The Role of Contractors in Reducing Carbon during Construction – A Preliminary Study

Construction contractors have been touted to be a major player in reducing carbon emissions during the construction process due to their role in bringing building designs to life. Also, various carbon reduction strategies have been highlighted in assisting contractors in reducing the carbon emitted while carrying out construction activities. However, it is believed that contractors are quite reluctant to adopt these strategies for several reasons, such as a possible increase in cost and being contradictory to their existing construction procedures. This paper, therefore, aims to highlight the report of a preliminary study done through the adoption of a systematised review approach in synthesising literature to understand what the evidence is as regards how contractors contribute towards the reduction of carbon during building construction activities. The findings reveal that there is a paucity of research in this research area as only 12 papers were found relating to the focus of this study. The analysis of these papers revealed eight possible ways (e.g. adoption of lean management principles, adoption of eco-hauling concept, and utilisation of modern digital tools) in which contractors contribute to carbon reduction during building construction projects. The findings of this study will benefit contractors looking for a suite of measures to implement in reducing their building construction project carbon footprint while also serving as a piece of foundational knowledge in the research area of carbon reduction during building construction projects. Lastly, a future study area worth exploring is proposed.