Sustainability practices implemented in the Indian construction industry: a focus of construction phase

Abstract

The construction industry is crucial to the global economy, significantly contributing to local economies and their overall productivity. This is evident in India also, where the construction sector has substantially driven economic growth and development. However, as this industry grows, it poses a significant risk to environmental degradation. While sustainability in construction industry is often investigated from the perspective of design and planning phases, there is also growing recognition of the importance of addressing sustainability during construction phase. A quantitative approach was utilised to investigate the degree to which sustainable practices during construction phase (SPCPs) are implemented in India. Data was gathered from clients, contractors, and consultants, and 40 responses were obtained from 147 respondents contacted. The level of implementation of SPCPs was ranked, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to test the significant difference in perceptions among the three groups of respondents. The results indicated that five most frequently implemented SPCPs are: (i) health and safety inspection and auditing; (ii) health and safety training and education; (iii) preservation of archaeological sites, vegetation, and trees; (iv) construction equipment/machinery handling and utilisation strategy and (v) quality management systems. Some of the other fundamental sustainable practices that are under-implemented are: (i) construction noise/ vibration reduction measures; (ii) preassembly or off-site fabrication; (iii) sustainability assessment and recognition program and (iv) stormwater and greywater management plan. Findings of this study can provide guidance to construction industry practitioners in identifying areas that require enhancements, thereby fostering a collaborative approach towards advancing sustainable development goals