Discover how the construction industry can align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to promote a greener future.
In 2015, world leaders from 193 United Nations member states adopted 17 sustainable development goals and pledged to accomplish them by 2030. The main objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs) are to “end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all”.
SDGs are ambitious, but they also recognise that current global challenges such as climate change and inequality cannot be tackled in isolation. The goals aim to address root causes, structures and connections between these issues in order to develop lasting solutions through education, health and income. SDGs are a blueprint for a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
List of United Nations’ sustainable goals:
GOAL 1: No Poverty
GOAL 2: Zero Hunger
GOAL 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
GOAL 4: Quality education
GOAL 5: Gender equality
GOAL 6: Clean water and sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and clean energy
GOAL 8: Decent work and economic growth
GOAL 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
GOAL 10: Reduced inequality
GOAL 11: Sustainable cities and communities
GOAL 12: Responsible consumption and production
GOAL 13: Climate action
GOAL 14: Life below water
GOAL 15: Life on land
GOAL 16: Peace and justice, strong institutions
GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the goal
Implementation of SDGS in the construction
According to the latest global report, the construction industry is responsible for the consumption of 30 per cent of natural resources and 38 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. It comes as no surprise that the sector has been in the spotlight in global conversations about sustainable development. So how can construction play a part in the SDG 2030 agenda? What goals apply and how can companies prioritise and implement them successfully?
Let’s explore five key SDG targets that are connected to construction (directly or indirectly) and how the industry can play a part.
Goal 1: No Poverty
Job creation is essential for poverty eradication. For decades, construction has contributed to the job market more than other industries. While employment rates have risen steadily over the years, more opportunities are needed to cater to the growing global population. Sustainable construction practices have the potential to unlock massive job creation and foster an enabling environment for other sustainable enterprises to thrive. The ILO predicts that more than 24 million green jobs will be created in 2030, which will be more than enough to offset losses in traditional industry.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The current construction energy model is unsustainable. In 2018, buildings and construction industry accounted for a whopping 36 per cent of final global energy consumption from fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), and 39 per cent of CO2 emissions. Goal 7 encourages the use of renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydroelectric energy to reduce emissions
and support sustainable building design.
On the bright side, the cost of renewables has gone down and investment has quadrupled, paving the way for a net- zero future for the industry.
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Goal 9 seeks to promote sustainable industrialisation, innovation and infrastructure. Most innovations in construction emerged during the industrial revolution, yet the sector has been slow in adopting new technologies. Its processes remain widely inefficient and detrimental to the planet.
Sustainable innovation in construction is not only crucial for environmental protection, it can also be a source of competitive advantage and value delivery. New game-changing technologies in AI, 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, internet of things and robotics are at the forefront of this shift and have the power to transform every part of the building business, from design to site management.
To take advantage of these promising technologies, the industry requires a change in mindset and more investment in research and development.
Goal 13: Climate action
This goal prompts members to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”. In the last decade, many sectors have come to grips with the impact of climate change and the construction industry is no exception. Extreme weather has led to work safety concerns, project delays and higher insurance costs, which have put a dent in profit margins. By implementing clean extraction, production and building practices, the sector can play an active role in the fight against climate change.
Goal 15: Life on land
terrestrial ecosystems and calls for a halt to deforestation, desertification, land degradation and biodiversity loss. This requires a unified approach from all sectors of the global economy, including construction. Every facet of the industry impacts land and natural habitats for plant species and wildlife, so stakeholders have a responsibility to minimise ecological damage. Avoiding sensitive sites, creating buffering areas, and integrating new habitats in construction through techniques such as green roofing
can assist in recovery of ecosystems.
Through SDGs, the construction industry has the opportunity to repair its poor reputation of being one of the most environmentally damaging industries. By implementing sustainable design, procurement, construction methods and management practices, the sector can show corporate responsibility, empower communities, and protect the environment for the sake of the planet.