Awareness, Actions, Drivers and Barriers of Sustainable Construction in Chile

Abstract

Abstract. The socio-economic conditions of a country and the overall practices of the construction industry towards Sustainable Construction (SC) are critical factors to define the foundations for developing and carrying out a strategic plan to advance in sustainable construction. This paper reports the results of a study about SC practices currently implemented by construction companies and discusses the level of awareness and knowledge, barriers and drivers of SC that were found in building and infrastructure construction companies. In addition, it analyses the influence of the company size on SC practices. research results show that Chilean construction firms are in an early stage of the path for achieving SC. Their practices towards SC are highly dependent of the company's size and its core business. Main barriers towards SC are the lack of financial incentives, lack of integrated design, and affordability whereas company's tax reduction incentives related to the level of investment effort on SC would be a key governmental policy to promote sustainability. The results of this study might be particularly useful for other countries, particularly developing ones, and for government policy making.

Sustainable Construction Industry in Cambodia: Awareness, Drivers and Barriers

“…In fact, there is a similar picture in developed countries, as the focus in those countries is mainly on the economic aspects of sustainability [6]. The review also found that the main factors hindering implementation of sustainability in the construction industry are lack of education and training on sustainable construction (SC), technologies, capacities and, more importantly, policies for the development and successful implementation of sustainability practices.…”

“…It is possible the reason behind the lack of awareness and knowledge could be the lack of concrete, explicit regulations [38] or lack of expressed interest from clients [37]. Furthermore, this finding from the survey is justified by a review of the literature on the subject, which suggests that the low level of knowledge and awareness on the concept of SC is not very different in other developing countries [6]. As part of the survey, the respondents were additionally asked to select statement that best fit with their understanding about SC.…”

“…This study adopts a mixed-method approach, which includes an in-depth analysis of previous studies on the subject (a qualitative approach) for the identification of the drivers and barriers [6]; a descriptive survey method (Appendix A) for the data collection (a combined qualitative and quantitative approach) from industry stakeholders in Cambodia [44]; and statistical methods that are consistent with the nature of this study, which were used to quantify the collected data in order to prioritise the drivers and barriers in terms of their levels of impact [2].…”

“…While the statements related to the social aspect of sustainability, which are 'life quality' and 'progress in social life' received moderate percentages of 67% and 51%, respectively, issues related to the economic aspect, which are 'maintains economic growth' and 'profit-generation without compromising the future needs' received the lowest percentages of 49% and 43%, respectively. The low percentages of the economic-related issues reveal that the respondents do not know the economic consequences of a sustainable construction industry, which is unsurprising as sustainability has not been discussed at the sectoral level that much [30], particularly in developing countries [6]. As part of the survey, the respondents were additionally asked to select statement that best fit with their understanding about SC.…”

Six Sigma DMAIC for Shaking Stagnant Construction Cultures – A Conceptual Perspective

“…Pertinent literature has diagnostically highlighted local barriers with recommendations to promote sustainable construction practices [7][8][9][10]. More generically, Du Plessis [1] investigated these barriers in developing countries.…”