A review of sustainability in civil engineering: why much more commitment is needed

Abstract

This paper reviews the civil engineering profession’s progress towards sustainability over the past dec-ade in eight key areas. It finds there have been significant steps forward in assessment methods, sys-tems thinking, multi-functional infrastructure, flexible and adaptive design, and adoption of a circular economy in construction. However, it also finds the sustainability challenge is accelerating and much more needs to be done to go beyond business as usual. In particular, civil engineers need to be more vocal in calling out projects and practices that go counter to the planet’s and society’s needs.