A conceptual framework for understanding the contribution of building materials in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 169 targets have been considered in multidisciplinary approaches worldwide. Whereas, several environmental, economic and social development concerns have been covered by the UN 2030 Agenda. The aim of this research is to investigate the complexity of the interactions between building materials and the SDGs, in an attempt to establish a knowledge-based decision support system for policy-makers, designers and construction stakeholders regarding the implementation of 2030 agenda. A conceptual framework based on a systematic and comprehensive literature review, coupled with critical content analysis, was developed. This research proved that building materials can contribute significantly to the achievement of 13 goals and 25 targets of SDGs. The framework showed that direct positive contribution of building materials on the SDGs has been noticed in SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, and SDG 15 while invisible contribution has been shown in SDG 2, SDG 5, SDG 10 and SDG 16. Additionally, indirect and negative contributions have been presented entirely in the framework. The present study offered a possibility to motivate future research and further critical discussions on the topic.