A strategic framework for sustainable construction in developing countries

TLDR

Large-scale development of built infrastructure in developing countries is urgently needed, but must be socially and ecologically responsible, requiring sustainable interventions now and the development of enablers to overcome challenges to adopting sustainable construction technologies and practices. The study proposes implementing Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in developing countries by creating a research and development agenda with a matrix of immediate, medium‑term, and long‑term technological, institutional, and value enablers, and by developing regional and national action plans to operationalize these suggestions locally. The strategy involves a research and development agenda structured around immediate, medium‑term, and long‑term technological, institutional, and value enablers, supported by a stakeholder plan for action.

Abstract

There is no doubt that large‐scale development in the built environment and its physical infrastructure is needed in the so‐called 'developing countries'. However, these problems need to be addressed in a way that is socially and ecologically responsible. There is great urgency to make sustainable interventions now, while these built environments are being created, rather than try and change things after the fact. However, there are a number of challenges to the introduction of sustainable construction technologies and practices, and certain enablers need to be developed to help these countries adopt a more sustainable path. The Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries suggested a strategy for addressing some of these challenges by developing a Research and Development Agenda, based on a matrix of immediate, medium‐term and long‐term technological, institutional and value enablers. This Agenda is supported by a Stakeholder Plan for Action. The challenge now is to find the means to implement these suggestions at a local level by developing regional and national action plans.