Building a Sustainable Future: Environment, Social and Governance Trends Shaping Construction in South Africa

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Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Nana Akua Asabea Gyadu-Asiedu, Simon Ofori Ametepey, Ornella Tambwe and Toluwanimi Ogunade

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64755/FKVE7769

Keywords: Construction 5.0, Environment, Social and Governance, Sustainable Construction, Sustainability

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ABSTRACT

PURPOSE

This paper aims to explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are embedded in the discourse of sustainable construction by investigating global research trends

DESIGN / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH

A bibliometric review was conducted using the Scopus database to retrieve relevant publications between 2010-2025. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Vos viewer software to identify emerging themes for interpretive discussion.

FINDINGS

The analysis reveals a growing focus on ESG in construction research, particularly in environmental transition, governance practices, ESG operationalisation, and Sustainable planning, providing a data-driven framework for aligning ESG priorities in South Africa’s construction industry (SACI).

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS

This study is limited to Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed literature within the engineering domain. Future research should incorporate quantitative assessments and explore underrepresented geographies such as sub-Saharan Africa.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The findings provide a strategic framework for identifying focus areas in governance reform, carbon management, and stakeholder engagement aligned with Construction 5.0 objectives.

ORIGINALITY / VALUE

This study is one of the first to systematically map the ESG-construction research landscape using bibliometric analysis. The value lies in providing a thematic foundation for ESG-informed innovation and sustainability policy in SACI.