Sustainable development: A qualitative inquiry into the current state of the UK construction industry

• Published in: Structural survey 2014-08, Vol.32 (4), p.315-330
• Main Authors: Brennan, Michelle C, Cotgrave, Alison J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Barriers; Climate change; Construction; Construction industry; Education; Governments; Higher education institutions; Methods; Professional ethics; Professionals; Qualitative research; Structural surveys; Studies; Surges; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Sustainable practices
• ISSN: 0263-080X; 2398-4708; 2398-4716
• DOI: 10.1108/SS-02-2014-0010

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.