Analyzing the factors influencing sustainable decision-making of construction contractors
A case study in the Albanian construction industry
F. Baho (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Daan Schraven – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Real Estate Management)
Zhaowen Liu – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management)
D.A. Teigiserová – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management)
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Abstract
This thesis explores the factors that influence sustainable decision-making among construction contractors in Albania. The country has been a candidate for membership of the EU since 2014, and the construction sector is a pivotal part of the economy. However, it is also one of the industries that contributes the most to environmental degradation. This intensifies the urgency of adopting sustainable practices. Nevertheless, the construction sector faces several challenges to sustainable development, including limited access to sustainable materials, the lack of control by government, and financial constraints. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires conducted among Albanian contractors to identify the key determinants of sustainable decision-making. Results revealed that the main factors that influence contractors' decisions were cost, government regulation, material availability, client preferences, and the contractors' experiences. The lack of robust policies was identified as a major barrier, highlighting the necessity for government to establish regulatory frameworks to support sustainability. The conclusion recommends that Albanian policymakers should implement stricter sustainability regulations, allow greater availability of sustainable materials, and increase training and awareness programs for contractors following a EU standard.