Delivering on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is becoming imperative for both the South African and global building industries.

Many of the 17 goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by UN member states in 2015, are highly relevant to the sector if it hopes to contribute to the process of bringing peace and prosperity for all people and the planet.

The goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, for example, requires the building industry to become more innovative in its thinking. In turn, coming up with inventive solutions to benefit all the world’s people is reliant on inclusive and equitable quality education, another of the SDGs contained in the 2030 Agenda.

The UN itself has placed the spotlight on the construction industry, of which the building industry is a large part, for contributing to high carbon output. According to a recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme, building operations and constructions contributed 37% of global carbon emissions in 2022.

Accordingly, in terms of the UN goals related to clean water and sanitation and affordable clean energy, it has become essential that the building industry promotes the use of sustainable construction materials and designs that are energy-efficient.

For the Building Industry Bargaining Council (Cape of Good Hope) (BIBC), SDG 8 which highlights the need to– “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” – is crucial.

Danie Hattingh, council spokesperson (business), BIBC, says, “Our mandate holds SDG 8 as the foundation, especially as it combines decent wages with economic growth.”

“The prevailing narrative from ‘free market’ proponents is that the two are opposing goals; in other words, where there are decent wages there can be no economic growth as higher wages impede on competition. But this is completely at odds with what has been set out in the Agenda.”

The BIBC points out that the building industry presents opportunities for voluminous intake of unskilled labour and therefore opportunities to directly address joblessness. By extension, responsible employers have endless chances to create upward mobility and entry-level jobs.

Hattingh says South Africa has the highest level of inequality in the world, with a Gini coefficient of around 0.67.

“This income differential can be directly attributed to corruption in the industry and a lack of compliance with health and safety as well as minimum wage regulations. Too many actors in the building industry are cutting costs by underpaying labour in the pursuit of higher profits.

“The construction sector, of which the building industry is a large part, is a key driver of economic growth, providing jobs and stimulating related industries like manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. SDG 8 encourages job creation, fair wages, and safe working conditions – areas where the building industry can lead by example.”

He adds that responsible employers need to develop partnerships that work to exclude people who thrive on the exploitation of the poor through poverty wages, adding that by normalising decent work, it is possible to “reset” the industry to attract talent and create a value chain that benefits all its actors, not just the few.

To this end, Luyanda Mgqamqo, council spokesperson (labour), BIBC, believes collective bargaining plays a pivotal role in achieving the UN’s SDGs by promoting fair wages, decent working conditions, and inclusive dialogue between workers and employers.

He says it is a key mechanism for addressing inequality and exclusion, ensuring economic security, and facilitating just transitions which are essential for sustainable development.

“The principles of collective bargaining, such as voluntary negotiation, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common interests, align with the SDGs’ focus on reducing inequality, promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive societies. Through collective agreements, workers and employers can contribute to the broader agenda of sustainable and equitable growth.”

Like Hattingh, Mgqamqo contends that the building industry can significantly support SDGs. By aligning with these goals, the industry not only contributes to a healthier planet but also ensures social and economic benefits for all.

He is in no doubt that the South African building industry faces significant challenges, including load-shedding uncertainties, rising material costs and supply chain disruptions. However, by aligning with the SDGs, the industry can contribute to goals such as clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy and sustainable cities and communities, among others.

“Addressing these challenges while aligning with the SDGs can promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the building industry.”

Hattingh is of the view that the achievement of the SDGs in the building industry is a shared responsibility involving providers of work, government bodies, suppliers, contractors, designers, financial institutions, community organisations and educational institutions. By working together, these stakeholders can transform the building industry into a sustainable, resilient, and socially responsible sector that creates long-term benefits for the environment, economy and society as a whole.