Implementing sustainable development in the construction industry: constructors' perspectives in the US and Korea

Abstract Concern about the devastating impacts of on‐site construction processes on the environment (e.g., consumption of energy and materials, generation of waste and dust, and pollution of air and water) has led to a heightened awareness of the need for sustainable construction practices. Constructors in the construction industry in the US and Korea were surveyed on their level of awareness of sustainable construction measures that could be implemented during the actual construction phase, and on their level of preparedness to implement such measures. The results of the survey indicate a fairly high level of awareness of and preparedness for sustainable construction and a positive outlook for the future of sustainable construction in both countries. The results of this study indicate that constructors should have more responsibilities and get involved at an earlier stage of a construction project – during the design phase – in order to exploit their knowledge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.