Introduction
This essay explores how companies, particularly those within the construction and property development sectors, can integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations. As a quantity surveying student, I am particularly interested in the practical application of sustainability principles in cost management, procurement, and project delivery. The SDGs, established by the United Nations in 2015, provide a global framework for addressing pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030. This essay focuses on two specific goals—SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)—and examines how a company can embed these into its strategies. By doing so, it demonstrates the relevance of sustainability to quantity surveying practices, highlighting the role of cost-effective and innovative solutions in achieving broader societal benefits.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation (United Nations, 2015). For a construction company, this goal aligns directly with core activities such as infrastructure development and the adoption of sustainable technologies. From a quantity surveying perspective, integrating SDG 9 involves prioritising cost-effective, environmentally friendly materials during procurement and ensuring that projects contribute to long-term economic growth in the communities they serve.
For instance, a company could adopt modular construction techniques, which reduce waste and improve efficiency on-site. Quantity surveyors play a pivotal role here by conducting lifecycle cost analyses to demonstrate the financial viability of such innovations over traditional methods. Furthermore, by collaborating with suppliers to source sustainable materials—such as recycled steel or low-carbon concrete—the company can reduce its environmental footprint while meeting infrastructure demands. Research by Gibb (2001) highlights that modular construction can decrease construction waste by up to 90%, offering a compelling case for its adoption in achieving SDG 9 targets. However, challenges such as higher upfront costs and limited supplier availability must be addressed through careful budgeting and risk assessment, skills central to quantity surveying practice.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 11 focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, a goal highly relevant to urban development projects (United Nations, 2015). A construction company can contribute by designing and delivering projects that prioritise affordable housing, green spaces, and energy-efficient buildings. As quantity surveyors, professionals can influence project outcomes by integrating sustainability criteria into tender evaluations and cost plans, ensuring that environmental considerations are not sidelined by financial constraints.
A practical example could be a company committing to net-zero carbon buildings in urban developments. This might involve specifying renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, and ensuring compliance with standards like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Quantity surveyors would be tasked with balancing these sustainable choices against budget limitations, perhaps by identifying government incentives or long-term savings on operational costs. According to a report by the UK Green Building Council (2019), net-zero buildings can reduce energy costs by up to 50% over their lifecycle, demonstrating clear financial and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, achieving SDG 11 requires overcoming barriers such as regulatory complexity and stakeholder resistance, underscoring the need for quantity surveyors to act as mediators between project goals and practical implementation.
Conclusion
In summary, integrating SDGs 9 and 11 into a company’s operations offers a pathway to align business practices with global sustainability priorities. For a construction company, SDG 9 encourages innovation through sustainable infrastructure solutions, while SDG 11 promotes the development of resilient urban environments. From a quantity surveying standpoint, the challenge lies in balancing cost with sustainability, using tools like lifecycle costing and tender evaluations to drive informed decisions. The implications of this integration are significant, not only enhancing the company’s reputation but also contributing to societal well-being. Indeed, as the construction industry evolves, quantity surveyors must embrace their role as advocates for sustainability, ensuring that financial considerations support, rather than hinder, the achievement of these critical global goals.
References
- Gibb, A. G. F. (2001) Standardization and pre-assembly: Distinguishing myth from reality using case study research. Construction Management and Economics, 19(3), 307-315.
- UK Green Building Council (2019) Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition. UK Green Building Council.
- United Nations (2015) Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations General Assembly.
