Sustainability in Construction Integrating Cost, Carbon and Practical Realities

The construction industry continues to drive economic growth; it is also one of the largest contributors to resource depletion and carbon emissions. This book takes up the challenge of rethinking how building projects are conceived, costed, and delivered in a world facing climate urgency. It examines how financial decisions shape environmental outcomes, and how sustainability goals can be undermined when costs and ecological impacts are treated separately. Through its chapters, readers are introduced to new ways of aligning economic and environmental priorities. The contributions range from theoretical reflections on the principles of sustainable value to grounded studies that reveal how integrated approaches can work in practice. Along the way, the book highlights innovations such as lifecycle-based assessments, circular economy strategies, and emerging digital tools, offering a toolkit for reimagining construction processes that are both affordable and climate-conscious. Rather than prescribing a single path forward, the volume invites reflection and debate. It asks necessary questions about the role of professionals, the responsibilities of policymakers, and the opportunities for collaboration across the built environment. By bringing together multiple voices and perspectives, the book opens new conversations about how the industry can move beyond business-as-usual and contribute to a built environment that is competitive, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.