Evaluating sustainability-related deliverables across the construction project lifecycle: a Delphi study

Purpose: While incorporating sustainability principles into construction projects is encouraged, limited research has established links between sustainability objectives and project management competencies across project delivery phases. This study aims to identify and prioritize sustainability-related deliverables during different phases of the construction project lifecycle and determine the project management competencies required to achieve those deliverables. Design/methodology/approach: To actualize this objective, we adopted a Delphi technique to elicit the perspectives of 20 purposively recruited construction project managers. The data were obtained through two iterations of the Delphi questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings: Results reveal that a mix of project management competencies that include planning, organizing, leadership and technical knowledge is required for the successful incorporation of sustainability-related deliverables across different phases of the construction project lifecycle. Originality/value: Besides articulating the prioritization of sustainability-related deliverables across various phases of the construction project lifecycle, the study justified the suitability of certain project management competencies for achieving such deliverables. Based on the findings therein, it is recommended that relevant training be provided toward upskilling construction project managers to better equip them with the relevant competencies for providing these sustainability-related deliverables.