Roles and competencies of quantity surveyors in achieving a circular built environment: an investigation according to 3R principles

Abstract

PurposeThe construction industry is shifting towards becoming more circular by reducing waste, reusing building materials and embracing regenerative solutions for energy generation and biodiversity conservation. Thus, construction professionals must perform diversified services to achieve a circular built environment (CBE). Implementing resource planning and waste management in CBE has already posed challenges to the quantity surveying profession; thus, quantity surveyors (QSs) should be equipped with new roles and competencies to tackle challenges in achieving a CBE. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the functions and competencies of QSs at the design and building material sourcing stages in achieving a CBE according to 3R principles.Design/methodology/approachThe research apprehended a qualitative approach, including two expert interview rounds adhering to the Delphi technique with 14 and 11 experts per each round. Manual content analysis was incorporated to analyse the collected data.FindingsThe research findings revealed the important roles and competencies of QSs in achieving a CBE. In addition, essential functions and competencies were categorised according to the 3R principles (reduce, reuse, recycle) to successfully implement CBE during the Design and Building Material Sourcing stages. According to the 3R principles of CBE, cost control, cost planning, feasibility studies, measurement and quantification, risk management, value engineering and innovations and technologies were well-received by most interviewees as essential roles of QSs during the Design and Building Material Sourcing stages. Further, basic/mandatory competencies (personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills), economic analysis, BIM management, cost management and risk management are highly regarded by experts for QS as important competencies to achieve CBE.Originality/valueWith new construction trends, QSs must enhance their conventional roles and competencies and search for new skills and competencies. Those skills and competencies could be linked to the CE concept, either directly or indirectly. Since QS holds a prominent place in sustainable construction in CBE, adapting to changes in the construction industry such as CBE is timely for QSs. Further, there is a shortage of literature regarding QSs' roles and competencies in achieving a CBE; thus, this study will contribute by identifying new avenues for QSs in achieving a CBE in the practice and the research.

Editorial: Breaking the mold, circular construction for a greener and more efficient built environment

“…For instance, Rodrigo et al (2024) provide a comprehensive analysis of how digital technologies are being utilised to advance CE practices in the construction industry. Victar et al's (2023) findings emphasise the pivotal roles and competencies of quantity surveyors in aligning construction practices with the principles of sustainability and circularity in the built environment. Talla and McIlwaine (2024) focussed on how applying innovative Industry 4.0 technologies at the design stage can help reduce construction waste and improve construction materials' recovery, reuse and recycling.…”

Guest editorial: Embracing the future construction project lifecycle: education and training for construction 4.0

“…Identified research gaps include skills shortages in certain countries, frameworks and roadmaps for effective implementation and a need for more readiness assessments from professional, company and industry perspectives. Victar et al (2024) investigate how quantity surveyors (QSs) can adapt to the evolving demands of the construction industry, particularly in achieving a circular built environment (CBE) by reducing waste and embracing sustainable practices. Through qualitative research involving expert interviews using the Delphi technique, the study identifies the critical roles and competencies of QSs during the design and building material sourcing stages.…”

“…Victar et al (2024) investigate how quantity surveyors (QSs) can adapt to the evolving demands of the construction industry, particularly in achieving a circular built environment (CBE) by reducing waste and embracing sustainable practices. Through qualitative research involving expert interviews using the Delphi technique, the study identifies the critical roles and competencies of QSs during the design and building material sourcing stages.…”