The Critical Role of the Construction Industry in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Delivering Projects for the Common Good

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, which set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 targets and 231 unique indicators as a significant initiative towards global socioeconomic sustainability.  Governments commonly use construction as the principal means for the policies and regulations for socioeconomic development.  The construction industry has a critical role in achieving most of the SDGs.  The SDGs provide the construction industry with a lens through which global needs and desires can be translated into business solutions and long-term strategies.  This study identifies the top 10 SDGs to help construction companies understand how they can have the most impact and how to contribute to realize a more sustainable built environment.