Towards Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Drivers, Barriers, Strategies, and Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

Despite the advent of the new Sustainable Development Goals, and noted benefits around the social, economic, and environmental aspects, the sustainable infrastructure development (SID) implementation process faces a number of challenges. Moreover, while there is a plethora of studies around sustainable infrastructure, there are limited studies undertaken on the influencing drivers and barriers particularly within the South Australian construction industry. This paper is aimed at filling that knowledge gap by identifying and ranking the drivers and barriers of SID implementation in South Australian construction organizations. A sequential mixed methods approach comprising questionnaires and interviews was conducted among construction professionals. The highly ranked drivers were identified as innovation, standardization of the word ‘sustainability’ (knowledge improvement), and close interaction of all involved stakeholders. “Lack of steering mechanism”, “multi-disciplinary nature of the word “sustainability”, and “lack of cooperation and networking” were the critical barriers. Suggested strategies and coping mechanisms for overcoming these barriers include instilling sustainability awareness, sustainability specifications, and governance frameworks. Strong and positive relationships were evident amongst all the drivers. This paper provides further insights into the knowledge and awareness of these drivers, which are cardinal to increased uptake of SID by the stakeholders, and barriers to overcome.

An Integrative Review of the Potential Barriers to and Drivers of Adopting and Implementing Sustainable Construction in South Africa

“…Economic barriers ranked third, emphasised the construction industry maintaining its current practices [34]; which relates to the industry prioritising economic needs above social and environmental needs [17]. Furthermore, cost-related barriers related to the poor performance of the economy [35], [40] mean that an increased risk is associated with adopting and investing in sustainable alternatives in the construction industry [21], [31]. Barriers related to stakeholders and their perspectives were ranked fourth [15], [18], [20], [21], [31], [35], highlighting the general lack of professional skills and expertise [20], [21] in the construction industry that would adequately provide a strong business case for SC [15].…”

“…Furthermore, cost-related barriers related to the poor performance of the economy [35], [40] mean that an increased risk is associated with adopting and investing in sustainable alternatives in the construction industry [21], [31]. Barriers related to stakeholders and their perspectives were ranked fourth [15], [18], [20], [21], [31], [35], highlighting the general lack of professional skills and expertise [20], [21] in the construction industry that would adequately provide a strong business case for SC [15]. Stakeholders are more likely to pursue traditional procurement methods [31] to avoid the additional responsibilities required to implement SC practices, and to manage the conflicting and competing targets of their organisations' business aims [35].…”

“…Barriers related to stakeholders and their perspectives were ranked fourth [15], [18], [20], [21], [31], [35], highlighting the general lack of professional skills and expertise [20], [21] in the construction industry that would adequately provide a strong business case for SC [15]. Stakeholders are more likely to pursue traditional procurement methods [31] to avoid the additional responsibilities required to implement SC practices, and to manage the conflicting and competing targets of their organisations' business aims [35]. The barriers ranked as being the fifth most important factor to consider when adopting and implementing SC illustrate the important role that government has to play.…”

“…A lack of building codes and regulation [43], the bureaucracy of governments [17], and a lack of sustainable performance tools [18] further hinder the adoption and successful implementation of SC. [15], [16], [19], [21], [24][25][26][27][28][29], [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] 17 Lack of understanding of SC [16], [17], [19], [21], [24][25][26], [30], [34], [39] 10…”

“…Lack of training and education in SC [17], [19], [21], [22], [24], [26], [31], [35], [38], [42], [43] 11…”