In the world, the built environment normally constitutes more than half of total national capital investment and construction represents as much as 10% of GNP. With its estimated 111 million employees, it is believed to be the world’s largest industrial employer, accounting for approximately 28% of all industrial employment. In many developed countries, construction accounts for up to half of all the raw materials taken out of the earth’s crust by weight as well as producing a considerable waste stream, although fortunately a significant and growing proportion of this is recycled. Does construction activities contribute positively to sustainable development? In addition to providing significant opportunities for employment world wide, one of its fundamental roles is to maintain and improve the quality of the built environment which in turn significantly influences the quality of life of citizens. This industry perceives its role as being responsible for continuously improving mankind’s physical living conditions.
weblink: Construction Sector Report to UNEP • from: UNEP _ United nation Environment Program • in detail XlnkS472 XlnkC180C