This general issue consists of six international papers, five linked together by a common thread of construction and reducing its impacts through circular approaches, use of technology to improve efficiency, and identifying critical success factors (CSFs) and working to a management framework. Importantly, the critical role of the supply chain is recognised, as it is clear that one single organisation cannot deliver on the sustainability of our build assets. This has of course been a long-standing cri de coeur for the construction industry with an increasing call for full value chain engagement from client downwards. Every part of the value chain has its part to play and the need for a unified approach with common requirements and specifications can be a significant enabler for suppliers to be able to respond positively. The sixth paper looks at the barriers to implementing solar PV in the Gulf region.
“The use of treated recycled aggregates (RA) in high strength concrete: a response surface approach”, a paper by Shishodiya et al. (2026), addresses the use of RA from an Indian perspective, and as such is valuable in informing the case for beneficial use and also constraints in a country which due to its size and population has significant construction needs, but its findings are relevant more widely. The use of response surface methodology is transferable and could be used as an evaluative tool for optimising treatment parameters and examining the influence that these parameters have on the properties of concrete. As such, at a time when we are seeking to reduce the impact of concrete-based structures, the methodology provides another tool to support the non-binder element of concrete through optimised use of RA.
“Critical success factors for sustainable procurement in construction projects”, a paper by Nguyen (2026), addresses the extremely important aspect of procurement in delivering sustainable projects. The results reveal significant differences in how the public and private sectors perceive the importance of certain CSFs. Furthermore, while both sectors agreed on the importance of strong government commitment and enhancing the market capacity for green building materials, the public sector prioritised the integration of advanced sustainable technologies in construction, whereas the private sector placed greater emphasis on comprehensive education and training programmes for sustainable procurement practices. Extrapolating this to an international context and from my own experience I would personally concur with the need for education and training, particularly through the lower tiers of the supply chain, as this is often where the barrier lies. That is not to say that technological advancement is also necessary and this must be adequately supported by both government policy intervention, where necessary, and private sector organisations.
“Examining electricity demand profiles to inform sustainable on-site construction practices” by Hickey et al. (2026) provides an analysis of electricity usage on construction sites. Facilities managers have known the value of half-hourly meter readings for some years now, and this has provided an important diagnostic tool to identify base loads, unusual spikes, and phantom loads. It is good to see this same level of interrogation undertaken on a construction site, and the approach and methodology is one that is easily replicated. Specifying the requirement for sub-meters when setting up the construction site is key, and any initial cost outlays can be quickly recovered in energy savings.
“Construction informatics and BIM to empower informed decisions in project management” by de Oliveira et al. (2026) proposes a framework that effectively schedules coordination and mitigates communication failures, reducing inefficiencies and cost overruns during the planning, design, and construction phases of a project. The research underscores the potential of the framework to provide useful mechanisms for leveraging BIM to support project management knowledge and drive successful construction outcomes. By integrating (3D) models from sources such as Autodesk Revit with (4D) time and (5D) cost from MS Project within Navisworks early identification and resolution of potential conflicts during the design phase is made possible facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the project and minimises construction errors, thus leveraging both cost and resource savings.
“Implementing a Flexible Framework to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Built Environment” by Kaoula (2026) presents two adaptive decarbonisation models tailored to distinct climatic conditions: the traditional built environment in arid climates and the contemporary built environment in Mediterranean climates. By analysing morphological, material, and energy system solutions, these models provide an effective framework for minimising carbon dioxide emissions across the building life cycle. The paper clearly demonstrates how building morphology can significantly reduce embodied carbon dioxide emissions, and combined with a renewable energy strategy can significantly reduce life cycle emissions of building assets. It is particularly valuable to have a paper that quantifies this for the North African region.
“Barriers to adopting solar Photovoltaics (PV) systems in healthcare projects in Qatar” by Elsaafin et al. (2026) highlights barriers including institutional, financial, technical, and social aspects, with policy gaps and financial limitations, such as high upfront and running costs, identified as major obstacles. Contrary to common beliefs, the research revealed a lesser impact from aspects stakeholder readiness and concerns over system dependability. Examining more than 15 factors, the study emphasises the necessity of strong policy frameworks and financial mechanisms to boost solar PV system uptake.
Unsurprisingly policy issues raise their head, and this is a common factor. However, once recognised, it is of course something that can be addressed. Where wide-scale deployment of solar PV is seen, this has invariably been through policy interventions such as Feed in Tariffs to promote initial take up and scaling, until prices decrease. This was particularly important in the first decade of this century, and now capital costs indicate that solar PV is one of the cheapest forms of renewables to deploy. Any concerns associated with harsher climates such as that experienced by Qatar clearly do need to be further investigated, particularly in relation to maintenance costs. The issue of intermittency and the criticality of using this as a sole source in healthcare also indicates that solar PV, at the current time at least, has a role to fill as part of a more diversified energy mix.
Closing reflections
I write this editorial at a time of increased global conflict and as such it is also a time for reflection. Issues of global energy security have once again come to the fore, and in this context the deployment of solar PV provides an increased level of energy independence. Furthermore, we have seen how fossil-based fuels are vulnerable to attacks, resulting in release of carbon dioxide, particulates, and other toxins into the atmosphere, undoing years of effort to reduce these global emissions.
We should also consider the mammoth rebuilding programmes required in the Middle East and Eastern Europe following years of conflict and identify how we can build back better, using the wealth of research and knowledge that is on offer, some of which is represented in these papers. We must reconstruct in a resource efficient and sustainable manner, making it less susceptible to environmental impact from future conflict and natural disasters and, taking the opportunity to innovate and create opportunities for all.
