This article presents the various activities starting in the mid 1990s, which led to an internationally agreed Agenda 21 on Sustainable Construction, published by CIB in 1999. Further work, nationally, regionally and internationally to implement the Agenda is described. Sustainable construction is a way for the building and construction industry to respond towards achieving sustainable development from the various environmental, socio-economic and cultural aspects. Trends and approaches in building to meet sustainable development requirements are commented on, as well as the ongoing standardisation on the design life of constructed works.