Implementation of the SDGs in the Construction Industry

In September 2015, 193 world leaders came together with a vision to transform our world to the better. They came to an agreement of 17 global goals for sustainable development (SDGs), with the aim to make an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030. In the pursuit of reaching these goals, it is inevitable for business to take action. One essential thought behind these goals is to make them famous, so that we all have a common goal and know what we are fighting for.

The building industry is responsible for 30% of the total global resources, 40% of global energy consumption and up to 30% of the total global greenhouse gases. In addition, the building industry is considered to be the industry that could potentially reduce its energy consumption with the lowest cost. However, the question is how to implement the SDGs in construction.

The SDG compass presents five steps that assist companies in maximizing their contribution to the SDGs: understanding the SDGs, defining priorities, goal setting, integrating sustainability and reporting and communicating.