CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
Engineering Underground Infrastructure with Global Responsibility
The ITA World Tunnel Congress 2027 will address a comprehensive range of topics reflecting the state of the art in underground construction and the broader role of tunnelling and underground space in sustainable development. In line with ITA’s strategic vision, “Underground solutions for a better world”, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these themes highlight the sector’s contribution to resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities and innovative solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s societal challenges.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflected in the ITA WTC2027 congress topics:
ITA recognises the potential of underground solutions to address a broad range of global challenges, including urbanisation, infrastructure, water and sanitation, transport, energy, scientific research and the innovative use and repurposing of underground spaces. ITA WTC2027 contributes to this wider vision by providing a global platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and cooperation.
Our congress topics with the relevant ITA Working Groups (WG) and the corresponding SDGs:
T1 Conventional tunnelling (WG19 & WG12)
T2 Mechanised tunnelling, including micro-tunnelling & directional drilling (WG14)
advancing construction methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and resilience (SDG9 & SDG11)
T3 Immersed tunnels (WG11)
T4 Complex underground storage or research facilities (WG23)
delivering complex infrastructure to meet urban and transport needs (SDG9 & SDG11)
T5 Investigations and ground characterisation
T6 Instrumentation and monitoring
strengthening resilience and safety in underground projects (SDG9 & SDG11 & SDG13)
T7 Sustainable & resilient underground construction (WG15)
promoting resource efficiency and climate adaptation (SDG9 & SDG11 & SDG12 & SDG13)
T8 Urban underground development & innovative uses of underground spaces (WG20 & ITACUS)
integrating underground solutions into sustainable urban development (SDG9 & SDG11 & SDG13)
T9 Safety and risk mitigation (WG5)
ensuring safe environments for workers and communities (SDG3 & SDG9 & SDG11)
T10 Lifecycle management: Operation, inspection, monitoring and refurbishments (WG6 & Z1)
extending the service life of infrastructure through innovation and responsible asset management (SDG9 & SDG11 & SDG12)
T11 Innovation in tunnelling: Digital transformation & smart tunnelling solutions (WG2 & WG22)
fostering innovation, data-driven design, and efficient construction (SDG9 & SDG11)
T12 Economic viability: financing, cost- optimisation, and long-term value (WG3)
securing sustainable growth and long-term benefits for society (SDG8 & SDG9 & SDG11)