Sustainable development

Abstract

Purpose -Despite the surge of interest in construction sustainability and the many Government initiatives encouraging reform in the UK construction industry (CI), the prevalence of sustainable development (SD) in the industry is still largely lagging behind that of other industries. Given the amount of focus and activity identified nationally in this area, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons why this is not being translated into action and to seek counsel from industry professionals as to how they believe change can be achieved with a particular focus on how they believe higher education institutions (HEIs) can contribute. Design/methodology/approach -An explorative, qualitative study using three focus groups was of construction professionals. Findings -Despite a lack of action, many in industry support sustainability and actively attempt to engage in sustainable practices but a number of barriers preclude successful implementation. Government initiatives are having a positive impact, with participants believing that both Government and HEIs are imperative in driving the sustainability agenda forward. Research limitations/implications -Whilst limited in scale, this paper highlights the current state of the CI in relation to SD and evidences that progress is being made albeit slowly. The findings may help both Government and HEIs alongside industry in achieving how this can be overcome. Originality/value -Previous research in this area has generally adopted a quantitative approach. Adopting a qualitative approach provides a more in depth view as to why the status quo remains with regards to SD in the CI.

Sustainability learning for improved safe work environments for construction semi-skilled workers in Zimbabwe

“…An assessment of statistically significant differences due to the designation, educational levels and experience of respondents is also envisaged as a means to achieve the main objective of the study. Brennan and Cotgrave (2014) reinforce the consideration of varied respondent groups in the sustainability discourse as it provides variability and the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives. The ILO (2018b) underpin the disaggregation of labour statistics as crucial to the identification of critical issues and tendencies concerning specific demographic groups and to enlighten the devising of targeted policies.…”

Sustainability Awareness for Architectural, Engineering and Construction Professionals in Zimbabwe

“…Therefore, realisation of how sustainability can be incorporated into curricula is pertinent (Wyness, Jones & Klapper, 2015). Changing the thought process and perceptions of the workforce is vital to achieving sustainable development (Brennan & Cotgrave, 2014). Suffice to say sustainable construction principles are achievable if and when construction professionals attain the expected levels of sustainability literacy (Kibert, 2002).…”

“…In addition, health and safety insufficiencies (Chigara & Moyo, 2014b;Chirazeni & Chigonda, 2018), corporate social responsibility insufficiencies (Uzhenyu & Marisa, 2017;Moyo, Crafford & Emuze, 2019a), and decent work concerns (Moyo Crafford & Emuze, 2019b), have inundated the construction industry. Amongst other contributing causes, the lack of sustainability awareness amongst the built environment professionals and a resulting necessity to raise sustainability literacy levels has been identified as being critical Brennan & Cotgrave, 2014;Higham & Thomson, 2015). More-so for developing countries like Zimbabwe, realisation of sustainability in construction has been hampered by lack of knowledge.…”

Challenges to the Implementation of Sustainable Construction Practices in Libya

“…The UN Bureau for Statistics 2014 Report reveals that Libya performed at a rate of less than 50% in their attempts to achieve Millennium Development Goals. Brennan and Cotgrave (2014) state that construction clients are the main stakeholders to lead sustainable development practices but, in Libya, the main client in the construction industry is the Government (Tahir, 2015), and introducing change through demand by the client (Government) for sustainable practices should be an effective approach to encouraging a transition from traditional practices. Du Plessis ( 2007) has drawn attention to the fact that the main development challenge facing countries such as Libya can be found in the web of poverty, rapid urbanisation, weak institutions, insecurity and resource scarcity.…”