Synergizing business and sustainability: integrating the SDGs into business strategies in the architecture, engineering and construction sector

Purpose The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector and businesses in the sector are increasingly recognising the need to align business strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research has shown that integrating business strategies with SDGs can offer significant advantages to companies, such as improved competitiveness and access to untapped markets. This study examines how the AEC sector in the UAE responds to the SDGs and aligns business strategies with the SDGs. The paper also presents a conceptual framework for aligning business strategies with the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data was gathered through a survey of 116 sustainability professionals working in the UAE’s AEC sector and analysed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The qualitative method involved a content analysis of the business strategies of selected companies in the sector. Findings The results show that activities of the AEC sector can impact the achievement of the SDGs, including SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 11(Sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 13 (Climate action), demonstrating the sector’s importance towards realising the SDGs. Also, stakeholder engagement, transparent communication of sustainability performance and investment in research and development of sustainable ways of operation are significant ways of aligning business strategies with the SDGs. The cases examined indicate that companies within the UAE’s AEC sector actively align their business strategies with the SDGs. This alignment often involves incorporating goals related to environmental sustainability, gender equality and responsible consumption into core business operations. Practical implications This research advances discussions on sustainability in the literature by providing theoretical insights on how to synergise business strategies with the SDGs in the AEC sector. Practically, the framework developed from the study offers guidance to businesses in the AEC sector of the UAE on how to align operations with global sustainability standards. Policymakers, investors and customers are also guided on how to assess the commitment of businesses to sustainability. Originality/value The AEC industry could be used as a catalyst for unlocking the opportunities that the business community can harness towards a sustainable future for the UAE. The novelty of this paper lies in the valuable insights it provides to AEC sector businesses on how to align business strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals to advance sustainability in the UAE.