UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Why do we need the UN SDGs?

Currently, most of the energy people use to live and work comes from burning fossil fuels (80%), which take the form of coal, oil and gas.

Burning these fuels has led to a rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which has caused our planet’s temperature to rise. This is known as global warming.

In turn, this has contributed to a change in our climate, and we’re seeing more frequent and severe weather events. This affects not only humans, but all species and ecosystems on the planet.

As well as the threat of climate change, there are millions of people living in poverty, going hungry, and without access to clean water or education.

We need to make sure we can meet society’s current needs while protecting resources for future generations. At its core, that’s what sustainable development is all about.

So, how can the SDGs help us achieve sustainable development?

SDG7, for example, calls for affordable and clean energy.

By investing in renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower – electricity generated from flowing water – we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lessen the effects of climate change.

Projects such as the International Solar Alliance, established by India and France, are helping to support the use of solar energy and meet SDG7.

The SDGs and the ICE

The construction industry emits a whopping 37% of greenhouse gases. This means those working in the sector have a big opportunity to make a difference.

Civil and infrastructure engineers can help address society's most significant challenges and help deliver the SDGs.

As such, the goals are vital to shaping the ICE’s work and priorities.

In 2018, the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) and the ICE held the first Global Engineering Congress at the ICE headquarters, One Great George Street.

Over 20 organisations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the European Council of Civil Engineers, got together to agree on a path forward to help the engineering community turn words into actions and deliver the goals.

Since then, the ICE’s work has aligned much more closely with the SDGs.

In 2019, the ICE launched a Sustainability Route Map outlining a three-year plan to enhance engagement with the SDGs.

Throughout 2022-23, the ICE President for that term, Keith Howells, encouraged members to 'step up' and help to achieve the SDGs.

In 2024, in its State of the Nation report, the ICE presented clear recommendations to help industry professionals deliver the goals. Some of the critical areas of focus are:

• Carbon management: the report states that carbon management should be a "mainstream practice" for ICE members. It encourages the uptake of PAS 2080: carbon management in buildings and infrastructure as the global standard for whole-life carbon reduction.
• Low-carbon energy sector: for those working in the low-carbon energy space, promote the reuse and recycling of materials such as wind turbines and solar panels.
• Water management: prioritising nature-based solutions and managing existing infrastructure in a nature-positive way is a crucial recommendation for civil and infrastructure engineers in the water sector.

As well as the above initiatives, the ICE regularly writes profiles about infrastructure projects that integrate the SDGs, from 3D-printed steel footbridges to sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).