Strategies adopted by design and build contractors to enhance the implementation of sustainable construction practices

Abstract

Despite of design and build (D&B) procurement being a feasible solution, the status of the implementation of sustainable construction practices (SCP) in the Sri Lankan construction industry is below the trend. Since unwillingness and unawareness of the D&B contractors have identified as a cause for the issue, strategies to overcome the problem are required. Accordingly, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify the SCP, and D&B concepts to provide a basis for a reliable set of strategies. Subsequently, the survey strategy under the qualitative research approach was accompanied to derive strategies. Accordingly, collected data from nine expert interviews from the purposively selected clients, contractors, consultants, and subcontractors have been analysed using deductive thematic analysis under eight main pre-defined themes. Appointment of a sustainability manager, market survey to recognise the status of sustainability, concern on passive construction technologies and identification of sustainable design requirements have identified as key strategies. Finally, this can be used by D&B contractors to identify the loopholes and enhance sustainable development