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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the CITC (Construction In the Twenty-First Century) Conferences is to facilitate communication between multidisciplinary teams, especially those involved in engineering, management and technology. In this regard, interdisciplinary integration and international cooperation are encouraged. It is the purpose of CITC to provide an international forum for the discussion of topics important to developing new knowledge in construction and engineering disciplines.
PRESENTATION UPLOADS
VIEW ALL OUR CITC-15 PRESENTATIONS BELOW!
ID 17
Integration of BIM technology and building life cycle management on the example of selected analyses
Krzysztof Zima and Damian Wieczorek
Abstract: Building life cycle management is a concept of efficient and effective planning, organizing, managing and supervising the implementation and operation of a building investment, i.e. without unnecessary waste but with the achievement of the expected effects in terms of: environmental, economic and socio-cultural. BIM technology – perceived as Building Information Model / Modeling / Management – is used throughout the life cycle of a building, starting from the moment of formulating construction needs, through planning, construction, use, to its demolition. Advanced BIM dimensions 5D, 6D and 7D extend the traditional 3D model with additional information that supports the management of the life cycle of a building. The 5D dimension concerns cost estimates, the 6D refers to the integration of data related to energy efficiency and the impact of the building on the environment, while the 7D dimension focuses on the management of the operation of the building after it has been put into use. This dimension integrates data regarding, among others: maintenance, technical inspections, operating instructions and guarantees, which enables effective planning and implementation of maintenance activities. This allows, for example, to extend the life of a building, optimize maintenance costs or improve user comfort. The aim of the article is to present the results of selected life cycle analyses of an example building object. The authors performed a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and an environmental life cycle analysis (LCA) in terms of the generated carbon footprint (global warming potential – GWP). Additionally, the authors estimated the value of the equivalent social cost of CO2 emissions (an element of the social life cycle analysis – LCSA) according to the average price of emission allowances in the EU-ETS system. The calculation example is based on selected elements of works in the scope of the construction of maneuvering roads and parking spaces for passenger cars located next to a public utility building.
ID 23
Real-Time Construction Progress Visualization for Enhancing Transparency and Decision-Making in Stakeholder Communication
Joseph Caracillo, Scott Kramer, Junshan Liu, and Mark Tatum
Abstract: This paper explores the benefits of real-time construction progress visualization technologies for enhancing communication and decision-making in the AEC industry and on construction projects. Traditional communication methods, such as meetings and 2D drawings, often fail to effectively convey complex project details, leading to misunderstandings and costly mistakes. This paper examines four key technologies: 360-degree panoramic visualizations, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies offer advantages over traditional information conveyance methods by improving information comprehensibility and providing stakeholders with a clear and accessible visual representation of the project. They enhance engagement by creating more interactive and immersive experiences for stakeholders, regardless of their technical expertise. Real-time visualization technologies also facilitate decision-making, enabling stakeholders to make more informed and proactive decisions based on real-time project data. Additionally, they overcome geographic barriers by allowing remote stakeholders to participate in project discussions and decision-making processes. While implementation hurdles exist, such as cost and technical integration, embracing these technologies is crucial for promoting transparency, collaboration, and project success in the AEC industry.
ID 29
Educating Industry Ready Professionals for Careers in the Construction Sector
Bassam Baroudi & Randy Rapp
Abstract: This paper aims to provide insights into the education of construction industry professionals. This is thought to be important for the appropriate development of future construction industry leaders to meet employer requirements. The study does this by first providing a background on undergraduate construction management programs offered at the tertiary or university level. This gives an understanding on what these students are commonly exposed to in these programs and some insight into their preparedness as supported by the previous research and academic literature. The study flows onto providing practical secondary data from education and industry sources on the topic. This then culminates in a discussion by the authors who are both well experienced in the areas of construction education and practice. The discussion analyses information sourced on various teaching aspects within construction management programs as well as what is deemed important to industry to determine what is required of construction professionals today. The study found that having basic technical and managerial understandings is well understood but there is a growing emergence of the need to further develop graduate knowledge within areas such as soft skills, technology and sustainability with a greater exposure to industry. This paper contributes useful knowledge to educators and industry and concludes with some recommendations on the education of construction professionals.
ID 30
Green Building Assessment Systems in South Africa: Key Indicators and Implementation Barriers
Mayowa Ogungbe, Matthew Ikuabe, Clinton Aigbavboa & Ayodeji Oke
Abstract: Green Building Assessment Systems (GBAS) serve as standardised tools for evaluating environmental performance and promoting sustainability in the construction industry. In South Africa, the urgency for sustainable building practices is heightened by escalating energy demands, water scarcity, and climate change challenges. Despite increasing awareness, the adoption of GBAS remains limited and inconsistent. This study investigates the key indicators employed in GBAS and examines the barriers to their effective implementation within the South African context. A structured questionnaire, informed by existing literature, was administered to construction professionals in Gauteng Province. Sixty valid responses were analysed using Mean Item Score, Standard Deviation, and One-Sample T-test. The reliability of the research instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.924, indicating strong internal consistency. Findings indicate that energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction, and water efficiency are the most critical indicators in current green building evaluations. These reflect the growing prioritisation of resource optimisation and environmental responsibility. Also, the study also identifies significant barriers, including high investment costs, policy enforcement gaps, government support deficiencies, and implementation uncertainties. These challenges highlight the disconnect between awareness and practice, suggesting that adoption is hindered by financial, institutional, and technical constraints. The study recommends the introduction of strong policy frameworks, financial incentives, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the effective adoption of green building assessment systems in South Africa. By identifying key indicators and barriers, this research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and industry practitioners aiming to enhance sustainable construction practices in South Africa.
ID 33
User Satisfaction and Correlation Analysis of
Features in Green Office Buildings
Shalini Sanmargaraja, Olanrewaju Abdullateef, Muhammad Tarique Lakhiar, Chong Hooi Lim, Vignes Ponniah and Anselm Dass Mathalamuthu
Abstract: Buildings account for the majority of global energy consumption, and while traditional technical methods, such as design considerations, continue to be employed to reduce energy use, emerging research highlights the significant role of occupant behavior in achieving low or zero-net-energy goals. Several factors affect a building’s energy use over its lifetime, including climate, equipment efficiency, human interaction, construction details, and thermal performance. Occupant satisfaction with sustainable features also directly influences productivity. This research investigates user satisfaction with sustainable elements in office buildings and examines correlations among different sustainability features. The study specifically evaluates green building features and occupants’ thermal comfort. A survey was conducted among 80 participants during a training program on energy management in a green-certified building. Respondents assessed their satisfaction with nine sustainable building features. Results showed users were generally “satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with all features. Notably, strong positive correlations were found between satisfaction with alternative energy use and both solar energy systems (r = 0.786, p < 0.001) and green rooftops (r = 0.617, p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were found among other sustainable features, indicating that users perceive these elements as interconnected and mutually reinforcing. The findings suggest that green office buildings are viewed as comprehensive environments where sustainability features collectively enhance comfort, environmental quality, and performance. Therefore, designers and developers should prioritize integrated sustainability strategies that simultaneously address multiple features, ultimately improving user satisfaction and promoting more sustainable and productive workspaces.
ID 34
Analysis of the causes of accidents on construction sites in Malaysia: Case Studies of High-rise Buildings
AbdulLateef Olanrewaju, Joe Ann Ng and Shalini Sanmargaraja
Abstract: The Malaysian construction sector ranks third in terms of the number of workplace accidents. It is reported that approximately 100,000 construction workers experience work-related health problems each year. This study was undertaken to investigate the persistent and systemic problems contributing to accidents on the construction sites. Data for the study were collected from five active construction companies using structured survey-interview techniques. The major accident-factors are the lack of adequate training provided to workers, insufficient supervision by site managers, a general lack of awareness or disregard for safety rules and regulations, and poor communication between various personnel on sites, particularly between workers and site supervisors or engineers. These factors combined create an environment where safety is compromised and accidents are more likely to occur. A salient finding emerging from the study is that the majority of reported accidents on construction sites are associated with physical body injuries, indicating a failure to mitigate hazards through preventative measures. From an ontological perspective, the study emphasizes that addressing construction site accidents requires more than administrative controls such as periodic inspections, regulatory compliance, and written safety codes. Instead, it advocates for a behaviour-based safety strategy, that focuses on shaping safety culture, attitudes, and individual responsibility. By the everyday behaviours and safety consciousness of workers, construction firms can significantly reduce the incidence of accidents and foster a safer, more resilient working environment.
ID 38
Evidence-Based Machine Learning Algorithm Selection for Construction Data Analytics: A Systematic Review
Stuti Garg, Vivek Sharma, and Dhaval Gajjar
Abstract: Machine learning (ML) applications within the construction domain lack a structured decision-making framework for algorithm selection based on dataset characteristics and analysis objectives. The study aims to investigate whether evidence-based guidance is being utilized to formulate an ML algorithm selection that accounts for the nature and characteristics of the dataset and the objectives of the analysis. This study establishes empirical groundwork by analyzing the current use of ML methods in the construction industry and exploring potential correlations between algorithm selection, model objectives, and dataset characteristics. A comprehensive literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, searching the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, IEEE, ICONDA, and ASCE databases. Thirty articles meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed for the frequency of use of ML algorithms, the objective of the model, and the selection reasoning for the ML applications. The findings indicated “boosting-gradient-based methods” (25%) as the most frequently adopted algorithms for developing prediction/classification models for datasets pertinent to the construction industry. “Regression” based models were the most widely implemented for prediction models, while “K-nearest neighbor” was most frequently adopted for classification. Primary selection criteria most frequently cited for adopting ML methods included “past use for similar data” (23%). In comparison, 16% of methods were adopted with “no reason” provided, exhibiting a strong reliance on precedent rather than a systematic rationale. The study's results confirmed the absence of a systematic selection approach that directly informs the next phase of the current research. The study’s findings include tabulation of concerns, the analysis of machine learning (ML) methods employed in construction, and their approach to adoption, while underscoring the performance of the algorithms corresponding to the dataset's features and the objective of analysis. This study will benefit future researchers and industry analysts by laying down critical groundwork to formulate an evidence-based ML technique selection mechanism that would map the ML algorithm type to the characteristics of the construction-specific dataset and objectives for decision-making efficiency in the construction domain.
ID 40
Learning Environment using Mixed Reality Information Model
Pavan Meadati, Parminder Juneja, Khalid Siddiqi, and Aslam Hayath
Abstract: Technology became an integral part of Construction Management (CM) students’ life. With further technological advancements, CM students’ usage of the technologies for school related work will continue to grow in future. Students have different learning styles. Engaging these technology savvy students in the learning process with their preferred learning style is a challenging task. The differences in teaching and learning styles result in problems such as disengagement of students and loss of learning aptitude. This active student engagement challenge can be addressed through learning environment created by mixed reality information model (MRIM). It has the potential to serve as a new learning tool that can foster auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning environments and improves the technology savvy students’ engagement.. This learning environment engages students in active learning processes and helps them to focus on their learning. It also encourages students to take more responsibility for their own learning process. It creates ubiquitous learning environment and provides anytime time access which facilitates the students to learn at their own pace and promotes learning beyond the regular classroom boundaries. This paper discusses the framework for the development of a MRIM and its usage to provide conducive learning environment.
ID 52
The Use of Zero Trust Architecture in Construction Data Management: Future Trends and Future Directions
Ornella Tambwe and Clinton Aigbavboa
Abstract: The construction industry has embraced digitalisation to manage project data and monitor project execution and worker performance daily. However, this digitalisation also creates opportunities for hackers to breach networks and conduct malicious activities. Today, data must be protected not only from external threats, believed to be hackers, but also from trusted stakeholders and internal devices to maintain full control. Therefore, this study aims to highlight the use of zero-trust architecture in enhancing construction data management and to identify the latest trends and key themes to increase awareness within the construction sector. The objective was achieved through a bibliometric review using the Scopus database over a four-year period (2021-2025). A bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify emerging trends and themes. This research was limited to Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed literature in the fields of computer science and engineering. The findings indicate a lack of domain-specific literature, suggesting that while ZTA attracts significant attention in computer cybersecurity, science, and engineering, its application in construction remains largely unexplored. The study underscores the need for ZTA in construction data management and security. It is recommended that construction stakeholders adopt ZTA for secure data management throughout the project lifecycle, as this approach remains new to the industry. Additionally, further training and education are necessary to grasp the ZTA's purpose and its implementation. The value of this research lies in mapping the evolution of this research area for researchers and all construction stakeholders. It also provides a foundation for informed ZTA adoption and future investigations within the construction sector.
ID 53
Expert evaluation of project opportunities in oil & gas projects: Transforming a literature review into project priorities
Nikolaos Boukas & Konstantinos Kirytopoulos
Abstract: This study aims to identify a set of significant project opportunities pertinent to oil & gas industry projects, based on expert evaluation of an existing Opportunity Breakdown Structure (OpBS) developed through a prior comprehensive literature review. Seventeen expert interviews were conducted with professionals from the Oil & Gas industry. Each expert reviewed a predefined list of 150 project opportunities and selected those considered significant. The experts’ evaluations led to the identification of 24 significant project opportunities, each achieving at least 50% consensus among the expert panel; notably, two-thirds of the experts selected five project opportunities: standardization of project specifications for major topside equipment and bulk materials, planning of procurement of long-lead items, applying technical innovation or alternative technologies, involving subcontractors early in planning and design phases, and the use of modularization. These 24 opportunities, together with 9 additional opportunities that achieved consensus within specific subgroups of experts formed the set of significant project opportunities. In addition, 6 new opportunities suggested by the experts were set aside for further evaluation. Although the expert interview approach may introduce some bias owing to the selection and background of the participants, the set of identified significant project opportunities provides valuable guidance to industry professionals in prioritizing their efforts and allocating appropriate resources to capture them effectively. The originality of this research lies in the identification of significant project opportunities pertinent to oil & gas industry projects. These opportunities are considered both uncertain events and deliberate choices.
ID 54
Mapping the Digital Shift: A Bibliometric Review of Human
Resource Information Systems and Workforce Optimisation in
South African Construction
Lerato Millicent Aghimien, Nana Akua Asabea Gyadu-Asiedu, and Clinton Aigbavboa
Abstract: Amidst the digital evolution of the construction industry, this study addresses the critical need to understand how Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) enhance workforce training and operational efficiency. Utilising a bibliometric analysis, a systematic literature review of the Scopus database was conducted using keywords including “human resources,” “construction industry,” and “information management,” resulting in a final corpus of 29 relevant documents. These were analysed and visualised using VOSviewer to map prevailing research themes. The analysis identified six dominant thematic clusters: Organisational Integration, Technological Innovation, Digital Integration, Workforce Optimisation, Systems Management, and Operational Efficiency. These clusters collectively reveal a growing academic focus on leveraging HRIS to improve project delivery, strategic decision-making, cost control, talent development, and digital readiness. The findings offer practical insights for construction professionals and stakeholders, demonstrating HRIS's potential to optimise workforce performance, facilitate robust information flow, and align human resource strategies with emergent digital practices. This is particularly salient in developing contexts like South Africa, where skills shortages and demands for accountability make HRIS a vital driver of professional agility and sustainable change. Consequently, this research underscores how HRIS-driven digital transformation is fundamental to building resilient, future-ready workforce strategies, directly contributing to navigating disruption and fostering a sustainable built environment.
ID 55
Stakeholder Management in Mega Construction Projects: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Vasiliki Samikou-Spegka, Theodoros Kalogeropoulos, and Konstantinos Kirytopoulos
Abstract: This paper focuses on stakeholder management in mega construction projects in Greece. Within this context, the aim of the paper is to improve stakeholder management and address potential gaps in the current management practices. The research questions include the challenges arising from the existing stakeholder management processes and how lessons learned can be leveraged to meet the needs of similar projects in the future. The goal is to study the influencing factors of mega construction projects, thereby facilitating more efficient stakeholder management at each phase of the projects. Research findings are analyzed and categorized into nineteen codes and then into three categories: (i) skills, (ii) influencing factors, and (iii) ways to improve stakeholder management methods. Findings mainly highlight the interpersonal relationships with important stakeholders, relations with local authorities, environmental awareness, bridging cultural differences, seeking alternative plans, excellent guidance and training for project members and recognition of the importance and satisfaction of key stakeholders. Following this, lessons learned suggest the necessity of continuous stakeholder engagement, differentiated communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders, and training for project teams. Moreover, the study recommends implementing structured stakeholder management frameworks, including a stakeholder management plan, dedicated stakeholder managers, and standardized processes to replace ad hoc or empirical methods. A practical framework is proposed aimed at enhancing project manager competencies and aligning stakeholder strategies with project phases.
ID 66
Leveraging Industry 4.0 Technologies for Construction and Demolition Waste Management in South Africa
Nonhlakanipho Ntuli, Clinton Aigbavboa, Osamudiamen Otasowie, Peter Adekunle, and Lerato Aghimien
Abstract: The construction industry generates significant construction and demolition waste (C&DW). This remains a growing challenge in South Africa. Conventional management approaches have proved inadequate, while Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies provide new opportunities to improve efficiency and sustainability. This study examines the adoption of I4.0 technologies for C&DW management in South Africa and their role in promoting digital transformation and resource efficiency. This study used a quantitative research approach. The study collected 102 responses from construction professionals in South Africa using a structured questionnaire. The responses were analysed using Percentages, Mean Item Score, Standard deviation, and a one-sample t-test. The findings show that GIS, GPS, IIoT, UAVs, and cloud computing are the most widely adopted technologies. This reflects their practical value in waste monitoring, data management, and process coordination. However, advanced technologies like blockchain, digital twins, robotics, and AI are still underutilised. These results highlight both progress and challenges in the industry’s digital transformation. The study concludes that I4.0 technologies have the potential to reduce waste, optimise resources, and support sustainable construction practices. Thus, it recommends stronger policy support, targeted training, industry-wide collaboration, and pilot projects to accelerate adoption. These insights contribute to policy and practice by showing how digital tools can reshape waste management strategies in developing nations.
ID 68
Benchmarking Global Digital Technologies
Evidence-Based Lessons for the Liberian Construction Industry
Elisha Karim, Clinton Aigbavboa, Osamudiamen Otasowie, and Peter Adekunle
Abstract: The construction sector drives economic growth, but inefficiencies persist, particularly in developing nations like Liberia. Digital technologies (DTs) such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have improved construction efficiency globally. However, Liberia struggles with adoption due to financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled professionals. This study evaluates Liberia’s state of digital technologies adoption in construction, identifying barriers and opportunities through a bibliometric analysis of 275 scholarly documents from 2015 to 2025. Findings indicate Liberia relies on traditional construction methods, hindered by low internet penetration (8%), limited electricity access (32.5% in 2022), and cybersecurity risks. Despite these challenges, initiatives like the “Building a Digital Liberia” project and international collaborations suggest potential progress. Recommended strategies include infrastructure expansion, digital training programs, financial incentives, and pilot projects. Circular economy practices, enabled by digital tracking tools, can optimise material use and sustainability. Addressing these barriers will modernise Liberia’s construction sector, enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness.
ID 70
Post-Occupancy Evaluation Research in the Built Environment: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Study
Sara Abdulmaksoud, Serter Atabay, and Salwa Beheiry
Abstract: Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is central to aligning building performance with occupant experience, yet the literature is fragmented across concepts, outlets, and regions. This study provides a transparent, reproducible map of POE research to clarify thematic structures, influential contributors, and collaboration patterns. Bibliographic records were retrieved from Scopus (2000–2025) using a targeted TITLE-ABS-KEY query and refined by publication stage, language, and subject areas relevant to the built environment, yielding 1,745 documents. Performance analysis and science mapping were conducted in VOSviewer (v1.6.20) with full counting; terms were extracted from titles/abstracts and from all/index keywords. Results show sustained growth in POE publications, with journal articles as the dominant vehicle of dissemination. Thematic co-occurrence consistently reveals three interlinked domains: (i) occupant satisfaction and indoor environmental quality (IEQ); (ii) energy performance, including the prediction–operation “performance gap”; and (iii) architectural/managerial applications (design decisions, facilities management, implementation barriers). Building and Environment, Building Research & Information, and Energy and Buildings emerge as the leading sources by volume and citations. Author and country networks highlight prominent contributors and strong hubs in the UK and China/Hong Kong, alongside expanding participation from emerging regions. Collectively, these findings consolidate a field-level baseline that supports evidence-informed design, rating-system refinements, and facilities-management priorities. The study also offers a reusable search protocol and parameterized mapping workflow to facilitate future updates and comparative analyses.
ID 72
Condition Assessment of Building Thermal Leakage Using Infrared Thermal Imaging:
A Case Study of a University in the UAE
Mahmoud Issa, Leena Tatan, Shaikha Alzaabi, Md. Maruf Mortula, and Tania M. Joseph
Abstract: Inefficient building envelopes are a major contributor to energy loss and discomfort in indoor environments. Traditional inspection methods often fail to detect hidden thermal pathways. There is limited comparative field evidence from hot-arid UAE campuses that links thermographic envelope diagnostics with occupant-reported comfort, thereby impeding precise retrofit decision-making. This study investigates heat loss in two university buildings in the UAE using infrared thermal imaging and occupant thermal comfort surveys. The selected buildings differ in age and construction standards, providing a comparative basis for evaluating insulation performance. To detect surface temperature fluctuations around windows and doors, infrared scans were performed with the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system running continuously. Additionally, a survey was given to frequent users of both buildings to determine their comfort and usage behaviour. The results demonstrate that the newer building (ESB) had high insulation around windows and effective heat regulation at main entrances. However, emergency exits showed signs of leakage. On the other hand, the older building (EB2) has significant thermal leakage around doors and HVAC vents, indicating envelope deterioration. Survey responses confirmed discomfort in areas corresponding to leaking locations. Furthermore, to address these issues, the study recommends implementing real-time monitoring with thermal sensors, creating digital twins for virtual inspections, and integrating smart systems that respond to occupancy and temperature. These solutions aim to enhance building performance and support long-term energy efficiency goals.
ID 79
Experimental Study of Natural Fibre Reinforced Concrete (NFRC) Pavements
Taha Ahmed, Saugat Dotel, Mohammad Yassin, Mahesh Acharya, and Mustafa Mashal
Abstract: The construction industry is rapidly shifting towards sustainable practices, with Natural Fiber Reinforced Concrete (NFRC) emerging as a promising eco-friendly alternative to conventional concrete. While NFRC offers enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, its use in pavements remains largely unexplored due to limited research on its performance and load transfer behavior. This study investigates the potential of using Natural Flax Fibre to enhance mechanical properties of concrete pavements. This study is part of an overall effort to investigate non-corrosive ecofriendly Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars to improve joints in NFRC pavements. In this first phase of this research study, flax fibres were introduced into concrete as a partial replacement of cement by weight (FRC-A mixes), and fine aggregates by volume (FRC-R mixes), at 0.5% and 1%. The benchmark concrete achieved a compressive strength of 6224.8 psi. Cement replacement with flax fibres resulted in slight compressive strength reductions of 5.77% and 11.31%, while fine aggregate replacement led to a significant drop of compressive strength, especially at 1% replacement. flexural strength improved with cement replacement, with FRC-A1 and FRC-A2 increasing the modulus of rupture by 4.4% and 8.66%, respectively
ID 85
Technology Adoption in the BRICS Construction Industry: Appraising the use of local currencies amidst the Trade War
Fortune Aigbe, Clinton Aigbavboa, and Lebogang Ayobiojo
Abstract: The BRICS countries are lagging in adopting Industry 4.0 compared to other advanced countries. Since the Industrial Revolution provided a framework for adopting technology in the construction industry, it is also relevant in the BRICS construction industry. Hence, this study aims to examine the use of local currencies by BRICS countries to foster technology adoption in the BRICS construction industry. The methodology adopted for this study is a qualitative approach based on a scoping review of existing literature underpinned by the theory of constraints. The findings of the study reveal that South Africa, Russia, and Brazil import a lot of technologies, and that BRICS countries, especially Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, face the challenge of insufficient adoption of technologies and backlog due to international trade regionalization and the development of these technologies in industrialized countries. Furthermore, the study reveals that using these local currencies will help reduce currency risk related to loans dominated by dollars, fostering financial stability among member nations, reducing currency volatility, reducing the cost of transactions, reducing susceptibility to financial warfare, and external economic pressures. The study reveals the implications for technology adoption in the BRICS construction industry, as the use of local currency among BRICS countries will enhance domestic production and consumption, and the trade in local currencies weakens the ability of the US to impose economic sanctions effectively. This study contributes empirically and theoretically to technology adoption among the BRICS countries and to fostering technology sharing and collaboration in the BRICS construction industries.
ID 91
Alternative Building Technologies for Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) Housing in South Africa: Comparative Performance, Sustainability and Policy Implications
Abimbola Windapo, Mochelo Lefoka, Yastil Harilall, Uzayr Adam, and Kabemba Steve Ngoy
Abstract: South Africa’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) has delivered millions of low-cost houses since 1994, yet housing backlogs, poor quality, and cost overruns persist. This paper examines three alternative building technologies (ABTs) Moladi removable plastic formwork cast-in-place concrete, Hydraform cement-stabilised interlocking blocks, and sandbag (bagged earth) construction and compares their performance with conventional block/brick and mortar methods across construction time, cost, quality, and sustainability criteria. A sequential mixed-methods approach was employed, including literature review, questionnaires, interviews with contractors, government officials, and end-users, and site observation. Findings indicate that all three ABTs can deliver comparable or improved quality while reducing labour skill requirements and project cycle time. Moladi scored highest in contractor perceptions of time, cost, and quality; Hydraform and sandbag systems excelled in sustainability and local material use. Key barriers include lack of South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)/ South African National Standards (SANS) standards, procurement practices favouring traditional methods, and insufficient quality assurance protocols. The study concludes that ABTs can reduce housing backlogs and improve sustainability but require coordinated regulatory and institutional changes. Recommendations include incorporating technology performance specifications in procurement, providing incentives for sustainable materials, fast-tracking certification, and promoting targeted training and pilot projects.
ID 97
When Green Doesn’t Register: User Disconnect in Certified Sustainable Buildings
Waheed, Zehra
Abstract: Green building certifications such as LEED are designed to signal environmental responsibility and improve the quality of occupant experience. Yet the alignment between certified performance and user engagement is far from guaranteed. In this paper, we examine one of Pakistan’s earliest LEED-certified industrial facilities, where a paradox emerged: despite strong pro-environmental orientations, occupants showed little awareness of the building’s certified status. Drawing on decoupling theory, we frame this as a case of certification without connection—where organizational adoption of sustainability standards is symbolically successful but socially unrecognized. Using occupant survey data and interview insights, we develop stylized facts to show how certification can fail to embed itself in the lived practices of users. From these findings, we theorise the Certification–User Recognition (CUR) Framework, a two-by-two matrix that captures four possible relationships between certification and user recognition. The framework advances the notion of user-level decoupling and highlights the recognition problem as central to green building legitimacy. Our contribution extends debates in sustainable construction and organizational theory by linking institutional legitimacy with micro-level user experience, while offering practitioners a diagnostic tool to align certification processes with meaningful user engagement.
ID 98
Exploring the Potential of Green Housing Finance for Developing Countries:
A Scoping Review of Concepts and Instruments
Jonathan Oladeji and Chioma Okoro
Abstract: The increasing need for sustainable housing solutions for emerging and developing countries spotlights the need for environmentally sustainable financing. Therefore, Green buildings and financing have evolved separately in addressing this need. This scoping review sought to explore global literature to provide a synthesised definition of Green Housing Finance including the various concepts and themes dominating this solution. Three electronic databases, Scopus, Google Scholar, and normal Google search were searched for eligible peer-reviewed journal articles. 42 papers published between 2003-2023, which is 20 years, were analysed. Descriptive reporting is done to summarise the studies to create a comprehensive understanding and description of GHF. Furthermore, the data was visualised using ATLAS Ti. The study found that GHF in global literature refers to housing finance innovations that address the energy efficiency needs of households while mitigating climate change impacts of housing provision. Also, some of the most significant GHF instruments identified in research literature include Green Loans, Subsidies, Green Credit, and Climate Finance. Concerning the geographical reach or impact of GHF, the study finds that research in developing markets is sparse and limited to South Africa in the African continent.