POLICY AND STRATEGY

AGENDA 21 FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES - First Discussion Document

Background

The construction industry and its activities are responsible for a substantial amount of global resource use and waste emissions. It also has an important role to play in socio-economic development and quality of life. The need for an internationally agreed agenda for sustainable construction was therefore identified early on. Such an Agenda would help guide the industry in preparing for and implementing the principles of sustainability and support Agenda 21 and the Habitat Agenda. An Agenda 21 on Sustainable Construction was published in 1999 (CIB Publication 237). As it was realized that conditions in developing countries may require a different approach to that followed in developed countries, a separate Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries was commissioned by the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB).

The main objectives of this project are:

To identify the key issues and challenges facing sustainable construction in the developing world, as
well as the major barriers to practising sustainable construction.
To identify a research agenda that focuses on possible responses to the challenges and needs of the
developing world.
To guide international investment in research and development in the developing countries.
To stimulate debate and encourage the exchange of learning on sustainable construction within the
developing world, thus drawing the developing world into the international debate as an equal partner.

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