A strategic framework for sustainable construction in developing countries

Plessis, C D (2007) A strategic framework for sustainable construction in developing countries. Construction Management and Economics, 25(1), pp. 67-76. ISSN 1466433X

Abstract

There is no doubt that large-scale development in the built environment and its physical infrastructure is needed in the so-called 'developing countries'. However, these problems need to be addressed in a way that is socially and ecologically responsible. There is great urgency to make sustainable interventions now, while these built environments are being created, rather than try and change things after the fact. However, there are a number of challenges to the introduction of sustainable construction technologies and practices, and certain enablers need to be developed to help these countries adopt a more sustainable path. The Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries suggested a strategy for addressing some of these challenges by developing a Research and Development Agenda, based on a matrix of immediate, medium-term and long-term technological, institutional and value enablers. This Agenda is supported by a Stakeholder Plan for Action. The challenge now is to find the means to implement these suggestions at a local level by developing regional and national action plans.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: developing countries; sustainable construction; stakeholder; built environment
Index terms: built environment, developing country, physical infrastructure, research and development, scale development, sustainable construction, strategy
Subjects: sustainable construction, management, development economics, infrastructure and transport systems, measurement and scaling, research management
Topics: Business Strategy, Sustainability, International Construction, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Urban Studies
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

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