Towards Ecological Sustainability in Renovation Projects Challenges and Factors for Success from a Project Management Perspective

Abstract

Material extraction, building, and demolition are all contributors to the major climate impact of the construction industry. Therefore, the environmental awareness and requirements in the sector are continually increasing and so is the focus on ecological sustainability. To reduce emissions and achieve an improved ecological sustainability in building projects, renovation, and project management are two important aspects to consider. Hence, the thesis investigated challenges and factors to succeed with ecological sustainability in renovation projects, from a project manager’s perspective in a client organisation. The research is conducted through a literature review and empirical study. The empirical data collection is performed at a real estate company via interviews, a focus group and participant observations. The main findings are the identified challenges, such as the scope of sustainability work, resistance to change, and that project managers often have limited time and cost. Further challenges are lack of knowledge, missing guidelines in renovation projects, and lastly, lots of and diffuse responsibilities. In order to meet these challenges several critical factors were recognised. The study shows that defining, repeating, and exemplifying ecological sustainability is crucial for a successful implementation in projects. Also, the importance of exchanging information and experience, explaining measures, and examine opportunities with sustainability is highlighted. Finally, the aim with the critical factors is to function as recommendations to facilitate project managers sustainability work in renovation projects.