Barriers for integrating sustainability into public works in Jordan

Abstract EN

The construction industry in Jordan is considered one of the most important sectors to improve the economic growth and it is responsible for offering jobs, employment and wealth.

Construction industry in Jordan has rapidly developed in the last few years due to the huge public investments and infrastructure projects.

These large projects utilize and consume vast amounts of resources in terms of materials, water, and energy.

Also, they produce large amounts of products which are harmful to the environment and have long term impacts on economy and society.

As a result, there is an increase interest from public sector to address sustainability into its projects due to several challenges which are facing public works.

These challenges are the lack of funds towards public projects, population growth, scarce of water resources, environmental issues, climate change, greenhouse gases which occurred from several sectors and especially from the construction industry.

This paper presents some barriers facing the integration of sustainability into public works which were identified from the content analysis approach.

These barriers were grouped and categorized into six categories and then discussed.

The study concluded that these barriers need to be overcome by set of governmental programs and best practices which these barriers then need to be verified for future work.