Challenges in integrating sustainability concepts into urban development projects

Abstract

Major cities have been condensed after decades of rapid urban development. The rapid urban developments of industrial activities have transformed cities into concrete jungles causing severe impacts on the natural ecosystem. All cities are facing issues such as air pollution, water pollution, and heat island effect. Therefore, sustainable development is crucial for all urban development projects hence the project manager’s role is essential to be evolved. A project manager performs a crucial role during the project planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closing of the project. This study mainly distinct the role of project managers’ challenges in sustainable urban development projects. The literature survey was carried out to explore challenges in integrating sustainability concepts into urban development projects. Then the empirical study identified the practices in Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Sri Lanka to achieve sustainable development. UDA which is a foremost public sector organisation engaged in planning and sustainable development. Interviews were used to identify the project manager’s role and other professions involvements in selected cases. Findings reveal that, adequate research wants to be performed to get to know about the background and requirements before initiating any projects. A life cycle cost-benefit analysis will help to understand challenges and barriers in a more precise way. This information can be presented to top management highlighting all the benefits. It will help to influence the management towards sustainable development initiatives. Proper education and communication with employees are crucial in getting their support for sustainable urban development projects. Further, this research helps to identify project manager’s role under the social, economical, and environmental pillars. Enhance people’s quality, conservation of architectural, social, cultural, and historical value, and provide job opportunities are main social benefits. Increase market value of the buildings, tourist attraction, monthly colleting huge amount of rent money are important economical benefits. When consider environmental sustainability these cases are more concerned about the use 5s system, prevention of natural resources usage, enhance safe and health work environment, and implement waste management system.