Green and sustainable practices in the construction industry: A confirmatory factor analysis approach

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to differentiate between sustainable and green construction and significantly contribute to empirical investigations related to the impact of green construction factors on sustainable performance and to test the theory of planned behavior in the construction context and empirically assess green construction factors and the performance model. The model incorporates green construction factors that link construction activities with suppliers and customers to support environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 120 construction industry respondents were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, which identified seven green construction factors. Two conformity factor analysis models were created to test the relationship fitness of the components and measure the impact of green construction factors on the sustainable performance of the construction.

Findings

The results provide substantial evidence that shows that the adoption of green construction factors by construction firms leads to improved sustainable performance. The overall perspective of respondents within the construction industry, according to the questionnaire survey, shows that the benefits, such as an improved corporate image and sustainable competitive advantage, increase compliance with customers’ expectations within the construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study covered private construction companies and measured the construction industry professional’s feedback without including the clients.

Practical implications

The results of this study will support the future success of ecological sustainability and green construction initiatives, mainly on enforcement and incentives; moreover, the results of this study will ensure that regulations will cover green practices for all types of projects and will be formally monitored for compliance.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper stems from drawing boundaries between green and sustainable construction and exploring the impact of green management on the sustainable performance of the construction industry. Most of the related previous works have used the concepts of green and sustainability interchangeably, and there is a lack of studies in this regard, particularly in the construction industry.

Citation

Shurrab, J., Hussain, M. and Khan, M. (2019), "Green and sustainable practices in the construction industry: A confirmatory factor analysis approach", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 1063-1086. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2018-0056