There has been a strong emphasis on addressing negative environmental impacts in Construction. However, sustainable development is not just about reducing negative environmental impacts. It is also about creating beneficial social and economic impacts.

In countries with high levels of unemployment and inequality, like South Africa, it is important to understand how beneficial impacts can be created through construction.

In a new article, I explore economic and social benefits that can be created through construction. It outlines how targets can be set and achieved through structured processes that include increased awareness, capacity development, proactive planning, target setting, procurement and support. Approaches are illustrated through examples and discussed. The article is available here.