The role and contribution of green buildings on sustainable development goals

Efficient and productive buildings are considered a key factor in sustainable cities, and they can contribute to achieving regional and national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, green buildings (GBs) have been constructed widely and rapidly, and green building rating tools (GBRTs) have played a considerable role in this process. However, the specific contribution of GBs to the 17 SDGs remains unclear. This study proposed a realistic mapping tool using GBRTs as the medium for evaluating the contribution of GBs to the SDGs. It then quantitatively analyzed this contribution using the analytic hierarchy process. Results showed that SDGs 3, 7, 11 and 12 are highly supported by GBRTs, and SDG 12 benefits the most. Meanwhile, SDG Target 7.3 is the most prominent because it provides the most important channel for GBRT contribution to the SDGs. Lastly, an actual case was used to demonstrate the identification system that integrates important information, including GBs' contribution to the SDGs. Furthermore, two effective methods for improving GBs' contribution to the SDGs were proposed. This study presents an important practical tool that can scientifically quantify the contribution of GBs to the SDGs and provide the public with transparent and reliable information regarding the path and scope of this contribution.