An Evaluation of the Implementation of Sustainable Construction Practices in the UK: An Analysis of the UK Government’s Role

Deane, Harry; Tokbolat, Serik

Abstract

The UK construction industry is vital to the UK's economy. The industry is a significant consumer of resources and a producer of carbon emissions, waste, and pollution. More so now than ever, it is vital that the construction industry adopts sustainability practices. Literature has outlined the economy, environment, and society as being key elements needed to achieve sustainable development (SD). The construction industry impacts largely on all three of these elements and therefore has a critical role in this endeavour. The UK Government has continued to target the industry by promoting the delivery of sustainable construction (SC) practices through a range of policies and guidance documents. However, considering its history in past failures paired with the ambitious targets which the UK Government is asking of the construction industry, there is a growing concern about whether the UK construction industry will ever actually operate sustainably. The aim of this study was to establish how effective the UK construction industry is in achieving SD whilst reviewing the role of the UK Government. This study utilised a ‘mixed method’ approach to outline both the drivers and barriers impacting the implementation of SC practices within construction-related organisations. As a result, the study has determined the effective approaches used, whilst suggesting recommendations to the Government, the construction industry, and academics. The findings of the research emphasise a need for the Government and construction industry to deliver a more effective collaborative approach towards the sustainability agenda within the UK. Documents need to be well understood and transparency in guidance is needed for the construction industry to adhere to Government regulations. The Government should focus on the cost benefits that can come to organisations that adopt sustainable practices. After all, no business will function without its generation of profits. Cost has been a theme throughout this study and has proven to be the biggest factor that determines the adoption of SC practices. It has been made clear that if SC practices are seen as a risky investment, then construction organisations will choose to avoid adopting them.

Citation

Deane, H., & Tokbolat, S. (2024). An Evaluation of the Implementation of Sustainable Construction Practices in the UK: An Analysis of the UK Government’s Role. In C. S. Goh, & H.-Y. Chong (Eds.), Rethinking Pathways to a Sustainable Built Environment (303-331). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003317890-19

• Publication Date: Dec 27, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 23, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 28, 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 303-331
• Book Title: Rethinking Pathways to a Sustainable Built Environment
• ISBN: 9781032330211
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003317890-19
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/44427136
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/Rethinking-Pathways-to-a-Sustainable-Built-Environment/Chong-Goh/p/book/9781032330211