Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)- Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Based Framework for Implementing Sustainable Construction

Abstract

The Construction industry lacks the adoption of sustainable practices due to the non-availability of robust and validated implementation models. This industry is growing in Pakistan but facing the same unique hurdles when trying to be more sustainable. In the existing literature, few studies are carried out in which models are developed and validated separately, thereby providing limited linkages between developed and validated models. To cover the gap, an ISM based model was developed for sustainable construction which is further validated by Structural Equation Modelling. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify sustainable factors. After an extensive review of sustainable practices and relevant papers, 49 factors were initially identified. Subsequently, the selection was refined to 15 critical sustainable factors through expert opinions and frequency analysis. A questionnaire survey for the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) technique was conducted to explore the relationships between these factors, which were later used to develop a model. To validate the developed model another literature review was conducted to identify variables and further tested using SEM techniques. The result shows that government regulations, awareness about sustainability, government incentives, circular economy integration, and integration of bim are the most dependent factors, and factors like designer involvement, role of construction contracts, mechanism for financial payments and availability of sustainable materials are independent factors. The overall model explained R2 66% of the variance with input parameters. For construction industries, this study provides the way forward for the implementation of sustainable construction, and for academia/research this study provides a platform for future refinements and optimization of sustainable practices.