Application of the theory of planned behaviour to assess the impact of the intention of architects, designers, and engineers regarding the usage of sustainable construction materials (SCM) in India

Abstract

Abstract The present interdisciplinary (psychology and architecture) study was conducted to assess the impact of intention on the behaviour of architects, designers, and engineers related to the recommendation and usage of sustainable construction materials (SCM). The authors employed the theoretical framework of planned behaviour (TPB) on sustainable construction materials usage by different stakeholders and developed a questionnaire based on the same. Fifty-nine architects/designers and engineers filled out the developed questionnaire after giving their written informed consent. The survey was followed by semi semi-structured interview schedule, developed by the researchers. The results demonstrated that the intention to use SCM was present, but it was not reflected much in the actual behaviour. The semi-structured interview schedules findings like attitude, social norms, perceived effectiveness, and value proved to have influenced intention, which in turn influenced actual behaviour. The results of the study were substantiated by themes generated by semi-structured interviews that were conducted with architects, interior designers, and civil engineers which were lack of adequate research on the development of sustainable construction materials, economic constraints, and lack of skilled labourers for construction with vernacular or traditional construction materials. The findings of the study can be used for comprehension and implications for sustainable construction materials usage. In the present scenario, the findings of the study are important as sustainable construction materials are the need of the hour owing to severe climate damage and for resolving unmet challenges of urbanization.