The the responsibility of constructing buildings sits with the Overseer of Progression, who may authorise a new construction project at the start of each Term. In order to construct a new building, two things are required:
If the Overseer commits to a new construction project and both of these requisites are met, the new building is added to the Colony at the end of the Term.
As of the following Term, that building can then be Powered and Operated.
Note: only 2 buildings can be constructed in a single Term.