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SUBSTAINABILITY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A SYSTEMATIC
REVIEW OF LITERATURE.
Igamova Shaxinya Zikrilloyevna,
Associate professor ,PhD
Asia International University
Abstract:
The construction industry has faced criticism for its negative environmental impacts.
To mitigate these effects, the industry has been striving to implement sustainable practices across
its entire production chain. This study aims to conduct a quantitative bibliometric analysis using
meta-analysis methodology and, subsequently, evaluate the selected articles through qualitative
methods in the field of sustainability in civil construction. For this purpose, a search was
performed on the Web of Science, utilizing a set of keywords followed by a filtering process,
ultimately resulting in a review of 433 articles published over 18 years. The VOSviewer software
was employed for the quantitative analysis of the collected documents. The findings highlighted
a scarcity of quantitative methodologies for assessing sustainability in the construction sector.
This research outlines the evolution of studies, key focus areas, prominent environmental
certifications, widely used assessment methodologies, and the distribution of work stages
covered in the literature. The primary contributions identified include the main research areas—
materials, project management, sustainability assessment, and energy. The most frequently used
methodology was Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), while Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) emerged as the most referenced certification. It was observed that environmental
aspects are more frequently studied than social and economic sustainability pillars. Additionally,
most articles focus on the planning and execution stages of construction, whereas studies on the
operation and maintenance phases remain limited. These insights provide a valuable reference
for future research in the field.
Keywords:
Sustainability, civil construction, bibliometric analysis, meta-analysis, quantitative
methods, environmental impact, life cycle assessment (LCA), LEED certification, project
management, energy efficiency, sustainable materials, planning, execution, operation,
maintenance.
The construction industry plays a significant role in the global economy, contributing
approximately 13% to the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) [1,2]. However, it is also a
major consumer of energy, accounting for 36% of global energy usage and 39% of energy-
related carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions [3]. Given its substantial environmental footprint,
sustainability in construction has become a central concern for governments, industry
professionals, and researchers alike. Yet, true sustainability in construction goes beyond just
environmental considerations—it also encompasses economic factors (such as costs, competition,
and project timelines), social aspects (including worker safety and community impact), and
technical sustainability, which focuses on a structure’s quality, durability, and performance over
time [4]. Like the legs of a sturdy stool, these three pillars—environmental, economic, and
social—must work together to create a well-balanced and truly sustainable construction industry.
Additionally, effective evaluation mechanisms are necessary to assess whether sustainability
goals are being met in construction projects [5].
The construction industry consists of interconnected firms and organizations involved in
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building infrastructure, real estate, and facilities [6]. Interest in sustainability within the industry
gained traction following the First International Conference on Sustainable Construction in
Tampa, Florida, in 1994. From a technical standpoint, sustainable construction aims to
counteract negative environmental effects such as global warming, resource depletion, and
habitat degradation [7]. Applying sustainable principles in construction leads to the development
of high-performance, eco-friendly buildings—commonly known as “green buildings” [8].
Research on sustainability in construction has evolved over time, covering a wide range of topics.
Some studies focus on specific sustainability aspects [9,10], while others attempt to integrate all
three sustainability domains [11–13].
A fundamental idea in sustainable construction is that projects serve as the primary means of
delivering sustainability outcomes. Research in this field spans topics such as value management
in sustainable construction [14], assessing sustainability performance [15–19], incorporating
social sustainability in design and planning [20], and examining the influence of policies on
infrastructure projects [21]. Social network analysis, as well as sustainability and equity theories,
have been employed to evaluate social sustainability in construction projects, emphasizing that
meeting the needs of diverse stakeholders is crucial for success [22]. Furthermore, information
and communications technology (ICT) has been identified as a tool for improving sustainability
through process optimization, digital communication, and enhanced project control, particularly
in countries such as Iran [23].
More recently, a comprehensive literature review analyzed two decades of research on
integrating sustainability into project management and execution, categorizing key research areas
into themes such as motivations, stakeholder perspectives, organizational dynamics, project
timelines, benefits, challenges, and risks [24]. The findings suggested that many companies
adopt sustainable practices voluntarily, without external pressure, though government regulations
and societal expectations also play a major role in shaping sustainability efforts. The review
called for further research on sustainability motivations across a broader range of stakeholders,
the integration of sustainability at the strategic level of organizations, and behavioral barriers that
hinder adoption—factors beyond just economic and technical constraints.
In addition, studies on the relationship between lean construction principles and
environmental sustainability advocate for the integration of lean methodologies into the
operational phase of a project’s life cycle [25]. A separate literature review examined how
Building Information Modeling (BIM), lean construction, and sustainability intersect in
architectural, engineering, and construction projects, finding that BIM and lean principles have
the potential to influence not only design but also construction processes [26]. Overall, the
literature suggests that research on sustainability in construction is still fragmented across
multiple themes. As a result, this study aims to identify existing research gaps in construction
sustainability and propose directions for future studies. A systematic review of literature
published since 2015 was conducted, focusing on top-tier sustainability journals. The analysis
utilized a Research Focus Parallelship Network (RFPN) and Keyword Co-Occurrence Network
(KCON) to (1) pinpoint the primary research areas in sustainable construction and (2) highlight
promising opportunities for further exploration. The findings of this study are intended to guide
researchers in identifying key clusters of sustainability research in construction and direct them
toward impactful areas for future investigation
.
Project management in construction is guided by two well-established frameworks. The first is
the
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)
, which defines project
management as the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to achieve specific
project objectives [27]. The second is the
PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)
methodology, which emphasizes structured processes for initiating, planning, executing, and
managing project activities [28]. While both frameworks provide strategic alignment tools for
achieving project and business objectives, they do not extensively address sustainability or
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environmental concerns. This highlights a critical knowledge gap in sustainable project
management [29].
A construction project aims to develop a specific facility, such as a residential complex or an
industrial plant, based on predefined quality, cost, and time objectives [30]. Unlike routine
maintenance activities, construction projects are high-value endeavors that require extensive
planning and coordination. They involve both spatial data (e.g., blueprints, layouts, and designs)
and non-spatial data (e.g., scheduling, materials, and specifications), which must be managed by
various stakeholders [31].
Construction projects can be classified into three main categories:
Building construction projects
– including residential and commercial buildings,
schools, and office complexes [32,33].
Infrastructure projects
– such as roads, highways, and bridges [33].
Industrial construction projects
– including manufacturing plants and energy facilities
[33,34].
By integrating these classifications with existing project management definitions, researchers
have sought to examine the role of sustainability within construction project frameworks,
particularly in terms of economic development.
Research indicates that efficient construction activities significantly impact national economic
growth. Large-scale construction projects, often requiring long-term investments, are sensitive to
economic fluctuations and may be delayed or suspended during downturns [35]. The economic
influence of major construction projects is assessed based on factors such as job creation, private
investment levels, and wage growth within the sector. These factors also influence the
prioritization of projects [36]. Notably, studies suggest that while construction projects
contribute to economic development, their impact is largely determined by their scale. Projects
of an "extraordinary size" are more likely to have a measurable effect on national or regional
economies, while smaller projects typically have localized or limited economic influence [36].
The research team examined literature related to sustainability, which encompasses multiple key
areas and is typically considered on a global scale. This broad perspective includes ethical issues,
regulatory frameworks, and guidelines that serve as a foundation for organizational decision-
making [37]. Sustainability, and by extension sustainable development, is widely defined as
“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”
[38]. This definition was refined in 2006 to emphasize a
long-term vision where
economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental protection are
interdependent and mutually reinforcing
[39].
Sustainability also includes essential elements such as cleaner production, pollution prevention,
and effective control mechanisms. Additionally, it encompasses ecological design considerations,
such as environmentally friendly structures and building architecture [40]. Due to the evolving
nature of sustainability, new terms and concepts continuously emerge in response to ongoing
advancements [40].
Researchers have distilled the fundamental principles of sustainability into a more focused
framework that aligns with project-based activities. They argue that any human action affecting
the environment should not be assessed solely through economic factors. Instead, sustainable
decision-making must integrate economic, social, and environmental aspects, making
sustainability a valuable tool for guiding economic activities [37].
Despite the lack of explicit references to sustainability within project management frameworks
such as the
PMBOK Guide
and
PRINCE2
[29], sustainability remains a core consideration in
broader organizational management discussions [37]. This suggests that while sustainability is
often viewed as an organization-wide priority, it may not always be effectively incorporated into
project-level activities as a means of achieving sustainable outcomes.[40]
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Figure 1. Frequency of published papers.
Figure 1 shows the distribution of 45 reviewed papers over the last 6 years (January 2015–July
2020). This figure depicts the growing interest of researchers to work in the area of sustainability
in the construction industry. As depicted in Figure 3, there is a growing trend in the number of
papers that deal with sustainability in construction projects. A more than 50% increase in the
number of publications from 2018 to 2019 could be due to the global sustainable development
report, which convinced researchers to study sustainability in more depth and from different
angles. The report called “The Future is Now: Science for Figure 3 shows the distribution of 45
reviewed papers over the last 6 years (January 2015–July 2020). This figure depicts the growing
interest of researchers to work in the area of sustainability in the construction industry. As
depicted in Figure 3, there is a growing trend in the number of papers that deal with
sustainability in construction projects. A more than 50% increase in the number of publications
from 2018 to 2019 could be due to the global sustainable development report, which convinced
researchers to study sustain ability in more depth and from different angles. The report called
“The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development” was released in 2019 and
concludes that “the current development model is not sustainable”. Therefore, current
sustainability achievements are under threat because of increasing social inequalities and
growing deg radation of the natural environment.
Table1.Top10articlesinRFPNclustersbasedoneigenvectorcentrality.
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Drivers of Sustainable Construction
The research team examined key factors driving sustainable construction, revealing that a major
challenge—especially in developing countries—is the lack of information on sustainability
during construction projects [98]. While the construction industry provides essential
infrastructure for economic growth, it also exerts significant pressure on natural resources.
However, sustainability lacks a universal definition, making it difficult to establish a single
approach for all construction projects [99]. Identifying the principles of sustainable development,
as well as the key drivers and barriers to implementing sustainability in construction, is therefore
essential.
As illustrated in Figure 8, sustainability in construction depends on various factors, including
project management methodologies, project complexity, innovation levels, and the adoption of
information technology applications. The success of sustainability initiatives in construction is
measured by the balance between social and economic development and environmental
sustainability. However, environmental considerations tend to be the most visible aspect of
sustainability in construction projects [37]. Despite regional differences in sustainability capacity,
a lack of sustainability reporting in project valuation discourages further investment in
sustainable practices [100]. Even in developed countries like the UK, many construction
companies fail to report sustainability efforts, indicating a lack of deep understanding and
commitment among both office-based and site-based employees [101].
Key barriers to sustainable construction include insufficient knowledge, limited research,
technological deficiencies, and cultural perceptions that undervalue sustainable practices [102].
In developing countries, additional obstacles include inadequate top management support and
weak government enforcement [103]. A study of 25 experienced project managers in Nigeria
further identified challenges such as perceived high costs, lack of knowledge transfer, unclear
sustainability implementation guidelines, client specifications, resistance to change, errors in
execution, and limited infrastructure and facilities [99].
While macro-level strategies and technological advancements have been widely studied in terms
of improving energy efficiency and recycling natural resources, researchers have also explored
the role of individual behavior in sustainability performance at the project level [104]. This
research emphasized the importance of "relationship sustainability" alongside the traditional
project management factors of time, cost, and quality. They found a strong correlation between
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project citizenship behaviors—such as helping behaviors, compliance, initiative-taking, and
responsibility—and the overall sustainability performance of construction projects. These
behaviors are particularly influential in complex projects, where technical indicators alone are
often insufficient to achieve sustainability goals [104].
Beyond individual behaviors, various external factors also drive environmental sustainability in
construction. These drivers encourage firms to adopt renewable resources, minimize waste, and
reduce pollution. In some cases, sustainability drivers overlap with sustainability goals because
they are interconnected [105]. Drivers push firms toward integrating sustainability into their
projects, whereas goals represent the intended outcomes of these efforts [58]. Key sustainability
drivers include environmental challenges, limited natural resources, rising energy prices [106],
stakeholder demands, and stricter environmental regulations [107]. Meanwhile, sustainability
goals often include financial gains, environmental preservation [108], competitive advantages,
and enhanced corporate reputation [109].
A list of 31 identified sustainability drivers includes obtaining ISO 14000 certification [109],
growing consumer demand for green designs, awareness of environmental impacts, the
implementation of environmental management systems (EMS) [110], employee well-being [111],
improved energy efficiency, lower lifecycle costs [112], new market opportunities, and stronger
partnerships [113]. The economic benefits of sustainability—such as financial savings and
reduced lifecycle costs—can function both as sustainability drivers and as outcomes of
sustainable construction practices.
For social sustainability, internal organizational factors play a significant role in influencing
performance [114]. Researchers applying the resource-based view (RBV) framework highlighted
the link between construction firms and the natural environment, emphasizing continuous
improvement as a means to achieve social and environmental sustainability. Business innovation
is a key driver of social sustainability, enabling firms to advance from their current technological
state to a more sustainable position [114]. Similarly, technology orientation allows companies to
better address social issues, improve employees' quality of life, and meet client expectations for
higher-quality products at lower costs [115].
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives—both on construction sites and within project
communities—further enhance sustainability efforts [116]. Organizational capabilities also play
a crucial role in helping firms respond to sustainability-related pressures [117]. Strengthening
internal capabilities, fostering innovation, and adopting emerging technologies are essential for
improving social sustainability performance in construction projects [114].
The growing significance of sustainable construction project management can be examined from
multiple perspectives. While construction projects—particularly large-scale or mega projects—
contribute to economic growth, they often raise environmental sustainability concerns due to
material usage and the intended function of the final structure. Many of these projects are
government-funded and designed to stimulate commercial growth, leading to smaller-scale
construction projects that also impact sustainability. Consequently, project managers play a
critical role in sustainability decisions, effectively adding another constraint alongside time, cost,
quality, and scope.
This research highlighted that sustainability considerations are largely absent from existing
project management frameworks. Moreover, it revealed the intricate and, at times, complex
interrelationships that define sustainable construction project management.
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