Opinion of construction professionals for the implementation of sustainable construction strategies

Abstract

The new energy crisis, caused by the current geopolitical destabilization, has made the need to limit our energy consumption more urgent than ever. As the construction industry is widely known to be one of the most energy consuming sectors, this study aims to investigate the influence of construction professionals in implementing sustainable construction strategies, increasing the construction of sustainable buildings and infrastructure, and promoting sustainable investments. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire, addressed mainly to engineers, to investigate their willingness and motivation to enhance the design and construction of sustainable buildings and infrastructure and to promote and expand the use of renewable energy sources. The results of the study showed that almost the vast majority of engineers who participated in the survey use or recommend the use of green materials in their projects. Their motivations are mainly environmental, such as mitigating hazardous air pollutants, also, socially, such as providing healthy living conditions and finally financial, as residents save resources by saving energy. However, a significant number of participants believe that the construction cost of a sustainable building is much higher than the cost of a conventional one and see it as a deterrent reason for involvement.