Resource-efficient construction: rethinking construction towards sustainability

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the topic of sustainable construction and provide an adequate discussion of the current thinking. Achieving a balance between economic, social and ecological aims is a challenge. Managing and implementing sustainability requires the commitment of all stakeholders and new ways of working, thinking and learning. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of this study consists of a literature review in the research field of sustainable construction and its associated impacts upon the climate, waste production and energy, materials and water usage. The aim is not to provide an in-depth, detailed analysis of specific processes and cases in the construction sector, but to present the need for rethinking sustainable construction in comprehensive terms. Findings – The paper provides insights about the importance of sustainable construction. It suggests that all stakeholders at all stages should commit to sustainability to enable change in perception to start with. Research limitations/implications – Further investigation on methods and techniques and interviews to construction companies will suggest a consistent framework for implementation “real-time”. Practical implications – The paper highlights the importance of a coordinated supply chain action in the construction sector and emphasizes the need for construction companies to train and invest in resource- efficient building methods and practices. This will manage the balance between stability and change. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates the need to study further how resources efficiency can be adopted in the construction sector to further enable sustainability.