Green building adoption in Qatar: PLS-SEM-based analysis of drivers and barriers

Purpose The study is about conducting a quantitative inquiry of the drivers that facilitate and barriers that hinder the adoption of Green Buildings (GBs) in Qatar. This will help pave the ground for increased GB development in Qatar. Design/methodology/approach Using previously published studies, 21 barriers and 14 drivers related to GB development are identified. Based on the findings of a questionnaire survey involving 102 construction industry experts, the significance of GB drivers and barriers in the case of Qatar is determined. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis is conducted to determine the significance of relationships of drivers and barriers for GB adoption in Qatar. While conducting PLS-SEM analysis, drivers and barriers have been aggregated and subsequently analyzed across 4 and 5 constructs, respectively. Findings While all the driver constructs are interrelated, only drivers related to economic and cost benefits have a significant relationship with GB adoption. Also, in case of barriers, only the barriers related to fear of extra expense and additional work have a significant relationship with GB adoption. Research limitations/implications Based on the relationships of drivers and barriers identified, recommendations are provided for increased uptake of GBs in Qatar. The study findings will enable decision-makers to ease the process as well as initiate policymaking for increased GB adoption. Theoretically, the findings of this study will contribute to the growing knowledge of GB projects. Originality/value GB development is highly contextual in terms of the region of development. In-depth studies on GB drivers and barriers have been missing for Qatar and this gap is filled by this study.