In most national economies, the construction industry is considered to be one of the leading sectors, with a significant ability to recruit labour, and it can realise investments of decisive value at the level of the national economy, which have a significant economic return. In addition, the infrastructural elements created by the construction industry provide a defining part of the service facilities and housing necessary for the functioning of society. However, it has a significant impact on the environmentand resource consumption. That is why today, in order to offset the adverse effects of the construction industry, there has been a shift towards a more intensive integration of sustainability principles.

 

Regarding the relationship between the construction industry and environmental sustainability, many authors emphasise the negative effects of the sector on the environment. According to the UN Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction2 published in October 2024, buildings and the construction industry contribute significantly to global climate change: the construction industry is responsible for approximately 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 34% of global energy demand, 40% of raw material consumption,3 and approximately 35% of global waste,4 and the sector’s water footprint is also significant,5 as 12% of global freshwater use can be attributed to the construction industry.6 In addition, construction projects often have an adverse effect on biodiversity, primarily due to the loss and fragmentation of habitats and the reduction of populations.7 The proposal is extremely important, as buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of energy-related direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. In the EU, heating, cooling and domestic hot water account for 80% of the energy consumed by households.8 Governments are trying to offset these negative effects with a number of sustainable measures, such as supporting the development of new types of construction materials, encouraging the use of low-carbon materials, reducing construction materials, implementing reuse and recovery strategies, and improving the efficiency of planning and construction by exploiting carbon sequestration techniques and extending the life of buildings.

 

Finally, the role of the construction industry in the social sustainability dimension cannot be neglected either. Due to global population growth and a high degree of urbanisation, there is continuous pressure on the sector. The nature, quality, and sustainability of the structures are decisive in terms of adequate housing, the operation of businesses, and the quality of public services, so construction can be an important supporter of social well-being. Construction projects implemented with the involvement of stakeholders not only lead to the development of the direct environment, but also the indirect environment. Using the services and labour of local communities also supports better acceptance of the given investment and the social integration of the facility.12 The sector also plays an important role in supporting the improvement of social justice and equity.13 In addition, the buildings, as parts of the local infrastructure, reflect the historical, social and cultural characteristics, so their social representativeness is also important.