CIVIL ENGINEERING AND THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Despite the significant role civil engineering plays in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving quality of life (QOL), there remains a lack of specific research examining the relationship between civil engineering, SDGs and QOL.  

Several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are directly related to civil engineering because the discipline plays a critical role in developing infrastructure, managing resources, and promoting sustainable development. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant SDGs and how they connect to civil engineering, explaining their connections and assigning a degree of importance. The degree of importance can vary based on the criticality of civil engineering's involvement in achieving the goal. 

 

 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Public health is enhanced by infrastructure such as hospitals, clean water systems, proper sanitation, and disaster-resilient buildings. Civil engineers ensure safe living environments.
• Degree of Importance: High
  Civil engineering is essential for public health and safety through infrastructure that supports healthcare and well-being.

 SDG 4: Quality Education

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Engineers construct schools, universities, and research facilities. They also design resilient and inclusive educational infrastructure, especially in underserved regions.
• Degree of Importance: Moderate
  While not the primary focus, civil engineering significantly contributes by enabling access to quality education through infrastructure.

 SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineers design and construct water supply systems, sewage treatment plants, and sanitation facilities that provide clean water and prevent waterborne diseases. Their work ensures sustainable water management and improves public health.
• Degree of Importance: High
  Civil engineering is indispensable for achieving this goal. Without it, clean water access and sanitation solutions would be impossible to implement.

 SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineers design and construct renewable energy facilities such as solar farms, wind farms, and hydropower plants. They also improve energy efficiency in infrastructure projects.
• Degree of Importance: High
  Civil engineering is fundamental to transitioning to affordable and clean energy systems.

 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineering projects generate jobs and contribute to economic development by creating infrastructure that supports businesses and industries.
• Degree of Importance: Moderate
  Civil engineering indirectly supports this goal by driving economic growth and providing employment.

 SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Infrastructure development is at the core of civil engineering. This includes roads, bridges, railways, buildings, and industrial facilities. Engineers also innovate construction methods and materials for sustainable development.
• Degree of Importance: High
  This SDG directly aligns with civil engineering, as it focuses on building resilient and sustainable infrastructure to foster economic growth.

 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineers contribute to urban planning, transportation systems, affordable housing, waste management, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. They ensure cities are inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
• Degree of Importance: High
  Civil engineering is critical to creating sustainable and livable urban environments for current and future generations.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Sustainable construction practices, recycling materials, and reducing waste are essential to civil engineering's contribution to this goal.
• Degree of Importance: Moderate
  Civil engineers influence sustainable consumption by adopting eco-friendly materials and minimizing resource use in construction.

 SDG 13: Climate Action

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineers design climate-resilient infrastructure and integrate low-carbon technologies in construction. They also contribute to flood management, renewable energy systems, and sustainable urban planning.
• Degree of Importance: High
  Civil engineering plays a vital role in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, making it highly relevant to this goal.

 SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Coastal and marine engineers design sustainable harbors, manage coastal erosion, and mitigate pollution to protect marine ecosystems.
• Degree of Importance: Moderate
  Civil engineering supports

 SDG 15: Life on Land

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineers implement sustainable land-use practices and minimize environmental degradation during infrastructure development.
• Degree of Importance: Moderate
  Civil engineering indirectly contributes by integrating environmental protection measures into construction projects.

 SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Relation to Civil Engineering:
  Civil engineers provide the physical infrastructure for institutions, courts, and governance, fostering societal stability.
• Degree of Importance: Indirect
  Civil engineering plays a secondary role by enabling governance and justice systems through infrastructure.

---

Summary of Degree of Importance:

1. High Importance: SDG 6, SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 13, SDG 3
2. Moderate Importance: SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 15, SDG 14
3. Indirect Importance: SDG 16

Using the CE-QOL Framework, the CE-QOL facets can be aligned to the UN SDGs which is summarized below:

Summary of Civil Engineering Facets and Their Aligned SDGs:

• Infrastructure Development

  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

• Water Supply and Sanitation

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Disaster Resilience

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 15: Life on Land
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Environmental Sustainability

  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Climate Change Adaptation

  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RELATING CIVIL ENGINEERING TO QUALITY OF LIFE

QOL is a comprehensive concept that encompasses the overall well-being of individuals and communities, incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions. It is influenced by a wide range of factors, including health, education, income, the environment, safety, relationships, cultural enrichment, and access to resources and opportunities. 

Shown in Figure 1 are five domains as proposed by Felce and Perry (1995) plus a sixth domain. The six QOL domains are described below:

1)    Physical well-being focuses on aspects related to the health and safety of individuals or communities, encompassing factors such as physical health, safety, and access to healthcare.

2)    Material well-being pertains to living conditions, including income, housing, privacy, food security, transportation, and overall personal or community security.

3)    Social well-being emphasizes the quality of interpersonal relationships within families and friendships, as well as broader interactions and engagement within the community.

4)    Development and activity relates to factors that contribute to the personal or communal growth, such as competence, independence, and participation in functional activities like work, leisure, and education.

5)    Emotional well-being includes self-esteem, a sense of status or respect, and spiritual or religious faith, all of which contribute to an individual’s sense of fulfillment and stability.

6)    Environmental well-being - Although not explicitly part of Felce and Perry’s domains, environmental well-being can be seen as an implicit aspect of quality of life today. This domain refers to the quality of the natural and built environment in supporting human health, safety, and overall life satisfaction. It encompasses the conditions of air, water, soil, ecosystems, and the sustainability of urban and rural spaces.

Quality of Life (QOL) in the context of civil engineering refers to the enhancement of community living standards through the strategic design, implementation, and maintenance of infrastructure and services. Five key facets of civil engineering that significantly contribute to QOL are as follows:

1. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing well-being by supporting employment, income generation, mobility, health, recreation, and other essential needs through efficient and reliable infrastructure.
2. Water Supply and Sanitation: Safeguarding public health and hygiene through the development of sustainable water systems and effective sanitation solutions.
3. Disaster Resilience: Ensuring community safety and resilience by constructing robust structures that can withstand natural and human-made hazards, thereby saving lives, reducing injuries, and protecting physical assets.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Embedding eco-friendly practices in civil engineering design and construction to preserve ecosystems and reduce carbon footprints.
5. Climate Change Adaptation: Integrating sustainable urban planning and design to balance development with environmental stewardship, addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The five CE facets can be aligned to the six QOL domains as follows: 

Table: Alignment of QOL Domains and Civil Engineering Facets

QOL Domain	Aligned Civil Engineering Facets	Explanation
Physical Well-being	Water Supply and Sanitation, Disaster Resilience, Infrastructure Development	Focuses on health, safety, and access to essential services.
Material Well-being	Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaptation	Supports financial security and access to material resources through employment and sustainable growth.
Social Well-being	Infrastructure Development, Disaster Resilience, Climate Change Adaptation	Enhances community inclusion, safety, and cohesion through inclusive planning and disaster management.
Emotional Well-being	Disaster Resilience, Environmental Sustainability, Infrastructure Development	Promotes security, comfort, and life satisfaction through safety and eco-friendly practices.
Development and Activity	Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Sustainability	Facilitates growth, learning, and meaningful activities through infrastructure and innovation.
Environmental Well-being	Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change Adaptation	Improves ecosystems, reduces pollution, and ensures sustainable living conditions.

• Felce, David and Perry, Jonathan (1995). “Quality of Life: Its Definition and Measurement,” Research in Development Disabilities, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 51-74, 1995, Elsevier Science, Ltd.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Quality of Life (QOL), as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.” 

The quality of life (QOL) is deeply influenced by the built environment and the infrastructure that supports daily activities. Structural engineering, as a specialized field within civil engineering, makes a unique and essential contribution to Quality of Life (QOL). From the perspective of a structural engineer, QOL encompasses the role of safe, resilient, and efficient structural systems in enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. This involves the design and construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure that go beyond meeting safety standards to also improve usability, accessibility, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. By creating structures that are functional and adaptable, structural engineers contribute to better living and working conditions, fostering a sense of security and comfort in the built environment. 

Structural engineering also prioritizes minimizing risks associated with structural failures, particularly during natural disasters, by incorporating advanced techniques and materials to enhance resilience. Ensuring the long-term durability of structures reduces maintenance demands and associated disruptions, while the optimization of resources supports economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Collectively, these contributions elevate the standard of living by promoting safer, more reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, aligning structural engineering with broader societal goals of well-being and progress. 

Structural engineering, as a specialized field within civil engineering, makes a unique and essential contribution to Quality of Life (QOL). To understand and assess the contribution of structural engineering to QOL, a conceptual framework is proposed. A preliminary conceptual framework, termed STE-QOL (Structural Engineering and Quality of Life), identifies 12 key facets associated with civil structures throughout their lifecycle—from planning to implementation. Each facet aligns with QOL domains and demonstrates how structural engineering integrates technical expertise with social and environmental responsibility. These facets are as follows:

1. Understanding of Community Impact – Addressing community needs to promote satisfaction, equity, and cohesion.
2. Safety and Resilience – Ensuring structures withstand disasters, accidents, and aging to protect lives and livelihoods.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Impact – Reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and promoting environmental harmony.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity – Creating infrastructure accessible to diverse populations, promoting independence and equity.
5. Economic and Social Benefits – Supporting economic growth, job creation, and improved community connectivity.
6. Aesthetic and Cultural Considerations – Enhancing community identity, pride, and emotional well-being through thoughtful design.
7. Health and Well-being – Promoting physical and mental health through clean, functional, and recreational infrastructure.
8. Maintenance and Longevity – Ensuring infrastructure reliability and durability for long-term use with minimal disruptions.
9. Innovation and Technology – Incorporating advanced technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability.
10. Compliance and Best Practices – Ensuring adherence to standards, ethical practices, and safety requirements.
11. Collaboration and Communication – Engaging stakeholders for inclusive decision-making and improved project outcomes.
12. Post-Completion Evaluation – Assessing and improving projects to maintain long-term relevance and effectiveness.

The STE-QOL facets can be grouped based on type of activity or output: a) Design of the Structure, b) Design Practices and c) Designing with People.   The facets related to the three categories are shown together with the QOL domains. The STE-QOL facets can be associated to the domains of QOL. A checklist was designed using the 12 STE-QOL facets to assess the awareness and practices of structural engineers in relation to QOL of a community. A online survey will be conducted targeting Filipino structural engineers and design firms. 

NOTE: This blog is based on the concept paper (to be published or presented in a conference) on 

""DEVELOPING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND CHECKLIST TO ASSESS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO QUALITY OF LIFE" by Andres Winston C. Oreta and Ronaldo S. Ison, 17 Dec 2024

Read the Draft Paper.