Building information modeling (BIM) implementation is expanding over time, and collaboration is becoming more critical in construction projects. Leadership characteristics may contribute to or hinder the effectiveness of these collaborations in BIM-based construction projects. However, the current body of knowledge lacks information on the leadership characteristics that can be constructive or destructive for BIM-based construction projects. Therefore, this study aims to determine the constructive and destructive leadership behaviors, skills, styles, and traits in BIM-based construction projects. An explorative qualitative study was conducted by interviewing twenty architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals. Then, the thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the interview data. The study findings suggest that common constructive leadership behaviors are tolerant and committed. Furthermore, the common constructive leadership trait and style is reliability. On the contrary, the common destructive leadership behavior is intolerant. This study provides the literature with a novel list of constructive and destructive leadership characteristics for BIM-based construction projects. Understanding these characteristics would assist industry professionals and policymakers in increasing the performance of BIM-based construction projects.

Prior works have suggested various strategies to increase construction waste recycling (CWR) rates. However, choosing the strategies is challenging without a lateral comparison. Therefore, this study aims to compare the usability of various strategies that target the enhancement of CWR implementation. To achieve this purpose, thirteen CWR enhancement strategies were identified from a systematic literature review. Then, questionnaire survey data were collected from 106 construction project managers. The collected data were analyzed via mean score ranking, normalization, overlap analysis, agreement analysis, and factor analysis. Additionally, the data were analyzed using a proposed formula for computing usability indexes using the cost, easiness, and effectiveness values. The results show that three strategies have high usability indexes: organize temporary bins in each construction zone, identify construction activities that produce recyclable materials, and enhance company policies related to CWR. These strategies with high usability indexes are consistent with the overlapping cheap, effective, and easy strategies. This study provides researchers and practitioners with optimal strategies for enhancing CWR implementation. Effective CWR enhancement strategies can improve CWR rates in construction projects. Future researchers can also adopt this study’s approach in computing usability indexes through questionnaire surveys.

This research aims to examine the performance indicators that are crucial for assessing the implementation of environmental management plans (EMPs) in water projects. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire survey, integrating a systematic literature review (SLR), was used to identify the initial performance indicators. Subsequently, ten interviews with environmental professionals were carried out to uncover additional indicators not identified by the SLR. Following the survey design and pilot study of the survey, the data collection resulted in 112 valid responses from environmental professionals engaged in water projects in Saudi Arabia. The data analysis encompassed reliability tests, mean ranking, normalized mean analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The normalized mean analysis highlighted 13 critical parameters among 39 for further investigation. The EFA disclosed three underlying constructs: environmental impact indicators, operational and safety indicators, waste management, and public safety indicators. PLS-SEM was used to validate the relationship between these indicators and the successful implementation of EMPs. The results indicate that all three underlying constructs positively influence the effective execution of such plans. This is the first study to model the relationships of the performance indicators in water projects. The study’s findings underscore the importance of developing precise performance indicators tailored to diverse construction projects that are mainly focused on water facility construction. The identified performance indicators offer significant insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers and provide a solid foundation for the advancement of knowledge in the field of environmental management.

Purpose: In the face of rising concerns over air pollution in buildings, this study undertakes a systematic review of emerging technologies for mitigating air pollution, with the goal of devising a comprehensive framework to address air pollution in buildings. It begins by highlighting the critical backdrop of deteriorating air quality across global cities, setting the stage for an urgent inquiry into viable solutions. Design/methodology/approach: This study systematically reviews the literature on emerging technologies for mitigating air pollution in buildings. In total, 2,630 related articles were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Findings: The findings illuminate a promising landscape of technological advancements, demonstrating significant reductions in key pollutants, including particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Innovations in filtration systems, renewable energy adoption and smart buildings emerge as pivotal in driving down pollution levels. Furthermore, the study elucidates the synergistic potential of integrating these technologies with strategic policy initiatives and community engagement efforts, highlighting the multifaceted approach required to combat air pollution effectively. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically review prior literature on technologies for mitigating air pollution in buildings. The significance of this study extends beyond its theoretical contributions, offering practical insights and actionable strategies for industry professionals, policymakers and researchers. It underscores the critical intersection of technology and policy in paving the way for healthier built environments, providing a blueprint for future initiatives to achieve sustainable air quality improvements.

Purpose: The built environment contributes to environmental concerns, including carbon emissions, with traditional construction materials being problematic. Adopting sustainable construction materials (SCMs) is envisaged; however, barriers exist. Hence, this study sought to determine significant barriers to adopting SCMs in Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach: An online questionnaire survey of construction professionals in consultancy firms and semi-structured interviews with key informants in Zimbabwe and Africa were instituted. Mean score analysis, normalisation values and exploratory factor analysis were quantitatively used to determine significant barriers. Content analysis of qualitative data from key informants was used to triangulate the findings. Findings: From the normalisation (with values > 0.90) and thematic analysis, a lack of incentives, training and government support were exposed as the most critical barriers. The factor analysis revealed seven significant components: governmental policy, finance and research support-related; sustainable construction material supply chain-related; green building policy and capacitation-related; change and trust-related; cost and complexity-related; project execution and investment-related and awareness and demand-related. Research limitations/implications: The insights of construction professionals from construction companies were not solicited. However, construction consultancy professionals who have a more significant influence on adopting SCMs were included. The government and clients are most critical in promoting the adoption of SCMs through enacting relevant policies and establishing buy-in. Originality/value: According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to determine barriers to adopting SCMs through the contribution of key informants from various countries within the African continent.