Impact of sustainability education on quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sustainability Education (SE) is recognised as a lifelong learning process aiming towards sustainable development which spreads beyond the limitations of formal education. In order to ensure proper commitment towards sustainable development through sustainable construction (SC) concept, quantity surveyor (QS) as a leading professional in the construction industry should go through a proper SE. Even though certain HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) in Sri Lanka have incorporated SE up to a certain extent into their curriculum, their effectiveness is questionable. Addressing this gap, the research analyses perceived importance, level of SE received and the effectiveness of SE of Sri Lankan QSs while identifying the knowledge areas where improvements are required. A comprehensive literature review was executed identifying knowledge areas to be included in SE of QSs globally. Through a survey of experts, 39 knowledge areas related to quantity surveying education were identified under six main categories considering the local context. Even though Relative Important Index (RII) values denoted that SE is substantially important to QSs, overall SE level of Sri Lankan QSs was found to be in ‘moderate level’. QSs perceived their SE more on ‘economic sustainability’ as it exhibited the highest mean and RII values. Moreover, the results found that curriculum contribution to deliver SE is currently lower and QSs gain more knowledge on sustainability through industry practice than through formal education. The created matrix plot indicated that certain knowledge areas require further attention in curricula in HEIs which is revealed as the strategy that needs improvements.