universities and professional associations, so that young people see this field as a career with a future, as well as mentoring programmes and training agreements to bring the profession to new generations. Support for professional development is also necessary: ACI has incorporated a career advisor into the Projecta't programme (Generalitat de Catalunya) to analyse future needs in the sector and help professionals identify skills, detect gaps and plan their evolution.

What other issues need to be strengthened?

Communication with public authorities, since poorly implemented regulation translates into delays, cost overruns and poorer quality. Improved working conditions and recognition: if the sector takes on more technical responsibility, this has to be reflected in the working reality. On the other hand, equal opportunities and diversity across the professional community. And finally, strengthening the link with developers and architects, because if engineering is brought in late, the resulting building outcomes are diminished.

What are ACI's main contributions in this regard?

ACI provides two very concrete things: representation of the professional body before the sector and the administration, and a technical community where knowledge is shared. And a simple idea: behind every efficient building there is an installation engineering firm that makes it possible.