Case studies from tier one contractors and SMEs highlight best practices on how construction organisations can align with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The 10 examples from companies such as Arup, Wates and Mabey Hire, are included in a new report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to help built environment professionals integrate SDGs into their own sustainability strategies.
In the case of Tilbury Douglas, the contractor contributed to four SDGs – sustainable cities and communities, climate action, life on land, and quality education – during the delivery of the St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy project, part of the St Ralph Sherwin Multi Academies Trust awarded through the Department for Education framework.
The school, which was rebuilt following an arson attack, was used as a pathfinder scheme to investigate elements of net-zero carbon in operation and biophilic design on future school projects.
‘A useful tool and framework’
The 33-page CIOB report was published to mark the end of Professor Mike Kagioglou MCIOB’s year as the institute’s president. It’s the result of roundtables with senior leaders from across construction, infrastructure, consultancy and academia.
Kagioglou chose the SDGs as the theme of his presidency and how industry can use them as a framework to become more innovative and sustainable.
Kagioglou said: “As this report and many others have demonstrated, it is simply not enough to continue at our current pace. The UN SDGs offer a useful tool and framework for addressing our approach in a holistic way.
“Perfectly aligned to CIOB’s strategy around modern professionalism, quality, skills, and sustainability, it presents an opportunity for all of us to engage with renewed energy and deliver greater benefits for us all.
“There are many companies which are already excelling, and this report gives inspiration for other firms across the sector to ensure a brighter future for everyone.”
‘Time is running out’
Amanda Williams, CIOB’s head of environmental sustainability and co-author of the report, added: “By working with this group of senior construction leaders, we have been able to gather some valuable insights and case studies demonstrating how built environment companies are engaging with the SDGs, as well as a good appreciation of the opportunities and challenges.
“The report is valuable in its own right, but it will also inform the work we take forward to support our members in using the SDGs as a framework for being more innovative and sustainable. Time is running out to deliver on these goals, so we must accelerate action now.”
The SDGs, also known as the global goals, are a set of 17 interconnected objectives adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The CIOB report can be downloaded here.
