Implementing Sustainable Construction Practices in the Jordanian Housing Industry

Abstract

Sustainable construction practices (SCP) serve as a pivotal strategy in addressing the environmental impacts associated with the built environment. Focusing on the Jordanian housing industry, which accounts for more than 90.0% of construction permits, this research employs the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) to identify and analyze barriers to the widespread adoption of SCP. The FDM, chosen for its efficacy in refining expert information amid uncertainty, provides an iterative and structured approach for converging on complex issues. Through in-depth interviews with eight key real estate developers engaged in a comprehensive research questionnaire, the study illuminates challenges faced by the industry and the role of developers in fostering sustainability. Findings reveal four primary barriers hindering SCP adoption: cultural resistance, financial challenges, limited knowledge among developers, and attitudinal resistance. This research enhances understanding of challenges in the Jordanian housing industry, offering insights for targeted interventions to promote sustainability. Identified barriers provide a robust foundation for strategies aimed at advancing sustainability within the region’s construction sector.

Keywords

• Real estate developers
• resistance to change
• sustainable construction practice
• housing sector
• fuzzy Delphi method