Sustainable Projects Research Articles

Applicability of lean techniques and processes on improving sustainability in construction projects

PurposeThe construction industry is known for its complexity, poor performance and impact on the environment. This study investigates the applicability of lean techniques and processes on improving sustainability in construction projects. A total of ten key lean construction (LC) tools are analyzed for impact on 15 sustainability categories and 78 subcategories. Results are summarized for usability across the three sustainability pillars.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) of articles published over the last 10 years (2014–2023) on lean and sustainable construction is conducted involving planning, identifying, screening, analyzing and reporting phases. Selected 41 articles are reviewed in detail. For reporting, the applicability of LC tools is critically analyzed and ranked according to impact on sustainability over two project stages.FindingsLiterature suggests that the impact of LC on economic waste reduction or social impact is likely to have an impact on environmental sustainability as well. Overall, the top LC tools for improving sustainability in construction include value stream mapping (VSM), just-in-time (JIT) and 5S. The applicability of the LC tools is more prevalent in the “construction phase” of construction projects than the “planning and design” phase.Originality/valueThis study analyzed ten lean tools through SLR and evaluated their impact on construction sustainability. By assessing the challenges and benefits associated with LC tools, the outcomes of the study support the adoption of LC by stakeholders. The paper also proposed a practical implementation strategy for LC tools to enhance sustainable construction.

Knowledge and awareness of corporate social responsibility in water projects in Narok, Kenya

This paper explored awareness and knowledge of CSR water initiatives in Narok, Kenya. It assessed stakeholder awareness and knowledge and aimed to identify gaps in CSR communication in water issues. A descriptive design was used, and data was collected from purposively selected key informants and focus group discussions (FGDs) across the vast county. The findings revealed limited awareness by individuals and beneficiary groups on corporate social responsibility activities through local community leaders, local media, interactions, and friends and acquaintances. Community members were not informed about CSR water project efforts and their impact, limited awareness of CSR in water issues, engagement, awareness and misconceptions about CSR goals, benefits, and stakeholder roles. The study concluded that there was low knowledge and awareness of community water projects in Narok. It recommended targeted awareness campaigns through social media, radio, and print media, educational programs, regular feedback for transparency and trust, sharing impact reports and success stories for project value and local partnerships for awareness, training and empowerment. Recognising active members, conducting thorough monitoring and evaluation, respecting customs and cultural values, and involving minority groups will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of CSR community water projects.

Leadership Styles of Community Leaders and Sustainability of Community Development Projects in Southwest, Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between the leadership styles of community leaders and the sustainability of community development projects in Southwest, Nigeria. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 300 community leaders and 1,500 community members across 60 communities in Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states. The study identified autocratic leadership as the predominant style among community leaders in the region, followed by pseudo-democratic, with transformational leadership being the least adopted. Findings indicate a low level of sustainability for community development projects, attributed partly to leadership styles that may not effectively motivate community participation and project longevity. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression, reveal a significant positive relationship between leadership styles and project sustainability. Specifically, transformational leadership style emerged as the most significant contributor to project sustainability, while autocratic leadership showed less contribution. These results suggest that leadership style plays a crucial role in determining the success and longevity of community projects. Recommendations include promoting transformational leadership training for community leaders, fostering participatory decision-making processes, enhancing project management practices, and advocating for policy changes to support sustainable community development initiatives in Southwest, Nigeria. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the dynamics of community leadership and project sustainability in the context of Nigerian communities, offering insights for improving leadership practices to enhance community development outcomes

Satisfaction Assessment of Training in Artificial Intelligence With a Focus on Sustainable Projects for the Amazon

Objective: To list challenges and assess student satisfaction with training in artificial intelligence focused on developing sustainable projects for the Amazon. Theoretical Framework: AI refers to systems that model human intelligence to perform tasks, improving based on collected information. The digital transformation market has seen significant growth, with global investments expected to reach $665 billion by 2023. Method: The applied methodology consisted of a quantitative and qualitative approach. A specific form was used for the demographic study and student satisfaction. Only students who completed the training were included in the research. Results and Discussion: The sample used had a margin of error of 9.40% with a confidence level of 90%. The research conducted with the participants revealed a high satisfaction rate, with 98.1% of students declaring themselves satisfied or very satisfied with the offered training. Research Implications: The research revealed several important aspects of the training provided, the difficulties faced by the students, and their satisfaction in carrying out the specific activities of the course considering its various modules. Originality/Value: This training consisted of a pilot project by the Federal University of Amapá in partnership with the International Software Technology Center (CITS) that brings an innovative approach to developing sustainable projects for the Amazon using technical knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and considering high school and elementary school students.

Advancing Sustainability in Rural Water Management: Insight from Chaurjahari Municipality, Nepal

This study delves into the major problems affecting the sustainability of community water supply schemes in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum (West) District, Nepal. Employing a combination of explanatory, descriptive, and qualitative research designs, the study utilized primary data collected via structured questionnaires from field observations and secondary data sourced from local government offices and existing publications. The selected study area included five water supply schemes representative of the municipality's diverse demographic and environmental contexts. The research uncovered several critical sustainability challenges such as management inefficiencies, inadequate community engagement, and insufficient maintenance practices. It also examined the functionality of water supply systems through various indicators, evaluated sustainability issues at different project phases (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction), and analyzed the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents. Ethical considerations focused on respecting local customs and maximizing participant benefits were strictly followed. The findings emphasize the need for robust community involvement, enhanced capacity building, and improved management practices to ensure the sustainability of water supply projects. By addressing these key issues, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in rural water management and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in similar contexts.

Preliminary Optimization of Concrete Paving Mixtures for Sustainability and Performance

Greater sustainability in concrete construction projects generally requires higher replacement of portland cement clinker-based binder materials with byproduct supple-mentary cementitious materials (SCM’s). There may be serious constructability-related performance side effects of such concrete mixtures, however, including delayed setting, slower strength gain, and increased sensitivity of the mixture to changing temperatures. Related impacts for paving applications may include placement and finishing issues, cracking, surface profile and durability concerns, and various other quality and scheduling implications. Mix designs often require more aggressive chemical admixture use and performance side effects are difficult to predict and manage. A protocol is presented for the evaluation of materials and preliminary optimization of proportions that can help maximize practical SCM use in concrete paving mixtures while approximating the performance of traditional mix designs. An approach using simple thermal profile testing of paste mixtures in the lab is presented and used to show how these influences can be understood and managed.

A Double Layered Photocatalytic Concrete Pavement: A Durable Application with Air-purifying Properties

Photocatalytic concrete constitutes a promising technique to reduce a number of air contaminants such as NOx and VOC’s, especially at sites with a high level of pollution: highly trafficked canyon streets, road tunnels, urban environment, etc. The use of a double layered concrete (or two lift concrete) provides a durable solution by allowing the insertion of photoactive TiO2 in the top layer of the concrete pavement and recycled concrete aggregates in the bottom layer, without jeopardizing the durability of the pavement. In contact with light, the TiO2 is activated and able to reduce different pollutants in the air. A double layered concrete with photocatalytic materials in the top layer has been constructed in March 2011. This was done in the framework of a broader environmental sustainability project ECO2PROFIT, which deals with reduction of the emission of greenhouse gasses and sustainable production of energy on industrial estates in the frontier area between Flanders and Holland. This paper focuses on the construction of the double layered concrete in Wijnegem and on the influence of different parameters on the photocatalytic efficiency of the pavement.

Applying the PRiSM™ Methodology to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Using Sustainable Project Management Practices in Organizations

Sustainability has become crucial in today’s business landscape. Customers, suppliers, partners, and investors are increasingly demanding that companies be aware of their impacts on the environment and society. Achieving sustainability in business operations, including social, economic, and environmental aspects, is one of the major challenges for companies today. Integrating sustainability into project management fosters the development of more sustainable and responsible projects, considering environmental, social, and economic aspects. This integration allows for benefits such as risk and operational cost reduction, strengthening of the company’s reputation, and gaining stakeholders’ trust. This study takes an exploratory approach, focusing on a pilot test to investigate how the PRiSM™ (Projects Integrating Sustainable Methods) methodology can be applied in a business context to assess the level of maturity of sustainable project management practices and thus raise awareness of the importance of these issues. PRiSM™ was developed by GPM® Global (Global Project Management, Lees Summit, MO, USA) in 2013 to help organizations integrate project processes with sustainable initiatives and it is based on the P5 Standard, which incorporates tangible tools and methods to manage the balance between finite resources, social responsibility, and delivery of sustainable project outcomes. Based on the PRiSM™ methodology and the P5 Standard (2nd Edition), a comprehensive questionnaire was developed under the Portuguese Project Management Observatory® to assist companies in assessing their performance in terms of sustainable practices, resulting in a sustainable maturity level. The questionnaire aimed to evaluate companies in four impact categories: product/process impacts, social impacts, economic impacts, and environmental impacts. The results, obtained from 30 respondents, indicated that the majority of organizations achieved medium-level ratings, with an overall average of 65%. However, some still showed unsatisfactory performance, with a minimum score of 14%, indicating there is still a long way to go for the full integration of sustainability. Based on participants’ feedback, the study found that many recognized the importance of sustainability but were unaware of how to integrate sustainability practices into their project management activities, highlighting the importance of promoting education and raising awareness about sustainable project management practices. The findings, while based on a limited sample, provide valuable initial insights into the potential of PRiSM™ to foster sustainability in project management. This research underscores the need for further studies to expand and validate these preliminary conclusions.

Impact of Urban Flood Management on the Values of Properties in Ibadan, Oyo State

This study investigated the impact of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) on property values in 17 priority project sites across Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Urban flooding has been a long-standing challenge in Ibadan, causing substantial damage to property and infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas, which has led to declining property values. In response to the 2011 floods, the Oyo State government, with World Bank support, initiated the IUFMP to mitigate flood risks through drainage construction, river channelization, and early warning systems. A survey research design was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data was gathered from 383 respondents, including homeowners, tenants, estate surveyors, and key project officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while key informant interviews provided insights into project sustainability and management. The study found that 54.8% of respondents strongly disagreed that the IUFMP led to an increase in capital property values, with a mean score of 1.82, and 53% strongly disagreed that rental values increased, with a mean score of 1.89. Furthermore, 66.8% of respondents disagreed that property purchases had increased (mean: 1.48), and 74.4% disagreed that the filthiness in the areas had reduced (mean: 1.26). Thematic insights from key informant interviews revealed positive project outcomes, including improved flood resilience and enhanced livelihoods. However, significant challenges in fostering community engagement and ensuring sustainable environmental benefits were identified. The study concludes that while the IUFMP has successfully reduced flooding and improved infrastructure, its impact on property value appreciation remains limited. It recommends sustainable strategies, including enhanced community involvement, to maximize the long-term benefits of the project.

Project Management As A Sustainability Strategy For the Third Sector in The Northern Region of Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to understand the reasons why Third Sector organizations use or not projects as a tool for financial support; what are the sources of funding, as well as to present the importance and feasibility of using Project Management as a Sustainability Strategy to transform challenges or conflicting situations into solutions for organizations active in the North of Brazil. Theoretical Framework: The theme was subdivided into: Organizational Management, Projects, Sustainability through Projects, Third Sector Organizations and Third Sector in the North of Brazil. Method: Research of a descriptive nature, with a quantitative qualitative approach; methodological procedures and field research were the pillars that guided the analysis of the collected data. The data collection tool was an electronic questionnaire with objective and subjective questions. Results and Discussion: The information presents a discrepancy in the Third Sector scenario relevant to the realization or not of projects for sustainability, considering the possibilities of fundraising in the national and international spheres; public and private. Health and Social Assistance raise funds through projects, while Education uses its own resources. Research Implications: The research provides discussion about raising funds through projects, considering the availability of resources and the gap in acquisition by the Third Sector. In this sense, project management is understood as a strategy for sustainability and transformation. Originality/Value: Contributes to the motivation for raising resources for sustainability through projects.

Examining the relationship between project governance and project success: The moderating role of sustainable project management and stakeholder engagement

Este artículo tiene como propósito discutir teóricamente la relación gestión de proyectos y éxito en los proyectos mediada por la gestión sostenible de proyectos y el compromiso de los grupos de interés, debido a la poca exploración que ha tenido en la literatura sobre gerencia de proyectos. Esta discusión se realiza alrededor de los hallazgos investigativos relacionados con estos cuatro constructos, a partir de los cuales se argumenta que la escuela de la sostenibilidad en gestión de proyectos permite la renovación del campo de la gerencia de proyectos. La literatura previa sobre la relación entre la gobernanza del proyecto y éxito del proyecto tiene hallazgos contradictorios. Estos hallazgos denotan una brecha para examinar los efectos de moderación de las prácticas de gestión de proyectos sostenibles y el compromiso de los stakeholders. De acuerdo con los antecedentes estudiados, se puede argumentar que existe una falta de comprensión en la literatura existente relacionada con la gobernanza del proyecto y el éxito del proyecto. Por tanto, en este artículo se expone la influencia del compromiso de los grupos de interés y de las prácticas de gestión de proyectos sostenibles en la relación entre gobernanza del proyecto y éxito del proyecto. Finalmente, se ofrecen algunas implicaciones teóricas, empíricas y prácticas.

Effectiveness of a Series of Road Humps on Home Zone Streets: A Case Study

Traffic calming measures are implemented more and more often in residential districts as part of home zone sustainability projects. For economic reasons, road humps are the most commonly used traffic calming measures to slow down the traffic within the home zone. Prefabricated units or concrete pavers are the materials of choice for their construction. The studies carried out so far on many different road hump types covered the effect of height, approach/departure ramp inclination(s), and intervals between successive humps on the final speed and the safety of road traffic. The impacts of braking before and acceleration after passing a hump on the pavement and the effect of the associated shocks on the riding comfort of both drivers and passengers and vehicle suspension were also investigated. What is missing in the available literature is information on the slowing effect of road humps depending on the longitudinal gradient of the street and the street’s landscaping. This article is intended to fill this gap by presenting the results of speed surveys carried out on three selected two-way streets located in home zones with different longitudinal gradients and a few humps of different designs that are placed at different intervals. Speeds were measured both before and after each of the successive humps. The “after” speeds were found to depend not only on the hump type and parameters but also on the direction of travel, vertical alignment of the street, parking location, and orientation of the parking space relative to the road axis.

Sustainability of Infrastructure Development in Indonesia: A Legal Analysis of Price Adjustments in Construction Contracts

This study examines the mechanism of price adjustments in construction contracts in Indonesia from philosophical, juridical, and practical perspectives. The background of this issue stems from fluctuations in construction material prices, which often threaten the sustainability of infrastructure projects. To address this issue, this study aims to analyze the philosophical foundations and legal doctrines underlying the price adjustment mechanism, evaluate the regulatory framework in Indonesia, and formulate recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms. Employing a juridical-normative research method, this study analyzes the principle of contractual fairness and the doctrine of rebus sic stantibus as the foundation for price adjustments. The results show that Law Number 2 of 2017, Presidential Regulation Number 16 of 2018, and their implementing regulations have regulated the mechanism of price adjustments; however, their implementation still faces obstacles in the form of administrative complexity and transaction costs. To increase the effectiveness of this mechanism, the standardization of price adjustment clauses referring to international best practices, such as the FIDIC contract standards, is needed. In addition, optimization of a digital technology-based price information system, capacity building for stakeholders, and development of effective dispute resolution mechanisms, mainly through arbitration, are necessary. In conclusion, this study affirms that harmonising philosophical foundations, legal doctrines, adaptive regulations, and effective dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms is the key to optimizing price adjustments in construction contracts to support the investment climate and sustainable infrastructure development in Indonesia.

The nexus between the financial development and CO2 emissions: fresh evidence through time–frequency analyses

Climate change and environmental degradation threaten the world and global economic conditions. As one of countries’ most important economic components, the financial sector might be an effective tool for reducing and even reversing environmental degradation. The financial sector can affect sustainability through its lending and investment practices. The sector can play a role in financing sustainable projects and businesses, helping reduce CO2 emissions. By aligning its financial objectives with environmental protection, the financial sector can support the transition to a more sustainable future by helping reduce environmental degradation’s negative impacts. This paper examines the domestic financial sector’s impact on CO2 emissions in the United States over the 1990:Q1–2022:Q3 period. In this research, the nexus between the domestic financial sector (total debt securities, loans, liabilities, and total financial assets) and Carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. is investigated by Morlet wavelet analysis. Rest of the world: sector discrepancy transactions, rest of the world: debt securities and loans, gross domestic product, and the square of the gross domestic product, are control variables in the estimated models. Partial wavelet coherency analyses prove that the financial sector reduces CO2 emissions at the 5–8-year frequency band during different subsample periods. The financial sector’s instruments can be effective in struggling with climate change.

A role paradigm shift in project management: investigating the project manager competencies required by sustainable project management

PurposeAs project managers are in the central position of sustainable project management (SPM), their competencies become an important factor that affects the outcome of SPM. However, literature lacks a clear description of the project manager competence system required by SPM. The purpose of this study is to explore what competencies are required by sustainable project management and analyze the hierarchy and attributes of these competencies.Design/methodology/approachAiming to address the problem, several methods were applied in this study. First, with a literature review, semi-structured interviews and Delphi technology, 23 project manager competencies required by SPM are identified. Second, the fuzzy interpretive structural modeling–matrix impact cross-reference multiplication applied to classification (FISM–MICMAC) method is used to analyze the data from 21 experienced project managers in the construction industry, revealing the hierarchy and attributes of the project manager competency system required by SPM.FindingsThe results indicate that the project manager competency system required by SPM includes nine micro levels. According to the nature of the competencies, these nine levels can be summarized into five macro levels. Furthermore, all competencies can be divided into three categories: independent, autonomous and dependent.Originality/valueThis study not only provides project managers and scholars with a further understanding of project manager competencies but also helps contractors make informed and objective judgments in the selection and/or appointments of project managers who have the appropriate competencies for SPM.

Oral hygiene of stroke patients in a stroke unit: a best practice implementation project.

People with stroke are at risk of poor oral hygiene caused by neurological deficits, which can be motor, sensory, or cognitive. Good oral hygiene has been shown to reduce adverse events and improve the patient's quality of life. Although nurses recognize the benefits of oral hygiene, evidence shows that this area of care is frequently overlooked. This evidence implementation project aimed to improve oral hygiene in stroke patients through the application of best practices. This project was conducted in a stroke unit in a hospital in northern Portugal. The project followed the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit, feedback, and re-audit process. Four audit criteria were used in the baseline and follow-up audits. Observation of nursing care and analysis of nursing records were used to assess current practice against best practice recommendations. Nurses were engaged in the project through brainstorming to identify barriers, co-create strategies to address the barriers, and ensure project sustainability. The baseline audit revealed low compliance with the four audit criteria. The follow-up audit showed increased compliance, with Criterion 1 improving from 0% to 100%, with all nurses receiving training on oral hygiene assessment and management. Compliance increased by 40% for Criterion 2 and 36.7% for Criteria 3 and 4, respectively. The project successfully promoted compliance with best practice recommendations and increased evidence-based practice for oral hygiene in patients with stroke in a stroke unit. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A302.

Empowering Sustainable Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Goals Through Industry 5.0 Implementation

ABSTRACTThe transition to Industry 5.0 represents a significant transformation in the global industrial landscape, combining advanced technology with human creativity to promote sustainable development. This study investigates the potential of Industry 5.0 to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within sustainable infrastructure projects, addressing a critical gap in existing research concerning its practical applications and outcomes. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM), the study analyzes data collected from 150 construction professionals in Egypt, focusing on key enablers such as digital transformation skills, eco‐innovation, and proactive governmental support. The results demonstrate that these Industry 5.0 enablers significantly enhance environmental resilience, social inclusivity, and economic efficiency in infrastructure projects. The research offers a novel theoretical framework and empirical evidence on the constructive role of Industry 5.0 in achieving sustainable infrastructure outcomes, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academic researchers. These findings highlight the potential of Industry 5.0 to drive innovation that aligns with the SDGs and fosters sustainable, human‐centric development.

Identification and Mitigation of Risk Factors in the Implementation of the Probolinggo-Banyuwangi Toll Road Project Package 2

This study focuses on identifying and mitigating risks associated with constructing the Probolinggo-Banyuwangi Toll Road Project Package 2, a vital segment of Indonesia's Trans-Java Toll Network. The background highlights the project's significance in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic growth alongside the challenges it faces from technical, managerial, financial, social, and environmental factors. This research aims to identify critical risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. The methodology involves data collection through interviews, surveys, and document analysis, prioritizing risks based on their probability and impact. Key findings reveal that delayed delivery, rising material prices, and lack of skilled labor are the most significant risks, demanding targeted mitigation strategies. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of implementing real-time risk monitoring systems, improving logistics coordination, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, particularly with government agencies. By prioritizing critical risks and developing comprehensive mitigation strategies, this research contributes valuable insights for managing complex infrastructure projects, ensuring project sustainability and success.

Enhancing sustainable construction decisions: integrating BIM and VR for circular economy assessment

ABSTRACT The significant environmental impact of the construction industry requires a shift towards sustainable practices and circular economy (CE) processes. BIM-based VR has demonstrated great potential for allowing project teams to visualize and understand the complexity of projects and can be used early in the design process to establish a circularity perspective during the decision-making processes. This paper presents a framework named ‘DecideCircular’, which combines BIM and VR to enhance the selection of construction products and materials under a circular approach by providing an immersive and interactive solution. Employing a Design Science Research methodology, the study outlines the conceptual model approach together with the relevant indicators to include in the selection of construction products. Then, the framework is implemented in existing software and evaluated through a case study. Within the VR environment, stakeholders are able to check the different metrics (environmental, social, circularity and economic) of the building products and the entire building to optimize them in alignment with project objectives and sustainability considerations. The results demonstrate that the DecideCircular framework significantly enhances the accessibility and comprehensibility of CE-related information, leading to more informed and sustainable construction decisions.

Enhancing sustainable project success: criteria considered by oil and gas project managers for efficient and effective project delivery

Enhancing sustainable project success: criteria considered by oil and gas project managers for efficient and effective project delivery