Core skills and competencies for Danish construction graduates to contribute to the 2030 Agenda

Abstract

Abstract The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global, ambitious framework for sustainable development. The construction sector holds great potential for contributing to achieving the goals towards 2030. Therefore, highly skilled professionals are required to solve the challenges related to sustainable construction. This study investigates which core skills construction graduates need to contribute to the SDGs efficiently and provides best-case examples of projects from the Danish construction industry contributing to the SDGs. A focus group workshop was conducted with 12 participants representing professional building owners, advisors, researchers, professional associations, demolition companies, and the United Nations Youth Association - all experts in sustainable construction. The qualitative data were collected through audio recordings and written notes and were analysed using the Gioia method. The results showed that the core skills needed from future construction graduates were 1) expert knowledge of construction, materials and sustainability, 2) skills in construction practice and sustainable adaption, and 3) competencies in social qualities and strategic processes. The best practice examples were divided into two categories: potential solutions to sustainable construction practices and business cases related to sustainable construction. The results provide insights into the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed from practitioners within the Danish construction industry and can support the future adaptation of construction education to achieve the 2030 Agenda.