ABSTRACT
The concept of sustainability has gained popular momentum over the last 20 years. The goals of sustainability are to enable all people to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life, while ensuring that the natural systems, resources and diversity upon which they depend are maintained and enhanced, for both their benefi t and that of future generations. The construction industry is beginning to adopt the concept of sustainability in all construction activities and has signifi cant opportunity to mitigate environmental problems associated with construction activities while contributing to a high quality of life for its clients. This chapter explains the drivers of sustainability in the built environment by describing how construction activities affect the natural environment, the economy and society.
