Modelling International Project Feasibility of Sustainable Construction Management: Case Study of Tele-Communication Towers

Abstract

This paper presents a new conceptual model for feasibility study of projects incorporating sustainability criteria. Large construction projects have an important influence on the attainment of sustainable development indices. Some of these projects particularly in developing countries have not sufficiently considered sustainability issues even with the participation of international companies in these projects during the feasibility phase as well as other phases such as design and operation. Previous studies have not addressed the relevance of the project feasibility phase in terms of sustainability performance. This paper is a result of the initial stages of an on-going study to develop a rigorous model of construction feasibility with sustainability considerations. Two case studies of similar construction projects were selected from two developing countries. The model for project feasibility study proposed in this paper includes economic, social, and environmental performance criteria in addition to traditional project criteria. The paper suggests there is an urgent need for shifting from the traditional approach of project feasibility study to a new approach embracing sustainability principles.