Integrating sustainability in design and construction for achieving SDGs: a comprehensive framework Open Access

Purposeful whole of project design, which considers factors such as energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials, and inclusive urban planning, plays a direct role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9). By transforming building and infrastructure construction into contributors to environmental resilience and social equity, modern construction strategies can help meet the SDGs, and foster healthier, more liveable communities. However, construction contracts often lack clear clauses to support SDGs, which hampers the full realisation of sustainable practices throughout a project’s life cycle. This disconnect between theoretical goals and practical application represents a significant obstacle to achieving sustainability in the construction industry. Research from various regions around the world advocates for stronger contractual provisions to achieve sustainability goals (Willar et al., 2021; Abdelhamid, 2013; Mahmoud and Beheiry, 2021).

Construction activities contribute substantially to global warming, as highlighted in the 2023 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, which underscores the sector’s significant share in energy use and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. According to the report, in 2021, the building and construction sector was responsible for over 34% of global energy consumption and ≈37% of carbon dioxide emissions from energy and processes (UN Environment Programme & Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, 2023). Operational energy-related carbon dioxide emissions reached 10 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 5% increase from 2020 and a 2% rise from pre-pandemic levels of 2019. The sector’s operational energy demand for heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment grew by roughly 4% from 2020 and 3% from 2019 (UN Environment Programme, 2022). Projections by the UN indicate that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the building and construction sector could be reduced by 350 million tonnes in China, 270 million tonnes in India, and 170 million tonnes across G7 countries between 2016 and 2060 (UN Environment Programme, 2020).

Integrating sustainability requirements into the design and procurement phases is crucial for effectively implementing sustainability measures early in the project, when changes can be easily incorporated. Meaningful outcomes require consideration of appropriate SDGs during material selection and contractor selection in the early stages of a construction project (Opoku et al., 2022). Contractual clauses can promote sustainable procurement by specify designs and materials aligned with SDGs, encouraging life cycle costing in materials selection, and incorporating sustainability and social criteria in contracts award decisions (Mahmoud and Beheiry, 2021; Manoliadis and Vatalis, 2016). Beyond procurement, construction contracts that incorporate consideration for sustainability throughout the entire building life cycle, encompassing design, construction, and maintenance phases, provide additional sustainability benefits over conventional design and construct-to-order projects (Lenferink et al., 2013). This approach fosters collaboration with clients and life cycle optimisation, leading to improved decision making and innovation in sustainable practices (Lingegård et al., 2021). Ultimately, aligning construction practices with the UN's SDGs requires a multi-faceted approach (Barbosa et al., 2023). Combining well-structured sustainability clauses with integrated contracts equip the construction industry with powerful tools to translate sustainability goals into tangible construction outcomes.

A collective understanding of current research on practice is needed to guide practical solutions and further investigation to develop robust, evidence-based industry guidance. This research investigates current practices and trends in integrating sustainability into design and construction to achieve the SDGs. Through systematically mapping and analysing current research, this study focuses on contemporary practices to identify pertinent sustainability themes and assess their alignment with SDGs. Furthermore, the findings will identify the research needed to effectively integrate the full consideration of SDGs into the construction planning cycle and the maintenance and renewal of existing buildings.

A decade after transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs, the global agenda has evolved significantly to emphasise a broader and more inclusive approach to sustainability. While the MDGs, established in 2000, aimed to address poverty, health, education, and environmental issues, they were limited in scope and often overlooked inequality, peace, and environmental sustainability. The SDGs, adopted in 2015, offer a comprehensive framework of 17 goals and 169 targets, addressing a wide spectrum of challenges and emphasising global collaboration (ICLEI, 2015). Despite progress, disparities in achieving these goals remain, particularly in lower socio-economic areas and specific regions (Mishra et al., 2024). The size and scope of the construction industry means it plays a crucial role in both the challenges and solutions to sustainability, underscoring the need for integrated efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030 (Fei et al., 2021).

As highlighted by Opoku et al. (2022), procurement and contracting involve making decisions that affect environmental, social, and economic outcomes, whether or not these factors are explicitly considered at the project’s contract stage. Incorporating SDGs into this practice greatly impacts green innovation and sustainable economic growth (Marcelline et al., 2022). The integration of design, construction, and maintenance through contracts like design-build-maintain can optimise life cycle performance and promote sustainability (Lingegård et al., 2021). However, challenges such as disjointed phases and traditional inflexible procurement practices persist in the construction industry, limiting the ability to integrate novel requirements to meet SDG. Abdelhamid (2013) noted that to overcome these limitations, sustainable contracting must include clear sustainability clauses and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Such measures can bridge the gap between policy and practice, promoting sustainable construction and aligning with SDGs (Ruparathna and Hewage, 2015).

Sustainable construction is a multidimensional approach that balances environmental, social, and economic considerations throughout the life cycle of construction projects. By pragmatically balancing the tensions between environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability, the industry is compelled to move beyond traditional, region-specific practices and seek systemic transformation. Optimising resource utilisation, minimising carbon dioxide emissions, and fostering social well-being have become foundational imperatives for responsible development. As highlighted by Assaad et al. (2021), Surehali et al. (2023), and Samsudin et al. (2022), adopting sustainable methodologies requires systemic changes that encompass design, material selection, and stakeholder collaboration. Comprehensive strategies, including the restructuring of contracts to incentivise sustainable practices, are essential (Vogel et al., 2019). Furthermore, embedding robust sustainability reporting mechanisms and prioritising environmental conservation, energy efficiency, and social responsibility within project delivery models are critical to aligning construction activities with overarching sustainability targets, including the UN SDGs (Kazemi et al., 2023; Ahmed and El-Sayegh, 2024). In summary, this review aims to focus on the essential importance of embedding sustainability practices into all phases of the construction life cycle, from inception and contracting through to completion and review, to support the delivery of broader sustainability objectives. However, such integration has yet to become common practice in the construction industry. While the research review offers crucial insights, a shared understanding of the current research landscape is necessary to guide best practice, set research priorities, and identify trends in international practice.

This research explores the literature on integrating SDG considerations throughout the construction life cycle through bibliometric analysis, thematic analysis, identification of research gaps, and future research directions.

This study methodology uses systematic literature review (SLR) to provide a structured approach to thematic information collection. SLRs provide comprehensive coverage, methodological rigour, and reduced bias, ensuring a reliable and reproducible review process (Kitchenham and Charters, 2007; Tranfield et al., 2003). The research framework incorporates thematic qualitative and quantitative methods, involving two stages: data collection from selected databases and SLR, with bibliometric analysis using various tools and content analysis of the retrieved papers. The overall research workflow is shown in Figure 1, from the initial search query through to the final refinement of encoded information. This approach ensures that the sample research literature obtained accurately reflects current research on SDG integration in the construction industry.

The SLR in this study follows the PRISMA methodology, ensuring a structured and transparent approach to synthesising existing research on sustainable construction contracts (Kitchenham and Charters, 2007). For the literature search, the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection was selected for its extensive coverage, robust indexing, and structured bibliographic data. To ensure a high level of reliable information in the review and maintain an academic focus, grey literature was excluded from the search scope. The SLR workflow is used, which aligns with the 2020 statement adapted from Page et al. (2021).

A targeted search strategy was developed through trial and error, with the final search string using the following topic keywords: Sustainable Construction Contract, SDGs, Sustainable Public Contract, Sustainable Public Procurement, Sustainable Development Goals, Green Building, Construction Phase, Building Process, and Infrastructure. At this stage, all non-English language literature was screened out. Further refinement was performed by searching within the filtered results using the terms construction, contract, sustainability, and construction stage. The search spanned from 2015, when the SDGs were adopted, to 2023. Following the review and abstraction of relevant thematic information from the selected full text, all encoded information was stored and analysed using spreadsheet software.

Initially, the literature search identified 458 articles following a rigorous screening process that involved analysing titles, abstracts, and full texts. Through this systematic process, articles were filtered for relevance to sustainability in construction, particularly in relation to the SDGs, resulting in the retention of 85 key studies that met the review criteria (Figure 2). Selected articles were validated using four criteria that ensure suitability for inclusion in this study. The criteria were adapted to create the following guiding questions: 1) Is the article’s topic relevant to sustainability in contracts within the construction industry? 2) Does the article’s content cover SDGs in construction or infrastructure? 3) Does the article’s content include contracting for the design and construction phases? and 4) Does the article’s content cover sustainable construction procurement? The full list of literature selected following screening is available in Appendix 1. Following the identification of relevant literature, a comprehensive content analysis was conducted on the 85 selected articles, extracting critical information including publication trends, research methodologies, key findings, and alignment with the SDGs.

The extracted data was analysed using the VOSviewer software, enabling the identification of key themes and trends through bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis. The bibliometric analysis provided quantitative insights into publication patterns and research focus, while the thematic analysis offered a qualitative examination of recurring themes related to sustainable construction practices.

An analysis of publication trends over the past decade highlights the evolving focus on sustainable design and construction practices to achieve the SDGs. As illustrated in Figure 3, publications were relatively sparse during the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs (2015–2018). There were just two articles in 2015, increasing slightly over the following four years. A notable shift occurred in 2019, marked by a significant rise with 10 publications (11% of all published), driven by heightened global attention to environmental issues and the impact of the construction industry. This increased publication rate persisted into 2020, with 10 articles (12%). From 2021 to 2023, publication activity increased notably, with 13 articles published in 2021 (15%), 20 articles in 2022 (24%), and 24 articles in 2023 (28%). This sharp rise indicates growing urgency and efforts to advance sustainable construction practices. The analysis demonstrates a clear upward trend in research related to sustainable design and construction, with the most significant increase occurring in 2023.

The bibliometric analysis of the reviewed articles reveals a diverse global research landscape spanning 29 countries and 5 continents (Figure 4). China emerges as the predominant contributor to sustainable construction research, accounting for 20% (17 articles) of the total publications. This significant contribution reflects China’s major infrastructure investments and its growing emphasis on sustainability in the construction sector.

Following China, Sweden contributes 5%, while the UK, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Iran each contribute 4%. The construction industry accounts for between 4% and 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) in these countries, ranging from US$7.51 billion (4% of GDP) in Nigeria (Chukwunonso, 2024) to US$166.8 billion (6% of GDP) in Sweden (Statita, 2025). Indonesia, the USA, and Brazil each contributed 2% of the articles. Notably, 14% of the articles did not specify a country of origin, and 12% involved multi-regional studies, highlighting the growing trend of international collaboration in this field.

Geographically, Asia leads in research output, accounting for 52% of the total publications, followed by Europe with 25%. The Americas, Africa, and Australia contribute 12%, 10%, and 2%, respectively. This distribution illustrates the broad global interest in sustainable construction, with Asia at the forefront of research efforts, followed by Europe and the Americas.

Figure 5 illustrates the distribution of project stages covered across the 85 reviewed articles, with a focus on the procurement and construction stages. The analysis shows that 31% of the articles specifically address the construction stage. However, research on integration of value engineering (VE) and sustainability shows that when investigating options to improve sustainability outcomes considerations are most effective early at the ‘technical design’, ‘development design’, or ‘concept design’ stages (Gunarathne et al., 2022). VE in construction systematically analyses project functions in this case sustainability to identify and eliminate unnecessary costs while maintaining or improving sustainability performance, quality, and safety. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration early in design and throughout the project life cycle, it ensures optimal allocation of resources and maximises overall sustainability value. The ease of making meaningful changes to material and methods for improved construction project sustainability decreases further as project progress (Bragança et al., 2014). Therefore, it is not surprising that procurement-related topics also feature prominently, with 28.2% of the articles focusing on this project stage. This indicates a growing recognition of the pivotal role procurement plays in achieving sustainable construction outcomes.

Given that procurement is the most common theme in literature compared to design, this can be attributed to the formal, well-documented nature of procurement processes, including contracts and legal frameworks. In addition to the ability to shape project outcomes with the least. These elements ensure that sustainability criteria set during the design phase are effectively implemented during construction. In contrast, design considerations, though crucial, are often integrated into broader planning stages and may not be as explicitly documented as procurement and construction contracts. The choice of keywords in the systematic review, such as ‘Sustainable Public Procurement’ and ‘Sustainable Construction Contract’, has influenced the literature's focus on procurement and construction. In addition, 15% of the articles provide general discussions that do not focus on specific project stages, while 7% focus on design-related aspects. Some articles cover multiple stages, including design and procurement (2%), design and construction (6%), and all three stages (5%). This distribution reflects the multi-faceted nature of sustainable construction contracts and the need for integrated approaches that address sustainability throughout the project life cycle.

The data summarised in Table 1 show how research efforts are spread across different project types and stages of construction. These figures highlight the relative focus on various parts within the broader field of sustainable construction research. Project types are categorised as follows: PG for General Projects, PB for Building Projects, PT for Transportation, Road, and Highway Projects, PI for Infrastructure Projects, and PW for Water Facility Projects. Construction stages are similarly classified into CD (Design), CP (Procurement), CC (Construction), and CG (General). Additionally, hybrid stages such as CDP (Design & Procurement), CDC (Design & Construction), CDPC (Design, Procurement, & Construction), and CPC (Procurement & Construction) are identified to capture the complex nature of project development processes.

Reviewing the literature reveals that much of the current research is limited in scope, often focusing on a single project type or construction stage. Few studies consider multiple stages within the construction life cycle, particularly in the early phases of construction. This highlights a potential gap in existing knowledge, suggesting that the connections and interactions between different project types and stages warrant further exploration. The predominant focus of research reviewed is on the general construction practices, which include studies that examine broad processes used across the industry. Conversely, water supply infrastructure projects are the least studied sector, underscoring the challenges in niche areas such as sanitation engineering. These projects are vital because they involve water resource management with broader implications for resource sustainability and public health. The research also emphasises strong links between construction practices and various aspects of sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic factors, as well as governance, policy, technological innovation, and systematic approaches for these types of projects.

Among research focused on specialised projects, building construction is the most frequently studied, primarily aiming to identify more sustainable materials to reduce embedded and operational carbon dioxide emissions, thereby enhancing overall sustainability. Analysing different stages in the construction cycle shows that 81% of studies focus on a single stage of the construction life cycle. Much of this research centres on procurement and construction, reflecting their immediate impact on sustainable practices. Since interventions during early project phases are crucial to sharping sustainability, the design is particularly important for influencing sustainability decisions. About 40% of studies involving the contracting stage explore design either independently or across multiple stages, highlighting its significance throughout the construction cycle.

However, there is a notable gap in verifying and validating sustainability claims made during construction. Most research addresses stages where interventions are visible and immediately measurable such as procurement and construction. In these stages there are physical outcomes for these steps which can be readily visible to stakeholders. Conversely, there is limited focus on administrative phases, such as deign, or on post-construction validation processes, where the improvements are not readily visible to stakeholders. This gap might be due to the limited scope of research explicitly targeting verification and validation efforts, or due to search methodologies. When it comes to validation, although some countries have certification schemes for sustainable construction, these usually target operational performance rather than the construction process itself or specific outcomes. As a result, post-construction validation and verification of sustainability claims are rarely studied, with only about 2% of research examining procurement and construction together or evaluating outcomes beyond project completion.

Therefore, opportunities for learning across sectors and applying best practices in diverse construction settings may be underestimated. The breakdown provided lays a foundation for understanding how research efforts are allocated and where future studies could broaden their focus to promote a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable construction practices.

Keyword analysis, shown in Figure 6 using VOSviewer, provides insight intothe research landscape related to sustainable construction and SDGs. The centrality of ‘sustainability’ in the keyword network underscores its pivotal role in literature, reflecting the focus on sustainable construction practices. The figure shows that complementary keywords, such as ‘management’, ‘governance’, ‘procurement’, and ‘construction’, are closely associated, indicating a strong focus on integrating sustainable practices in the early project stages. The prominence of terms like ‘public procurement’ and ‘performance’ emphasises the role of incorporating SDGs in procurement management early in the construction project to achieve sustainability goals. ‘Design’ is also highlighted as a crucial phase for implementing sustainable practices. The identification of ‘barriers’ highlights challenges in implementing sustainability, underscoring the need for effective strategies to address these issues in sustainable construction.

Examining the connections further, red coloured nodes represent many of the governance-related keywords linked to the ‘sustainability’ node through the ‘governance’ node. This relationship concerns the administrative underpinnings of SDG in construction projects. These governance and administrative nodes provide the foundation for integrating the SDGs into contractual matters related to construction projects. The green nodes show the linkage between sustainable development, SDGs and the construction industry, with strong linkages with ‘sustainability’ via the ‘SDGs’ and infrastructure nodes.

Overall, the literature keyword analysis indicates that future research should focus on industry-level solutions that provide the underpinnings of contractual arrangements, refine construction management practices, and leverage innovation to align construction with the SDGs. Such an approach is foundational to ensure sustainability and functionality are integrated throughout the construction life cycle from inception through to delivery.

Sustainability in construction is traditionally framed around three pillars: environmental, social, and economic (Barbosa et al., 2023). However, this simplistic view often overlooks the complexities inherent in achieving sustainability within the industry (Mahmoud and Beheiry, 2021). This review found that while the three traditional pillars of sustainability (being environmental, social, and economic) provide a foundational overview, they are limited when capturing and describing the full scope of sustainability challenges specific to the construction sector. The inclusion of governance and policy accounts for the role of regulatory frameworks in facilitating sustainable practices at an industry level as well as providing assurance of claims made by construction companies. Technological innovation emphasises the role and impact of new and emerging technologies on improving efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Integrated and systematic approaches provide support for holistic strategies that consider the interconnections among various sustainability dimensions (Johnsson et al., 2020; Liang and Chong, 2019; Adshead et al., 2019). These additional pillars were identified through the literature review process and the identification of common themes. To efficiently manage sustainability in modern construction projects, there is a necessity for a more nuanced framework that includes and balances these additional dimensions for a comprehensive understanding of sustainability in construction.

By integrating these proposed six proposed dimensions for describing sustainability, the study proposes a holistic and actionable framework (Figure 7) that better captures the multi-faceted nature of sustainability in the contemporary construction industry. This expanded approach not only aligns with the SDGs but also provides a robust framework for advancing sustainable construction practices. It highlights the importance of integrating governance, technological innovation, and systemic strategies to effectively address complex sustainability challenges and contribute to a sustainable future for the construction industry (Cruz et al., 2023).

• Environmental Sustainability

This research sees environmental sustainability in construction as being underpinned by four key attributes. Resource and energy efficiency, including green procurement strategies and innovative materials, to reduce the environmental footprint. The development of novel materials will play an increasingly important role in reducing environmental impacts from construction materials, as highlighted by studies on asphalt binders and geotechnical practices (Marcelline et al., 2022; Mansell et al., 2020a).

Climate change adaptation, which integrates GHG reduction strategies and sustainable practices, aligns with global climate goals and is essential in infrastructure planning (Sanchez et al., 2015; Li, 2023). Green infrastructure, supported by green building certifications and technological innovations, ensures resilient development to a given standard, as seen in Brazil and Saudi Arabia (Barbosa et al., 2023; Al-Surf et al., 2021). Finally, effective waste management and air quality improvement strategies, such as recycling and waste-to-energy projects, are crucial for mitigating urban environmental impacts and improving overall environmental health (Sharaf, 2023; Diep et al., 2021). These areas collectively advance environmental sustainability in the construction industry and align with multiple SDGs.

• Social Sustainability

Social sustainability in construction is grounded in being one of the three key established dimensions. Community well-being, a critical element, is enhanced by construction projects that improve local infrastructure, ensure worker safety, and foster social cohesion, as seen in various initiatives, such as agricultural irrigation in China and civil construction projects in Brazil (Du et al., 2019; Barbosa et al., 2023). Education and training empower stakeholders through tailored programmes that equip them with the necessary skills for sustainable practices, exemplified by the ‘Danish Model’ for sustainable building renovation and training for public-private partnership (PPP) stakeholders (Berg et al., 2023; Umar et al., 2019). Social sustainability in procurement integrates social considerations into purchasing decisions, emphasising the importance of CSR indicators, fair labour practices, and innovative tools like decision support systems (DSS) for contractor selection (Montalbán-Domingo et al., 2022; Jelodar et al., 2022). These components collectively contribute to achieving social sustainability goals within the construction industry, ensuring that projects have a positive impact on communities and align with broader sustainability objectives.

• Economic Sustainability

Economic sustainability in construction hinges on a balance between achieving required functionality and appropriate SDG goals. With sustainability and public benefit projects in focus, the review shows that effective cost management to support economic growth (SDG 8) can be achieved in different ways. For example, projects supported by robust contract governance such as those in PPP projects, have been shown to minimise disputes, cost overruns, and adapt to unforeseen challenges, contributing to project sustainability (Tian et al., 2024). Another aspect of economic sustainability is measuring inputs and their corresponding outcomes. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost, quality, and time are vital for driving economic sustainability, while better planning and comprehensive supervision help mitigate cost overruns (Lam, 2022; Shoar et al., 2023). The optimisation of project delivery methods, particularly through integrated project approaches like design and build and integrated project delivery, enhances project efficiency and sustainability outcomes by improving coordination and stakeholder collaboration from the outset (Ahmed and El-Sayegh, 2024; Sari et al., 2023a). Innovation in procurement, including the use of fuzzy analysis for optimal green supplier selection and collaborative governance structures, further supports economic sustainability by optimising risk management and promoting sustainable practices (Liang and Chong, 2019; Cheng et al., 2021). These strategies collectively strengthen economic sustainability, ensuring that construction projects are both cost-effective and aligned with broader sustainability goals.

• Governance and Policy

Effective governance, sustainable procurement, and transparent reporting are essential pillars of regulatory and policy frameworks that support and govern sustainable construction. Governance mechanisms, including contract, relational, and risk governance, are vital for ensuring that construction projects, especially those delivered through PPP projects, achieve sustainability goals, as they provide a structured approach to managing legal, financial, and professional liabilities (Song and Hao, 2023; Mohammadi and Birgonul, 2016). Policies specific to regions or project sizes also influence the social sustainability of public construction projects. However, to ensure consistent practice, at the industry level, there is a need to translate current research into practical guidance that supports SDG 17 partnerships.

Sustainable procurement and contracting practices are essential to embedding environmental responsibilities into construction projects. However, given the complexity of variables in play, decision making can be challenging. Supporting tools such as DSS and specific contract models that include green criteria are shown to significantly enhance the sustainability of procurement processes and meeting overall project outcomes (Assaad et al., 2021; Jelodar et al., 2022). Ultimately, tools like the Contract Administration Performance Model and Construction Contract Administration Performance Index are essential for objectively capturing the social and environmental impacts of construction projects (Gunduz and Elsherbeny, 2020; Kazemi et al., 2023). These elements collectively strengthen the role of regulations and policies in driving sustainable construction practices and ensuring accountability for claims made. Overall incorporation of the ‘governance and policy’ dimension has an enabling role for supporting SDGs. This support is strongly aligned with SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions through action to support consistent policy and practice. Also encompasses supporting SG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities through land-use policy and appropriate guidance to influence sustainability practices.

• Technological Innovation

Consistent with SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, advancing sustainability in the construction industry relies heavily on adopting innovations in materials, methods, and technologies, as well as on ongoing research. In the case of complex decision making, the use of fuzzy analysis enhances the selection of green suppliers by systematically evaluating complex criteria, while computational fluid dynamics simulations contribute to optimising wind energy in urban environments, advancing sustainable energy solutions (Liang and Chong, 2019; Lee et al., 2023). Building information modelling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are increasingly integrated into public tenders, improving stakeholder communication, project performance, and risk management (Pérez-García et al., 2021; Oke et al., 2023).

When focusing on SG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, procurement for large and complex projects can be particularly challenging, especially when multiple objectives are involved. The need for novel cross-industry objective assessment methods has seen the development of tools such as the Sustainable Infrastructure Construction Contract Index (SICCI). The SICCI explicitly assesses a range of attributes that contribute to sustainability in construction contracts, providing valuable resource for stakeholders and promoting sustainable practices (Mahmoud and Beheiry, 2021). The significant financial resources needed for a construction project provide an opportunity to influence project sustainability. This has led to research on green financing and climate change mitigation that informs policy and investment strategies in countries such as China and Saudi Arabia (Al-Surf et al., 2021).

• Integrated and Systematic Approaches

Integrating sustainability into the broader objectives of a construction project provides a basis for measuring the whole project’s performance. Given the growing complexity of projects and the interrelated nature of the SDGs and functional elements, measuring their ongoing performance can be complicated. Often, large public service projects are the focus of sustainability initiatives; yet, they are frequently encumbered with complex contractual and governance arrangements. However, complicated governance mechanisms in PPP projects can play a synergistic role in enhancing performance by promoting collaboration and shared accountability (Song and Hao, 2023). Integrated projects also benefit from partnering maturity and cooperation, which improve outcomes by enabling shared risk and reward mechanisms to effectively meet project objectives and deliverables (Sari et al., 2023b).

Furthermore, including ethical considerations in contractual arrangements can also be employed to influence Sustainable Development Management in construction projects (Ma and Fu, 2022). To this end, a decision making tool, the fuzzy QUALIFLEX approach for megaprojects, offers a holistic methodology by integrating diverse evaluation criteria to support decisions such as green supplier selection (Liang and Chong, 2019). Early involvement of key participants and joint project control are crucial for achieving sustainability, as seen in major complex projects (Rodrigues and Lindhard, 2023). Frameworks such as the EASIER evaluation model facilitate informed decision making and policy formulation by offering a holistic view of PPPs’ impact on the SDGs (Berrone et al., 2019). Setting SDG-related targets in transportation infrastructure requires a systematic approach to balance investment and policy interventions, emphasising strategic planning and coordination to meet project objectives in partnership with sustainability goals (Anderson-Sköld et al., 2022).

Sustainable construction integrates environmental, economic, and social factors to align with the United Nations (UN) SDGs (Barbosa et al., 2023). Industry-wide awareness is crucial to enhancing sustainability education throughout the construction project life cycle (Abdulmaksoud and Beheiry, 2023; Sarpin et al., 2021; Vogel et al., 2019). Omer and Noguchi (2020) stress that aligning construction practices with SDG principles supports the broader goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, extending beyond mere improvements in building performance.

A detailed analysis of 85 articles, including their alignment with various SDGs, revealed variation in the SDGs targeted and addressed by researchers. Most articles supported multiple SDGs due to their comprehensive focus on sustainability. Referring to Table 2, the analysis highlights a strong focus on SDGs 9, 11, and 12, with 65%, 65%, and 53% of the articles, respectively, addressing these goals. The focus on SDG 9 emphasises the construction industry’s role in developing resilient infrastructure and fostering industrial innovation. Research on SDG 11 focuses on sustainable urban planning and green building practices to create liveable urban spaces. SDG 12 highlights the importance of resource efficiency and waste reduction in construction. The SDGs 13, 17, 8, and 7 are also represented to an extent in the literature. This distribution highlights the diverse focus of sustainable construction research and its significant contribution to advancing infrastructure, urban sustainability, and resource management. Continued research and innovation are crucial to supporting the international shift toward more sustainable built environments.

The 85 selected articles were systematically analysed, with a focus on their discussion and conclusion sections, to pinpoint research gaps and suggestions for future study. These were then synthesised into a coherent framework, categorising the gaps into thematic areas to provide a structured roadmap for future research in sustainable construction. This framework highlights prevalent research gaps in the literature and offers a clear overview of the current state of research. The study notes a significant rise in publications on sustainable construction for SDGs during 2019–2023, indicating increased interest and ongoing identification of research gaps regarding sustainability in the construction industry. The four key research themes needing further exploration are as follows. The review identified four key research aspects needing further exploration, reflecting the growing complexity and evolving nature of sustainability integration in construction. The four key research themes needing further exploration are as follows:

1. Integration of Sustainable Criteria in the Design and Construction Process includes the need for strategic integration of sustainability criteria to achieve SDGs in construction projects. Future research is needed to develop guidelines and frameworks to guide construction projects in incorporating sustainable criteria, conduct longitudinal studies to track their effectiveness, promote stakeholder collaboration, and identify best practices for achieving the SDGs.

2. Improving Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction points to a limited systematic approach on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, through renewable energy, and improved resource efficiency during construction. Future research is needed to characterise innovative technologies and methods to reduce energy consumption and waste and promote the use of environmentally friendly materials. Such work can be achieved with case studies examining the implementation of these technologies, and analyse the impact of waste reduction and energy efficiency on achieving SDGs.

3. Collaboration among Stakeholders to Enhance Engagement and Awareness of Sustainability underscores the insufficient collaboration and limited recognition of the significance of sustainability within design and construction practices. Future research directions should focus on developing educational programs to increase awareness and capacity to implement the SDGs by encouraging stakeholder dialogue, evaluating the impact of sustainable awareness on project performance, and identifying barriers to implementing sustainable practices.

4. Application of Technology and Innovative Methods to Enhance Sustainability notes limited research on efficiently applying technology and innovative methods to achieve sustainability goals. The construction process involves and generates large amounts of data that can provide information on performance in meeting goals. There is also a need to understand how established technologies like BIM and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to process data and optimise construction processes to enhance sustainability. Future studies are needed to explore how these technologies can be used, apply modular and prefabricated approaches to reduce waste, develop models to assess their impact on the SDGs, and encourage collaboration to advance sustainable technologies within the construction sector.

Figure 8 provides a clear overview of the state of research and areas for further investigation. This comprehensive approach ensures that future research efforts are well-grounded in existing literature and effectively address the identified gaps, thereby addressing current and future challenges in sustainable construction.

Research on sustainable construction has grown significantly since the introduction of the UN SDGs. A turning point appears to have occurred in 2018, with the number of publications increasing to 24 articles by 2023. This rise reflects the rising global emphasis on environmental issues and the construction industry’s impact. The dominance of journals such as Sustainability and the inclusion of diverse journals like Environmental Impact Assessment Review highlight the interdisciplinary nature of this, a particular challenge in the construction industry. Core research themes include project management practices, cleaner production techniques, and renewable energy integration, all of which align closely with SDG 11. The geographic distribution of publications demonstrates strong engagement across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, underscoring the global importance of sustainable construction and the need for international cross-border collaboration. Research focuses on the construction stage (31%) and procurement processes (28%), emphasising the integration of sustainability during project execution in the more visible aspects of the construction cycle. However, at these points in the construction cycle, key decisions have already been made, limiting the opportunity to influence SDG outcomes. Influencing such areas requires a mix of policy and coordinated industry good practice guidance to drive SDG incorporation at high value points in the construction life cycle.

Thematic analysis identified six key sustainability dimensions and research areas to optimise resource and energy efficiency, including the use of green contracting and procurement strategies to achieve the SDGs intent. This shifts the emphasis to sustainable design and construction, focusing on environmental, social, and economic sustainability; governance and policy; technological innovation; and integrated systematic approaches.

Among the many potentially applicable goals, the research demonstrates a strong alignment with SDGs, particularly SDG 9, 11, and 12. However, less emphasis is placed on SDGs 13 and 17. Given the broad applicability of the SDGs to the construction industry and its national scale, continued research is needed to develop structured, evidence-based guidelines for incorporating sustainability into construction projects, with a focus on energy savings and waste reduction, and leveraging technological advancements such as BIM and AI. Furthermore, collaborative efforts to develop guidance and to engage stakeholders are crucial for fostering sustainable practices and enhancing the construction industry’s overall contribution to the SDGs. The development of a set of industry practice guidelines will help align practice and support international collaboration for learning and sharing knowledge in partnership to achieve sustainable outcomes, in line with SDG 17.

The integration of sustainability into the design and construction stages of projects is vital to progressing towards meeting the UN SDGs. Analysing 85 articles from the WoS database, covering 2015 to 2023, highlights several key findings and implications. The review finds that sustainability must be integrated early into the design and construction stages rather than being treated as an afterthought if the construction sector is to fully contribute to the SDGs. The review reveals strong activity in areas supporting SDGs 9, 11, and 12, but also identifies ongoing gaps in early-phase integration and life cycle verification.

The distribution of bibliometric and construction-stage results shows that while procurement and construction are well represented in the literature, design remains comparatively under-addressed. However, design decisions determine material choices, energy performance, and construction methods that drive lifetime SDG outcomes. Furthermore, thematic analysis identified six mutually reinforcing dimensions being environmental, social, economic, governance & policy, technological innovation, and integrated/systemic approaches, demonstrating that embedding sustainability at design/construction simultaneously activates multiple SDGs rather than single, isolated targets. The methodological studies in the sample illustrate that where contracts and procurement mechanisms explicitly include sustainability criteria (e.g. life cycle criteria, social procurement, verification clauses), projects show measurable alignment with SDG-related outcomes. In combination, these findings explain the mechanism by which embedding sustainability in design and construction produces SDG-relevant impacts. This review extends beyond trend summaries and provides a framework that explains why and how the design and construction phases are decisive levers for achieving the SDGs. The framework synthesises the literature into actionable domains (governance, procurement, technology, measurement) and shows that without purposeful, enforceable measures introduced in early project stages, later interventions produce limited incremental benefit. Therefore, design, procurement, and construction are critical leverage points; interventions at these stages yield substantial gains for SDG delivery because they shape embodied impacts, operational performance, and the contractual mandates that govern implementation.

For policymakers and practitioners alike, this review supports three priority actions: (1) Embed explicit SDG-aligned sustainability clauses and life cycle KPIs into design and procurement documents so that objectives are contractual, measurable and verifiable; (2) Develop industry-level guidance and standard templates (procurement language, evaluation metrics, verification protocols) so that clients and procurers can operationalise the framework identified here; and (3) Adopt enabling technologies and governance mechanisms (BIM-enabled data flows, decision support tools, and independent verification bodies) to automate compliance, monitor outcomes, to validate claims. These recommendations follow directly from the clustered evidence and examples identified across the 85 studies.

The review also identifies a research and implementation agenda to address key knowledge gaps being; longitudinal evaluation of projects that adopt embedded design/contract measures; pilot studies testing standardised contractual clauses across jurisdictions; development and validation of verification methodologies that link construction activities to SDG indicators; and research into how digital tools can be integrated into procurement workflows to make SDG consideration and compliance routine. Addressing these priority research areas will move the construction sector from a pattern of isolated good practice to the systematic embedding of sustainability in the design and construction phases. Such an approach is necessary for the construction industry to fulfil its role in meeting the 2030 SDG agenda.

While this study provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable construction research landscape, it is limited by its reliance on a single bibliographic database, which may narrow the scope of included articles. Expanding the research to include additional databases could offer a broader perspective on the field. In addition, incorporating qualitative methods, such as interviews with researchers and industry practitioners, could provide deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities in sustainable construction. Addressing these limitations will enhance understanding and contribute more effectively to achieving the SDGs.