Thomson, C and El-Haram, M (2014) Potential and implications of sustainability action plans: Lessons from the Greater Middlehaven Regeneration Project. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 4(1), pp. 108-122. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Sustainability action plans are emerging as a management tool to facilitate the delivery of sustainability objectives which are planned, measured and achievable in practice. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential to support an integrated approach to delivering sustainability across the phases of a construction project. A holistic approach to sustainability is promoted which aims to be understandable, managed and aligned with available sustainability assessment methods. Design/methodology/approach: The application of a sustainability action plan is explored in the Greater Middlehaven Regeneration Project (UK). Six key stakeholders were interviewed to consider the rational of its application, structure, role of sustainability assessment and contribution to project development and delivery. Two workshops involving practitioners and experts in sustainable construction explored the implications for the wider context. Findings: A framework around which sustainability can be managed through a series of integrated tailored action plans applied across each project phase was highlighted. Clear benefits were presented in facilitating the sharing of knowledge, communicating aspirations and in providing leadership to project members. Research limitations/implications: The case study enjoys a supportive environment to embed best practice and thus full appreciation of potential barriers to implementation in other contexts was not possible. Practical implications: The research illustrates the need to promote a common sustainability legacy across the project phases and highlights the role of a sustainability action plan in facilitating this consistency. Originality/value: A holistic approach founded on an understandable philosophy remains innovative in practice and explored are its value and implications.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | assessment; case studies; project management; sustainability |
| Index terms: | case study, sustainable construction, workshop, regeneration project, sustainability assessment, integrated approach, philosophy, practitioner, holistic approach, methodology, best practice, construction project, project management, implementation, project development |
| Subjects: | project delivery, contractual arrangements, business, data collection methods, construction type, practitioner, philosophical studies, research methods, economic development, sustainability assessment, sustainable construction, project management theory and practice, production management |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Project Management, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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