Construction Industry and Its Contributions to Achieving the SDGs Proposed by the UN: An Analysis of Sustainable Practices

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the perceptions of professionals in the construction sector operating in Brazil regarding the development of sustainability practices in the sector and their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, a literature review was developed, a survey was conducted among industry professionals, and the collected data were treated using Cronbach’s alpha, hierarchical cluster analysis, and the TOPSIS multicriteria method. As a result, considering the generated ranking, the practices determining the promotion of a more sustainable construction sector were the encouragement and promotion of sustainability-focused events, education on sustainability, water treatment, and community project development. From the perspective of contributions to achieving the UN SDGs, greater alignment of sustainable practices with the established goals was highlighted in SDG 1, which seeks to eradicate poverty; SDG 4, which promotes inclusive education; SDG 6, referring to the importance of water treatment and access for all; SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to clean and affordable energy; SDG 9, which proposes the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure; SDG 11, which advocates for sustainable cities and communities; and SDG 12, which proposes the adoption of more sustainable production and consumption patterns. It is believed that this research represents the first exploratory study to consider sustainable practices in the civil construction sector, which are aligned with the sustainable development objectives proposed by the UN and consider the context of a country with an emerging economy from the perspective of professionals working in the sector.