"The past 10 years has certainly seen enormous advances in terms of sustainability; particularly in the contribution made by the construction industry. This sector has a lot to offer across all three aspects of sustainable development, especially in the areas of environment and ethics. The past decade has seen international construction companies move towards improved accountability, a better record in human rights and a more forward-thinking approach to energy use. It has to be said that the sector suffered from something of a slow start, but engagement is now at a very encouraging level.

"If I had to pick two major advances in sustainable development, I would choose anti-corruption and energy efficiency. International players now realise that corruption, which is, unfortunately, still a major problem in certain areas of the industry, is completely unacceptable and must be eradicated entirely, whatever the geography, politics or social background to a project. Secondly, the rapid advances made in designing and constructing energy efficient buildings will have a significant impact on the reduction of CO2 in the coming decades.

"As the planet becomes ever more urbanised, the construction industry, possibly more than any other, has both an obligation and an opportunity to ensure that its contribution to a more sustainable society over the next ten years is significantly greater than in the last decade."

Noel Morrin, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Skanska AB