An investigation into the integration process of sustainability into construction project delivery systems

The concept of sustainability has attracted the attention of economic, industrial, and academic communities worldwide. Today, healthy living environments are increasingly under threat; greenhouse gas emissions, raw material consumption, and energy use are rapidly rising on a global scale, while natural resources are being depleted. Under the Paris Agreement, the 2050 climate strategy aims to make the European Union a climate-neutral continent and to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The European Green Deal, announced in 2019, provides a roadmap for combating the climate crisis on a global scale, emphasizing innovation, added value, and employment potential, and encourages the international community in this regard. The construction sector plays a locomotive role in national economies due to its employment capacity and strong links with other industries. Despite its high environmental impact, the sector contributes to social development. Green building certification systems evaluate the sustainability performance of construction projects with a focus on environmental and energy-related criteria, offering a reporting framework for project management. This study aims to examine how sustainability is addressed in construction projects, how it can be shaped within the context of sustainable construction project management and delivery methods, and how sustainability can be integrated into construction project delivery systems. The methodology consists of two components: a systematic literature review and a survey for current state analysis. The review analyzed English-language academic articles published since 2016 via the database www.sciencedirect.com. Findings indicate that the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability are not sufficiently addressed in an integrated manner within project management processes. Survey results further reveal a low level of awareness regarding sustainability in the construction sector. This study is expected to support the transition toward sustainable project management in the construction sector, contribute to the circular economy, and raise awareness among professionals, thereby providing insight for both academic and practical efforts in the field.