Barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction in Pakistan: A System Dynamics approach.

Abstract

The construction sector is inherently a complex industry with a high resource usage having adverse environmental effects and has profound social and economic impacts. The construction industries of developing countries like Pakistan face scarcity of resources and energy shortage and require such an approach that negates the ill effects of construction and promote an ecofriendly, equitable social and economic growth. An effective approach in this regard is Sustainable Construction. The first step in the adoption of this approach in Pakistan is the identification of barriers that are impeding its adoption. This research identifies the various barriers in the adoption of Sustainable Construction in context of Pakistan’s construction industry and deciphers the complex causal relationships existing amongst these barriers. Barriers are identified through preliminary questionnaire which incorporates the input of industry professionals as well as the existing literature, afterwards the causal relationship and polarities amongst these barriers are determined through a detailed questionnaire form which a Causal loop diagram is prepared and a System dynamics model is suggested to address these barriers. This research will help in a better understanding of these barriers and their interrelationship thus helping in minimizing or eradicating these barriers and promoting sustainable construction practices in Pakistan.