Factors for the adoption of green building specifications in China

Wang, W; Zhang, S and Pasquire, C (2018) Factors for the adoption of green building specifications in China. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 36(3), pp. 254-267. ISSN 23984708

Abstract

Purpose: Green specifications are some of the most important strategies for energy saving and describe the best practice in the field of sustainable construction. They have great effects on resource saving and environmental protection. The demand of sustainable construction has spurred the emerging and development of green specifications. However, there are many factors that affect the adoption of green specifications in China. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect the adoption of green specifications in China. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey has been conducted to with major stakeholders in construction area to identify issues concerning the adoption of green specifications in China. In total, 18 variables that affect the adoption of green specifications in were summarized. Then this study uses factor analysis and mean score method to analyze 18 variables which the authors get from the questionnaire. Findings: Using the rank analysis and factor analysis, the variables have been ranked, analyzed and categorized into five independent factors. They are summarized as: green technology and techniques; awareness and attitude; policies and regulations; market; and economics. This study provides a variable reference for policy makers to put forward focused policies and incentives for green specifications implementation and industry practitioners to better understand of green specifications adoption in China. Originality/value: This paper makes a contribution to the understanding of the factors that affect the adoption of the green specifications in China. The results can also contribute to better adoption of green specifications in other developing countries.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: developing countries; factor; green specifications; sustainable development
Index terms: green building, questionnaire, practitioner, regulation, methodology, China, specification, sustainable construction, environmental protection, developing country, survey, strategy, literature review, sustainable development, factor analysis, energy-saving, best practice, implementation
Subjects: energy systems, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, practitioner, business, data collection methods, political science, statistical analysis, environmental engineering, development economics, sustainable construction, contractual condition, Geography, health safety and environment, research methods, management, design practice
Topics: Roles and Professions, Procurement, Governance, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Contract Administration, Design Practice, International Construction
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here