This paper deals with the impacts of the Sustainable Development Goals to the international standards of construction law. At first, the paper will give an overview about the nature of construction contracts and will describe two common forms of contracts: the International Federation of Consulting Engineers and the New Engineering Contract. In addition, there will be a description of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially about the Sustainable Development Goal 9: Built resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Then, the paper deals with how the Sustainable Development Goals can be implemented in the construction industry and what framework is needed. Moreover there will be an example of the Bechtel Company, which already implemented sustainability in their construction projects and thus should be role model for other companies. In the end there will be a conclusion outlining how the construction industry has changed because of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 International Construction Law
2.1 The nature of construction contracts
2.2 International contract forms
2.2.1 FIDIC
2.2.2 New Engineering Contract
3 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
3.1 Sustainable Development Goals
3.2 Goal Nr. 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
4 Sustainability in the construction sector
4.1 Implementations of the SDGs in the construction industry
4.2 Bechtel as example for sustainable construction
5 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9, into international construction law. It aims to determine how construction projects can be structured to support sustainable development, focusing on the environmental, economic, and social responsibilities inherent in the industry.
- The role and nature of international construction contracts (FIDIC vs. NEC).
- Core principles of the UN 2030 Agenda and the focus of SDG 9.
- Frameworks for implementing sustainability in construction projects.
- Case study analysis of Bechtel Corporation's sustainable practices.
- Long-term impact of sustainability on the construction industry.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 The nature of construction contracts
First of all you have to say that the term “construction law” is worldwide understood to cover the field of law which directly affects the construction industry. Thus, construction is an international activity because most of the large projects are tendered on the basis of an international tender. Moreover you can say that a construction contract distinguishes from most other types of contracts because of its variety of factors which have to be considered. The construction process is complex, time-consuming and expensive. In addition, a construction contract is a long-term project and the allocation of these risks is a very important part of the contracts because these factors always result in additional costs. To avoid disputes, especially the risk allocation must be contractually determined.
A construction contract is a legally binding agreement, usually between two parties – the owner and the contractor - specifically negotiated for the construction of an asset or combination of assets that are closely interrelated or interdependent in terms of their ultimate use or purpose or their technology, function and design. The Contract Documents include the conditions of a contract which should specify the obligations and responsibilities of each party. In the case that unforeseen or unexpected problems arise, the conditions determine which party is responsible of delays, additional costs and who has to bear the consequences.
The construction contract is the key document for an effective project, avoids disputes and describes and records all aspects of the project. The construction contract should always be in written form and should define the basic rights, responsibilities and relationship of the parties who are involved and the rules by which each party must comply. First, a construction contract should contain general conditions that defines the project delivery model and describes in detail what the projects involves. Moreover the contract has to explain the service or the work which have to be performed and has to identify which materials have to be incorporated into the project including their quality. In addition clear provisions have to be made to ensure that requirements and the performance for the structure are satisfied.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the necessity of sustainable development in construction and outlines the paper's focus on the impact of the UN's SDGs on international construction standards.
2 International Construction Law: Explores the fundamental nature of construction contracts and compares standard forms such as FIDIC and the New Engineering Contract.
3 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Provides an overview of the UN 2030 Agenda and details the specific objectives of SDG 9 regarding industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
4 Sustainability in the construction sector: Discusses practical implementations of SDGs in construction and presents Bechtel Corporation as a model for sustainable project management.
5 Conclusion: Summarizes the growing importance of sustainability in the industry and emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning to achieve long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goals, Construction Law, SDG 9, FIDIC, New Engineering Contract, Sustainability, Bechtel Corporation, Infrastructure, Risk Allocation, Resource Management, Life-Cycle Design, 2030 Agenda, International Construction, Environmental Impact, Sustainable Industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The paper explores the impact of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 9, on the established standards and practices of international construction law.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the nature of international construction contracts, the framework of the UN's 2030 Agenda, principles of sustainable construction, and the practical application of these principles by global engineering firms.
What is the main research question of this study?
The study investigates how sustainability principles and the UN SDGs can be effectively integrated into the framework of international construction projects to ensure economic, social, and environmental progress.
Which scientific or legal methods are utilized in this paper?
The paper utilizes a descriptive and comparative analysis of standard contract forms (FIDIC and NEC) and reviews international policy frameworks combined with a case study analysis of sustainable practices in the corporate sector.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover the technical and legal requirements of construction contracts, a detailed overview of the SDG 9 objectives, and three key principles for sustainable construction: Resource Management, Life-Cycle Design, and Design for Human and Environment.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Sustainable Development Goals, Construction Law, SDG 9, FIDIC, NEC, and Sustainable Construction.
How does the author define the distinction between FIDIC and NEC contracts?
The author notes that while FIDIC focuses on traditional risk allocation and liability, the NEC encourages a collaborative, foresight-based management approach with a focus on simple language and early warning systems.
What specific role does the Bechtel Corporation play in the paper's argument?
Bechtel serves as a practical case study, demonstrating how a global construction leader integrates the UN 2030 Agenda into its strategic projects, thereby acting as a role model for the wider industry.
- Quote paper
- Jil Breuer (Author), 2018, Impact of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the International Standards of Construction Law (SDG 9), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/451951
