Building future sustainable cities: the need for a new mindset

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to emphasise the need for changing the mindset of all the players of the construction industry in order to meet the sustainability challenges, energy and resources, in building future cities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the need for collaboration and coordination between all the players in the construction industry in order to develop construction innovation and technology to build sustainable cities.

Findings

The construction industry needs to shift to a new mindset in the development of existing or new cities. Global warming and depletion of natural resources cannot be ignored any more. Project planning should take into consideration the “From Cradle to Grave” concepts and Life Cycle Assessments.

Originality/value

This paper provides the reader with an overview of the challenges that are facing humanity and shows how to built future cities in order to improve the quality of life and preserve natural resources.

Citation

Mezher, T. (2011), "Building future sustainable cities: the need for a new mindset", Construction Innovation, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 136-141. https://doi.org/10.1108/14714171111124121