Fostering a Sustainable Built Environment by Preparing a Construction Engineering Workforce with Sustainability Key Performance Indicators

Abstract

The built environment is crucial for achieving sustainable development because it accounts for 33% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 40% of energy use, and 30% of natural resource consumption. Sustainable development must consider the triple bottom line and employ measurement methods to track the environmental, social, and economic impacts of construction activities. Sustainability key performance indicators (SKPIs) are crucial metrics for monitoring sustainable development goals (SDGs), aiming to achieve a better, responsible, and more sustainable future for all. As such, educating and training the future construction workforce about sustainability and SKPIs stand as pivotal goals. This study surveyed 85 construction management (CM) students to (1) identify gaps in their knowledge of SKPIs and sustainability; (2) assess the importance of incorporating sustainability topics, including SKPIs, into CM curricula; (3) determine the most effect teaching methods and tools for integrating SKPIs into curricula; and (4) understand the significance of SKPIs for the construction industry (CI) as well as the key indicators to achieve SDGs. This study advocates for a reformed curriculum to bridge the gap in students’ sustainability skills. The findings are valuable to the academic community by fostering academic and professional success, as well as to construction stakeholders aiming for a more sustainable built environment.