The Perception of Sustainable Design and Construction: Case Study of Construction Students at Two Universities

Sustainability can be an idea, the nature of a living system, a production method, or a way of life. It has become a complex term that can be used in a variety of ways. In the 21st century, environment and energy utilization have become a critical concern. Excessive energy use and rapid urban development have caused significant problems in our living environment. Air pollution, the greenhouse effect, climate change, a series of environmental issues, make people think about saving our community and the environment. Environmental awareness is a driving force behind sustainable design and construction. Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health and comfort of building occupants. It is a design method that conforms to the sustainable management of the economy, society, and ecology. Sustainable design and construction are the practice of creating structure and using environmentally responsible and resource-efficient processes throughout the life cycle. This research aims to analyze the students' perception of the Sustainable Design and Construction (SDC) in the construction management program at two universities. This study investigates the perceptions of construction management students: what they think about sustainability and how education affects their thought relative to SDC. This study involved conducting surveys with different levels of construction management students. As a case study, this research relies on a questionnaire-based approach and statistical analysis. Survey data were collected using a convenience sample of construction students at two universities. Initial findings suggest that students' value on SDC. However, they perceive that the primary sources of information are work and social media rather than formal higher education. Such research outcomes can help educators to better implement SDC into respective curricula in the future.