Authors: Ar. Arjun Sharma, Zuneid Khan
Abstract: This study aimed to assess green building principles, sustainable construction attributes, industry practices, and barriers to sustainable construction implementation as a basis for developing a Sustainable Construction Framework for Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. The study employed a descriptive mixed-methods research design using an explanatory sequential approach. The quantitative phase involved 20 construction professionals and stakeholders, while the qualitative phase involved 10 purposively selected key informants with relevant professional experience in construction, sustainability, and infrastructure development. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions, weighted mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed a generally favorable assessment of sustainable construction among the respondents. Green building principles were generally recognized and practiced, with construction waste management and recycling obtaining the highest weighted mean of 4.80. Sustainable construction attributes were also rated favorably, with promoting worker and community well-being receiving the highest weighted mean of 4.90. Among industry practices, worker training and regular monitoring of project performance for sustainability compliance obtained the highest weighted mean of 4.80. However, significant barriers to sustainable construction implementation were identified. The lack of government incentives, limited availability of sustainable materials, and weak enforcement of environmental policies each obtained the highest weighted mean of 5.00. High initial construction costs, resistance to organizational change, and limited technical knowledge were also identified as significant barriers. Overall, the findings indicate that construction stakeholders recognize the importance and benefits of sustainable construction but continue to encounter financial, technical, institutional, and organizational constraints. The study therefore recommends the development of a localized Sustainable Construction Framework for Nueva Vizcaya that incorporates stronger policy enforcement, capacity-building programs, financial incentives, improved access to sustainable materials and technologies, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainability monitoring mechanisms. Such a framework may contribute to environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially responsive construction practices in the province.
