Ewuga, D and Adesi, M (2023) Integrating sustainability practices into the Irish construction supply chain: Main contractors' perspective. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(1), pp. 105-122. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: The low level of sustainable practices in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector continues to increase. In driving sustainability practice adoption and implementation, construction-contracting firms have introduced sustainability practices to their supply chain network. This study examines the strategies adopted by large construction-contracting firms in Ireland to integrate sustainability practices into their supply chain. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts the mixed-method approach using questionnaires and interviews to collect data. The relative importance index (RII) was used to analyse the data collected through the questionnaire survey. In terms of theoretical underpinning, the study was positioned in the resourced-based view (RBV) theory, which focusses on the link between a firm's internal characteristics and performance. Findings: The results revealed that, in building a long-term relationship, trust, knowledge of the construction process, commitment, a common goal and mutual support were the key factors considered. While in developing their supply chain, suppliers' assessment and promoting competition in the supply chain were ranked high amongst the mechanisms utilised. Additional findings revealed that long-term relationships with a supply chain organisation have little impact on the project sustainability performance; instead, close collaboration and trust amongst the project team influenced the project sustainability performance. Research limitations/implications: The study focusses only on the main contractor's organisation. Further study will require exploring the supply chain organisations to provide a deeper understanding. Practical implications: The research demonstrates that for construction-contracting firms to contribute positively to sustainability objectives, they will have to collaborate closely with their supply chain. Originality/value: The study provided practical and empirical evidence to guide construction-contracting firms to develop strategies to drive and implement sustainable construction practices.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | AEC; republic of Ireland; strategy; supplier's development; supply chain management; sustainable procurement |
| Index terms: | interview, main contractor, low level, sustainable practice, sustainable construction practice, strategy, commitment, relative importance index, sustainability performance, survey, collaboration, methodology, construction process, questionnaire, evidence, competition, implementation, project team, Ireland |
| Subjects: | sustainability assessment, management, research methods, Geography, sustainable construction, market analysis, sustainable practices, building construction, measurement and scaling, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, risk assessment, practitioner, psychology, contractual arrangements, project delivery |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Site Management, Organizational Design |
| 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