The concept of sustainable development has gained worldwide attention in recent years which had enhanced its implementation. However, few studies have attempted to map the global research of sustainability. This study utilizes scientometric review of global trend and structure of sustainability research in 1991e2016 using techniques such as co-author, co-word, co-citation, clusters, and geospatial analyses. A total of 2094 bibliographic records from the Web of Science database were analyzed to generate the study’s research power networks and geospatial map. The findings reveal an evolution of the research field from the definition of its concepts in the Brundtland Commission report to the recent development of models and sustainability indicators. The most significant contributions in sustainability research have originated primarily from the United States, China, United Kingdom and Canada. Also, existing studies in sustainability research focus mainly on subject categories of environmental sciences, green & sustainable science technology, civil engineering, and construction & building technology. Emerging trends in sustainability research were sustainable urban development, sustainability indicators, water management, environmental assessment, public policy, etc.; while the study generated 21 co-citation clusters. This study provides its readers with an extensive understanding of the salient research themes, trends and pattern of sustainability research worldwide.

Introduction

The fulcrum for the worldwide attention being paid to the concept of sustainable development (SD) was the Brundtland Commission report of 1987 which help defined SD as seeking “to meet the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future” (WCED, 1987). However, there have been challenges in meeting some of the thresholds of SD due to the limitation imposed by the social issues, technological advancement and the ability of the ecosystem to accommodate human carbon footprints. Therefore, it is unrealistic to have a single SD blueprint for every country or region. Hence, each country would need to develop its SD policies and standards but with a global objective in mind. As noted by Axelsson et al. (2011), sustainability and SD are two concepts that have gained reception at national and global levels due to challenges and risks faced in areas such as rural development, environmental conservation, energy, climate change, human wellbeing etc. Hence, in recent years there have been a shift in focus and action plans to address these problems. SD is currently adopted as a growth strategy in the built environment. According to Sartori et al. (2014), sustainability is described as a process and mechanism to achieve the intended sustainable development; while according to Dovers and Handmer (1992), it is a process of “intentional change and improvement,”. As noted by Norton (2005), the two terms of sustainability and SD are often used interchangeably, however, Axelsson et al. (2011) argued that the two concepts are quite different. Axelsson et al. (2011) described sustainability as a policy vision of the society with primary purpose of preventing the depletion of natural resources. Clark (2002) however, observed that the issue of what sustainability means is more complex and per Parrotta et al. (2006) and Ramakrishnan (2001), it currently involves issues such as biodiversity conservation, ecological integrity etc. In contrast, as stated by Axelsson et al. (2011), SD is more of a collective societal process that involves multiple stakeholders with differing salience level and powers. Nevertheless, Lee (1993) described both concepts as a “social learning and steering process” which involved both management and governance mechanism.