Sustainability in the UK Construction

Sustainability in the UK Construction industry

Can the UK Construction Industry Meet the Challenges of Sustainable Development?

Issues such as climate change, a rapidly growing global population, pollution, and other environmental issues have brought the global community together with the realization that the way that we have been doing things cannot continue. The last century was dominated by rapid economic growth and development, without regard to the long-term effects on the environment. Now, the world has come to the realization that these practices cannot continue and that we must all do our part to ensure a secure future for the generations that follow us.

The construction industry is one of the biggest culprits, in terms of environmental impact. The construction industry cuts down millions of acres of forests in order to provide timber for now buildings. They continually employ harmful chemicals and petroleum products in the trade. Goods manufactured for home construction spew toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by the ton. The construction industry is not the only culprit, but they are a major contributor, and subsequently the industry that can have the greatest impact in terms of alleviating the situation. The world has focused on the construction industry to pave the way for others to begin using more sustainable practices in their industries as well.

Clients and government agencies are demanding that the construction industry change its practices to become more sustainable. Furthermore, it is not a slow change that they are demanding, but a rapid response to a growing concern about the environment. Developing sustainable practices means a paradigm shift in the way the construction industry thinks. In the past, the industry only needed to be concerned about costs and the ability to deliver the product on time. However, now they must add the immediate impact that their project will have on the environment and the long-term impact that it will have as well. At the same time, they must continue to offer a product that is durable and meets strict industry, government and consumer standards. The construction industry has many plates to balance and it will take changing attitudes in order to change the outcome of future projects.

The purpose of this research is to investigate and assess the readiness of the UK construction industry to meet the challenges that it faces now and that it will continue to face in the future. The issue of sustainability has been around longer in other countries than it has in the UK. For instance, the U.S. And Canada have more advanced legislation and practices than those in the UK, where sustainability has become a rather recent issue of major concern. This research will assess the readiness of the industry in terms of the ability of the construction industry to put sustainable practices in place on a daily basis.

Sustainability represents the latest "buzz word" and it is what clients and the government want to hear. The government is under extreme pressures from foreign entities and the general public to take measures to make certain that the construction industry complies with the standards that they set. However, in actual practices, it is suspected that this new theoretical buzz is only that due to the resources and knowledge available within the trades.

This research will focus on the current level of sustainability in actual practice in the UK construction industry, as compared to the expectations placed by the government. It will examine the resources available to accomplish the task, the willingness to comply, financial barriers to compliance, and any other obstacles to compliance that are identified during the course of this research. It will paint a picture of the current state and future of sustainable practices in the UK construction industry.

Significance of the Problem

The Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD), Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council on the energy performances in building, is one of the latest inventions of the road to a sustainable future. The EPBD is the UK response to pressure from the European Energy Commission that requires all member countries to reduce their energy consumption (European Energy commission, 2008). This directive was first adopted in 2002 and will mean that buildings will have to meet stringent guidelines for efficient energy use (2008 Building Performance Directive Implementation Advisory Group). This directive applies to residential and non-residential buildings, both new and existing builds. The directive was first adopted in England and Wales. It was adopted into Irish law in 2006 (2008 Building Performance Directive Implementation Advisory Group).

The EPBD requires information regarding the energy performance of a building to be provided to potential purchasers, users, or renters of a building. This information allows these persons to take the long-term energy efficiency of the building into account in the transaction decisions (2008 Building Performance Directive Implementation Advisory Group). As part of the directive, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate is provided at the point of sale, rent, or other business transaction. The following is an example of the BER rating system.

Source: 2008 Building Performance Directive Implementation Advisory Group

As one can see, the energy rating also takes into account the environmental impact of the building, in addition to the energy efficiency rating. The schedule for implementation of the EPC requires EPCs on all buildings by April 6, 2008. There are certain buildings that are initially exempt from this requirement, but in October of 2008, it will be a requirement for all buildings. After the initial certification, regular inspections of the heating and air conditioning systems will be required (2008 Building Performance Directive Implementation Advisory Group).

The EPBD will have a significant impact on the construction industry. The industry must construct buildings in such a manner as to attain the greatest efficiency in terms of energy usage. This must be taken into consideration from not only a regulatory standpoint, but also from a sales standpoint. Those companies that develop a reputation for constructing the most energy efficient buildings will be rewarded with a greater number of contracts that those that construction buildings that do not meet standards. This will be a marketing point, as well as a regulatory requirement.

Global trends pressure the construction industry to construct buildings in a more efficient manner. This trend reflects attention to the future impact of the building, as well as the immediate gains. This is a new way of thinking for the construction industry. The construction industry used to be concerned only with construction issues. Once the building was up, it was someone else's problem, in terms of maintenance and long-term costs. Now the construction industry must take the long-term costs of maintaining and heating the building into the construction equation. They must develop a new way of thinking about the buildings and the people that will use them in the future. The EPBD is significant because it codifies this trend and makes it a requirement. It forces a change in the way that the construction industry thinks about their final product.

The EPBD will place many new constraints on the construction industry that will affect design and architecture, as well as new techniques that will need to be used by the trades. This legislation is central in producing the need for construction industries to put new procedures and policies into place. This research will play a significant role in understanding the demands that this new legislation will have on the construction industry, as well as determining how to improve the performance of the industry in the future. It will identify challenges that the industry faces and will help to determine the areas where improvements need to be made.

The new paradigm for the construction industry will generate the need for members of the industry to learn a new way of doing business. A similar situation exists in other industries including power generation and oil industries. These industries face a need to develop individual and organizational learning skills (Coverdale, 2002). It is expected that these industries will require 19,000 graduates over the next 15 years to replace those persons lost to attrition (Coverdale, 2002). Key skills are currently concentrated in the over 50 group, creating a gap in the knowledge base of the future (Coverdale, 2002).

With the current knowledge base concentrated in the upper range of the employee base, this translates into few persons that will have the knowledge and skills to make the transition into sustainable building practices. Older workers may have updated their skills as required, but their philosophy and thought process reflect what was being taught at the time of their education. These workers will not be able to transfer the necessary skills to the younger generation that are needed in order to incorporate new sustainability standards. The industry faces a significant need to produce employees that are skilled in sustainable building practices and will be able to fulfill the needs of the industry in the future.

The EPBD will place even greater constraints on the ability of the construction industry to meet the needs of society. Buildings will be required to obtain energy certification. At the current time, construction engineers are the most likely candidate for the job. This being the case, it is estimated that approximately 12,000 engineers will need to be retained to carry out these functions (Coverdale, 2002).

As one can see, the EPBD will place a strain on the construction industry in terms of knowledge and the manpower needed to carry out the task. This research will play a significant role in the ability of the industry to more closely identify its future needs in terms of education, personnel, cost and other challenges that are a result of the new energy legislation. This research will play a significant role in assessing the needs of the construction industry and the actions that they need to take in order to be ready for the changes and challenges that the EPBD brings. It will identify strengths and weaknesses in the industry that may affect their ability to meet the new guidelines set forth in the EPBD. It will identify labor shortages and other challenges that will effect the construction industry and its ability to meet the new guidelines in the future.

Aims and Objectives

One of the key constraints on the ability to meet new sustainability standards in the construction industry is the ability to pass on the methods to carry out these new concepts. Older employers cannot pass on this information, because they are not familiar with new building principles and techniques. New employees will lack the experience necessary. These concepts are so new that they are just beginning to become a part of the formal educational process for the construction industry. It will be years until the educational system reflects the new knowledge in a way that is practical and easily applied by the new graduate.

The educational system focuses on individual learning. The primary aim of this study is to provide evidence that the successful integration of sustainable development practices within the construction industry are best achieved through organizational, rather than individual learning strategies. Organizational learning will allow companies to gain the knowledge needed through formal educational channels, but will afford it the ability to apply these principles to their individual styles and practices. These new concepts will become an integral part of the business strategy that can be passed on to new employees in the future.

The study has two aims:

1. To investigate the current level of skills and knowledge base which is available in order for organizations to respond to sustainable development challenges the government has set.

To establish whether learning organizations are currently positioned to meet Sustainable Development challenges the government has set.

This study will focus on whether construction professionals work within a learning environment that will allow new knowledge to be acquired. The study will focus on the organizational climate within the construction industry in the North East of England. It will help to determine if the organizational climate in the north east of the country will allow the skill needed to flourish, or whether a "toxic" organizational structure exists. The focus of the study will be on construction professionals, rather than those involved in the skilled trades.

This study aims to identify what construction professionals feel the primary driver will be in the ability to gain these skills. It will also examine their opinion of what difference these practices will make in the marketplace. This study will examine these issues by reviewing current theory and through primary data collection. This study will include the identification of individual and organizational changes that will be requires in order to acquire the required knowledge and skills of the new sustainable industry. The study will support the hypothesis that government legislation is the key driver for change in meeting the sustainable development challenge.

Aside from the stated aims, this research study has the following objectives.

To review the academic research and current body of knowledge regarding sustainability and the construction industry in the UK.

To examine current theory and practice regarding sustainability in the construction industry in the UK.

To incorporate the information contained in the literature review into the questionnaire for this study.

To identify key issues in developing individual and organizational learning.

To identify the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development practices in the construction industry in the UK.

To present the final conclusions of the dissertation in regards to whether the initial hypothesis, has been proven or disproved.

To make recommendations based on the findings and identify the limitations of the study as they apply to the ability of the construction industry to meet the challenges of sustainability.

These key aims and objectives will be the focus of the research study. Activities regarding sustainable practices in the UK will be measured against these criteria. This research will play a significant role in determining if the construction industry in the UK is ready to meet the challenges of the new government mandates.

Dissertation Structure

This dissertation will be divided into 8 chapters, each of which will contribute to fulfillment of the aims and objectives of the research study. Chapter 1 will serve as the Introduction of the study. It outlines the aims, objectives, and expected outcomes of the project. It also provides a brief background that serves as rationale for the research study. Chapter 2 is the Methodology. This section outlines the appropriateness of the research methodology and examines key issues with the success of the methodology in achieving the aims and objectives of the research study.

Chapter 3 contains a Review of Literature. It will review current theory and practice regarding sustainable construction practices in the UK. It will attempt to resolve key issues and identify challenges to the successful achievement of sustainable goals. It will provide background as to organizational issues that may effect the ability to firms to meet the demands being placed on them by society and the government.

Chapter 4 examines the Theoretical Criteria for the study. It will examine the key issues in individual and organizational learning that will impact the ability of the construction industry to make the necessary changes to their methods. It will examine the knowledge and skills requirements that will be needed. It will examine the best practices models which can be applied to the promotion of sustainable development practices.

Chapter 5 entails presenting the results of the initial primary data that was collected as a part of this research study. Chapter 6 will entail analysis of the results presented in Chapter 5. Chapter 7 will compare the results of the primary data with the theoretical criteria presented in Chapter 3. It will provide recommendations for the promotion of best practices models in order to meet the challenges that face the construction industry regarding sustainable development.

Chapter 8 represents the final Conclusions of the dissertation. This chapter will present the final conclusions of the research study. It will determine whether the final hypothesis has been proven or disproved according to the data collected. It will identify whether the research objectives have been satisfied. It will finalize recommendations to the industry based on the findings of the study.

Hypothesis and Research Questions

The purpose of this research study is to assess the readiness of the construction industry to meet the challenges currently being faced by the industry in regards to new legislation regarding sustainable practices. This research will support the following hypotheses.

H1: The Construction industry in the UK does not currently possess the skills or learning climate necessary to meet the challenges of sustainable development as set forth by the central government.

H2: Further legislation will be necessary to force the organizational changes made necessary by sustainable legislation by the U.S. government.

In addition to these hypotheses, the research will focus on answering the following research questions.

What are the challenges currently being faced by the construction industry in regards to the challenges of sustainable development?

What has been done thus far to meet these challenges?

How has this new legislation affected the industry as a whole?

What has been the impact of this legislation on individual companies?

Are there any cost barriers to incorporating sustainable practices into the industry?

What are the manpower issues involved in incorporating sustainable practices into the industry?

What are the current plans to meet the challenges of sustainable development in the future?

What are the key challenges to implementing these plans?

Proving or disproving these hypotheses and answering these key research questions is closely tied to achieving the aims and objectives of the research project. It may not be possible to answer all of the research questions, as many of the answers are speculative in nature. However, the quest for these answers is paramount to achieving the aims and objectives of the study.

Limitations of the Research

As with any research of this nature, certain limitations may affect the ability to draw conclusions and to answer all of the research questions. This study will be limited to companies within the Northern portion of England. This region is renowned for industry and growth. Examining these issues in Northern England allows the researcher to test the "temperature" of the industry in the nation as a whole. However, this limitation could also result in certain biases due to cultural differences in attitude between various regions. However, because the sustainability process is being driven by the government, rather than social change, it is expected that these differences will not effect the results and conclusions of the study.

Another limitation of the study is that the answers to the questions will be subjective and open to the interpretation of the respondent. This could effect the accuracy of the answers. However, the respondents will be the professionals of the industry, therefore, are expected to have a credible opinion as to the issues that affect the industry.

It is assumed that the respondents will be honest in their answers. However, there is a possibility that the respondents will see an advantage to portraying their particular company as more ready for sustainability than it actually is. There is a perceived advantage in making their company appear to be more ready than the competition. In order to alleviate this concern, the client will be informed that all answers to the questionnaire will be presented in aggregate. No identifying information will be presented in the final report. This will eliminate the advantage of "padding" the answers.

The responses to this research are subjective and reflect the current state of the industry. However, the aims and objectives of the research study are speculative and attempt to paint a picture of future events. This being the case, the results of this research will need to be placed in the current perspective. The purpose of the study is to identify challenges to sustainability, as they are in the industry at the current time. This study will help to identify and alleviate these challenges. However, many of the items identified in this study are likely to change in the future as the issue of sustainability in the construction industry evolves. This perspective must be taken into consideration in regards to the conclusions and recommendations of this research study.

Chapter 2: Methodology

The following will analyze the appropriateness of the research methodology to the aims and objectives of the study. It will examine data gathering techniques and their limitations with regard to this study. It will of both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, as well as their merits in regards to the research study.

Primary Data Collection

Introduction

The primary data collection for this research study involves conduct of a survey and interviews with key personnel. This research involves a hybrid of both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. This choice of research methodology will provide both data that is easily analyzed by statistical methods and the more in-depth answers that can be obtained by subjective interviews. The research subjects will consist of a representative sample of professionals within the construction industry, with a bias towards construction engineers.

Research Design

This research will measure attitudes and organizational learning styles among a single group of research participants. The group will not be subdivided for the initial administration of the survey. However, cross tabulation of demographic groups will be used to make certain that no biases exist within the group that could skew the results of the study. Division of the group according to demographics will also allow for trend analysis among various groups.

The first task of the research study will be to define organizational learning styles that exist within the organization. The second will be to assess how these learning styles affect the ability of the organization to absorb and put new information into practice. Communication within the organization and with outside entities will play an important role in how the organization assimilates new information and routines into their structure. Adopting sustainable practices represents a key organizational adaptation that is being imposed upon organizations from outside forces that are beyond the organization's control. How the organization adapts their learning style will determine how they respond to these changes. These factors will addressed via the research instrument.

Study Participants

The research design chosen for this study will allow quantitative analysis of the entire group of respondents. There are several characteristics that are common to the group of survey respondents that will affect the results of the study. For instance, all of the respondents will be required to follow the same set of mandates, handed down from an unavoidable higher authority. Compliance with the new rules is mandatory for all of the respondents. Compliance is not a choice, how they comply is the object of this research study.

The sampling method has a measurable impact on the accuracy of the research findings. Simpser and associates (2005) compared internet sampling methods to traditional sampling methods and found that there were differences between the two groups when using the same questionnaire. This study found that convenience (Internet) sampling methods resulted in a narrower variety of results than traditional sampling methods. This could have introduced a considerable amount of false skewness to the results.

Internet samples are known as non-probability samples. The researcher has access to a high number of potential sample participants, but they are not pre-screened. In a traditional sampling methodology, participants are pre-screened according to the study criteria (Simpser and associates, 2005). A target population is identified where the researcher already knows some of the qualities of the population. In this research study, the administrator already knows that the sample participant is an engineer working in the construction trades. They also know that they are located in Northern England.

The impact of the convenience sampling method could have a negative impact on the usefulness of the recommendations derived from the study. Therefore, traditional sampling methods will be the preferred method for this study. Although this gives the researcher a much smaller sampling pool to choose from, it will be more likely to result in a true representation of the trends that exist within the construction industry. This will allow for the results to be more easily generalized to the industry than a convenience sampling method.

Respondents will comprise of engineers from construction companies in the northern portion of England. They will be in lower, middle, and upper level managerial positions. They will have a varied longevity within the industry. They will be from a varied sizes of companies, ranging from sole proprietorships to major corporations. This sample population will provide the best view of how new sustainability measures will impact the industry as a whole, rather than how it will impact only a small segment of the industry.

The size of the organization may impact the organizational learning style in a way that influences the conclusions drawn by this research study. In general, it is expected that larger organizations will be subject to more formal communication structures and procedures than small, independent companies. Smaller companies are expected to have more personal one-on-one communication between various managerial levels. These factors are expected to have an impact on how the company incorporates the necessary organizational learning into their structure.

Demographic information will be collected on a personal and on an organizational level. This information will be used to divide the group into categories for the purposes of examining how attributes affect organizational learning abilities and effectiveness in regards to sustainability issues. The formality of communication and organizational culture will be assessed as a part of this research study to determine how it may impact the ability of organizations to adapt to government requirements.

The target sample population for this study will consist of 50 engineers from construction companies located in Northern England. Sample participants will not include those from Wales, Scotland, or Ireland, or the Isle of Man. The sample population will be selected from a line extending through Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire north to the border of Scotland. This is largely due to the high metropolitan nature and size of the construction industry in the north, as opposed to southern England.

Construction companies will include small, medium and large sized construction companies. Small companies will be defined as those having 1-50 employees. Those with 51-250 employees will be considered medium and those with over 250 employees will be considered large companies. The number of employees, rather than income will be used to determine company size for the purposes of this research study.

Participants will be engaged in all areas of the construction industry from residential to industrial. This choice was made due to the nature of sustainability laws. By the end of 2009, all buildings, regardless of use will have to comply with sustainability legislation. No industry segment is exempt from regulations. This choice will result in conclusions and recommendations that will affect all segments of the industry and that can be more easily generalized to the whole of the industry.

The Internet and phone book was used to identify potential survey participants. Potential participants were contacted by email to determine interest in participation. After willing survey participants were identified, they were mailed the survey questionnaire, including a return envelope and postage. Participants were asked to return the survey to the researcher within a two-week time period. All participants responded as requested.

Survey Instrument

The primary data collection methods will entail a questionnaire design to be administered to the test subjects. The interview will be considered a secondary data collection method, in this case. The research questionnaire will be tested by means of a pilot study, to test for internal bias and to ensure that the questionnaire reflects the aims and objectives of the research study.

The survey instrument will utilize a variety of question types, dependent upon the content of the question. For instance, it will include yes/no type questions, multiple choice responses, ranked multiple choice questions, and open-ended questions. Open-ended questions will help to identify factors that were not included in the original research design. They will allow the subject to expand their answers beyond the constraints of the survey instrument and will provide the type of insight necessary to make recommendations to the industry.

Surveys are well-suited to gathering certain types of data, such as that on past or present behavior, attitudes and opinions, respondent variables, and other types of information that are easily quantified (Aaker & Day, 1990). According to these researchers, one of the key advantages of the questionnaire is that it can be administered with the researcher not present, eliminating the potential of introducing research bias into the study. One of the key disadvantages is that the researcher cannot control the order in which the respondent answers the questions (Aaker & Day, 1990). For instance, the respondent might look ahead to see where the questions are leading, this influencing the results. There is no one available to help explain unclear or ambiguous questions, which could also alter the results. The questionnaire allows no control over response rate (Aaker & Day, 1990).

Naoum (2003) identifies four primary attributes that are essential for appropriate question design. They are:

Clear identification of which objective the question is related to.

How relevant the question is to the study.

How relevant the question is to the research hypothesis.

If the answer can be obtained from other sources.

It is additionally important for responses to questions to be short, yet comprehensive. Care must be taken to avoid leading questions or repetitive questions. Questions must not be worded in a presumptive or hypothetical manner (Naoum, 2003).

One of the key objectives in this research study is to measure the learning potential of the organization. It will also address toxic attitudes within the organization. In order to accomplish this task, Likert type responses will be used. For instance, Cook & Sellitz (1964) proposed the use of numerical values to ascertain the direction of attitude toward an object or idea. This type of survey is important for measurement of:

respondents overall attitude towards something

2. The degree to which something possesses a certain attribute

3. A respondent's feeling towards a certain attribute

4. The importance a respondent invests in a certain attitude or response

Similarly, Osgood, Suci and Tannenbaum (1957) defined the measurement of attitude using the semantic differential scale. This scale asked respondents to record the strength and direction of their attitude toward a pair of polarized adjectival statements, using a seven point scale. Measurement of these attitudinal attributes will play an instrumental role in achieving the primary aims and objectives of this research study. These early research methods regarding attitude still play a pivotal role in modern research method design.

The research instrument for this study was developed by the researcher to directly address the issues of concern in the study. No standardized instrument could be located that specifically addressed the intended aims and objectives of the study. The purpose of the survey was to identify organizational learning styles and cultural factors that would affect the ability of the company to adapt to new expectations regarding sustainability in the industry.

The survey was divided into four sections. The first section collected demographic data about the firm, the number of employees, and other factors that may be helpful in the proper categorization of the firm. The second section of the survey addressed communication structure and organizational culture. It explored whether this style is formal, informal, hierarchical, or open. The next section explores the steps that have been taken to improve knowledge and practice regarding sustainability practices. The final section of the survey used open - ended questions to identify the issues and challenges to sustainable practices in the UK.

The final section of the study will examine the opinions of engineers regarding the state of sustainability practices in the UK. It will examine specific issues regarding the willingness and readiness of the construction industry to comply with sustainability standards. Engineers may use this section to expand on their answers in the first three sections of the survey. The first three sections will be quantitative in nature, whereas the final section will represent qualitative methodology. This section will help the researcher to gain a more thorough understanding of the effect and methods used to adapt to these new sustainability requirements. It is unstructured and allows managers to express any information that they feel will be important to the study.

Rationale for Methodology Chosen

Quantitative and qualitative research methods are useful in different research settings. Traditionally, researched tend to prefer either quantitative or qualitative research methods for their study. The research objectives dictate the style and methodology chosen for a particular study. Typically, studies that attempt to place human reaction into context utilize qualitative methods. In this case, the researcher wishes to quantify the human reaction to the new sustainability legislation. Quantitative methods are often inadequate to capture the entire range of human reaction to a particular situation. Human behavior is subjective, and therefore, more suited to qualitative methods.

Qualitative methods developed from the social sciences, where information was not easily quantified. Quantitative methods stemmed from the physical sciences in order to ensure objectivity, reliability, and the ability to generalize the results of the study to the population at large. In order to be able to generalize results, one must make certain that sample selection is randomly taken from the target population. The results of a quantitative study are not dependent upon the researcher and anyone should be able to reproduce the results. Researchers in the quantitative study are outside of study. In a qualitative study, the researcher may be closely associated with the participant. There is a greater chance for introducing bias into the study in a qualitative study.

Although the results of a quantitative study are much more reliable in many aspects than the qualitative study, they can produce results that do not reflect real-world situations. The research question can be taken out of context using the data-driven nature of the quantitative study. Many times the quantitative study ignores real-world variables that affect the outcome. The results may be reproducible in the laboratory, but they do not reflect real world scenarios. In addition, the quantitative research methodology limits the type of information that can be obtained. There may be factors outside of the research parameters that influence the variables, but that were not a part of the research design.

As one can see, the correct methodology for the study is highly dependent upon the information that the researcher wishes to obtain. For instance, in this research study, quantitative methods are more suitable for analysis of the survey portions of this study. This section requires data that is easily quantified.

However, this solution-based and may require information that is not included in the survey questions. Quantitative methods can tell what happened, but cannot answer why it happened. The collection of more in-depth knowledge will be needed in order to derive solutions for the industry that will result in realistic resolutions to the construction industry's problems. Therefore, open-ended questions that allow the respondents to expand on their answers will be used to enhance the information gained in the quantitative portions of the study. This research methods will choose a hybrid methodology that utilizes both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

One of the key considerations in choice of research method is the suitability of the method for the hypothesis and research questions to be answered. In this case, the research hypothesis and questions are two-fold. The research study asks if the construction industry in the UK is ready to tackle the challenges of sustainability as set forth by governmental guidelines. This question would appear to need only a simple yes or no answer. However, this study does not stop there. It goes on to ask specific questions as to what will be needed in order to fill the needs of the industry in their question for sustainable practices. Therefore, qualitative research will be used as a follow-up to ht quantitative portions of the research study. For this particular research study a hybrid between quantitative and qualitative methods will be the best choice given the aims and objectives of this research study.

Data Analysis of Qualitative Data

The survey instrument will contain a variety of question formats. Most of these can be analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques befitting the particular question. Methods such as frequency distribution, correlation, and other statistical methods will be adequate for many of the survey questions. However, analysis of the qualitative portions of the survey will have to produce results that can be acted upon in the future. Therefore, the qualitative data must be transformed into a format that resembles quantitative data. Recent changes in traditional research methods have yielded several suitable methods for accomplishing this task.

Data analysis of subjective matter can be accomplished through categorization of the specific responses. This procedure looks for patterns in the data that will allow specific pieces of information to be coded and categorized according to content. Analysis of the set of data collected for this research study will yield a data set that demonstrates patterns in organizational learning style and communication within the organization.

Data categories obtained through this research method can then be analyzed using frequency distribution. This method is a highly effective method for deriving a data set that will lead to actionable results. This data analysis methods identifies the problems associated with organizational learning. It also serves as a means to prioritize them as well. Using this data analysis method will result in a clear picture of the issues from most important to least important. This type of hybrid data analysis is an excellent tool for the development of policy-related research results.

Data Collection Procedures

After selection of the study participants, the importance of the research was explained to managers via cover letter sent out with the survey attached. The letter highlighted the importance of the research study to their business and how they could benefit from the study. Participating companies were provided the option of being provided the final results of the study so that they could use the information to improve organizational learning and prepare their company for the challenges of sustainability in the future. This would give these companies a perceived advantage over those that did not have this information.

The survey taken an average of 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on the length of answers to the open-ended questions. The survey achieved a 100% response rate, which may indicate that participants did not consider the survey to be a major inconvenience to them. It may also indicate that those surveyed consider the topic to be of importance to the field. These comments are speculative, but the positive response does indicate that the survey received a positive reception from those that took their time to fill it out and return it. All surveys were returned within a two-week time period, as requested.

From the identified target audience, potential participants were selected. Initial phone calls were made to obtain mailing addresses and to pre-screen the participants for their willingness to participate in the study. This step is also a possible reason for the high response rate that the study received. If a person indicated that they did not wish to participate, they were not mailed a survey. This process helped to eliminate those that would not be likely to respond. Prescreening is an efficient way to obtain a high response rate. It does not create sample bias because those that declined would not have been likely to return the survey anyway. This technique does not effect the sample population.

Participants could receive the survey by mail or via email, as a PDF that could be printed and returned. They had the option of returning the survey by email, fax, or by regular mail. Most chose to return the survey by fax or by email. All participants received an identical survey, regardless of the method of transmission. After surveys were received back by the researcher, they were hand tabulated by entering the answers into an excel spreadsheet for analysis.

Data Analysis

After the analysis was entered into the spreadsheet, it was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The data will be analyzed and presented in graphical manner for interpretation. Differences were found between the cultural structures of organizations that would effect their ability to assimilate the information necessary to embrace sustainable construction techniques. However, the differences found were subjective and difficult to analyze by quantitative means.

The solutions to the problems faced by the construction industry in the UK are not simple. A yes or no answer was inadequate, in this case, for deciding which is the best course of action. It is not merely a matter of obtaining a certain p value and proving the hypothesis. This type of response does not do the aims and objectives of the study justice. A more in-depth understanding of the complex issues involved is needed in order to make proper recommendations as to the course action companies should take. Graphic analysis reveals many subtle points and trends that are missed utilizing straight statistical analysis. Graphs are useful in this research study for discovering patterns that would be missed by descriptive statistical techniques. The reason for this characteristic is the nature of the hypothesis and the results-oriented task at hand.

This research study contained a sufficient sample size to produce meaningful results. Companies from various counties were examined to determine if regional differences existed that could account for the trends found during the study. Results were cross tabulated by county to determine if there were any significant local issues that could effect the results obtained. As expected, respondents were clustered around industrial areas of the country. However, cross tabulation revealed no significant differences between these industrial centers and the remainder of the sample respondents.

Limitations of Study

As with any research of this nature, it is possible the situations may exist that are beyond the control of the researcher, but that may significantly limit the ability to draw meaningful conclusions. Regional differences in demographics have already been discussed as a potential source of bias. A high percentage of the research participants were located in the Liverpool area. This may harm the ability to generalize the results of the study to other areas of the country.

It is assumed that the managers chosen will represent their true feelings and provide accurate information, without regard to personal preferences. However, they may be hesitant to reveal certain types of information that are considered sensitive in nature. One example of this type of information would be information that is strategic in nature.

These biases are inherent in any study. Steps have been taken in the survey design to help eliminate these potential sources of bias. For instance, managers were asked to omit any information that might identify persons or specific events. They were also asked to estimate numbers instead of giving exact figures. This may have added some bias to their answers as they tried to present themselves and their company in the best possible light. However, because identifying information was omitted, it is hoped that this served to eliminate sources of bias that stemmed from the participant themselves. There is a potential strategic advantage in presenting one's company as more ready for sustainability than one's competitors.

Another source of potential bias is within the survey instrument itself. Some types of survey questions may be considered leading. For example, a question that begins, "do you have" a certain object may lead the participant to think that the research wants them to indicate a certain answer. Questions of this type are difficult to avoid. The possibility of bias relating the wording of the sample questions cannot be eliminated under these circumstances. The development and testing of a survey instrument will be an important issue in future research involving the same or a similar study.

The sample population is a diverse mix from across the entire northern sector of the UK. This part of the country is considered to be the industrial part of the country. Much industry and business is located in this portion of the island. There is much more construction in the Northern part of the country, than in the more rural south. Industry is largely responsible for growth in this part of the country. When a study is geographically limited, it can be argued that the results only apply to those entities located in that geographic region. This is largely due to potential cultural bias in that part of the country. However, in this case, it is felt that the results of the study will not be limited to the geographic area of the study.

All of the UK is under the same societal and governmental restrictions concerning the adoption of sustainable building methods. No one who is immune to the laws and the impact that they will have on their business. The results of this legislation is uniform. The North was chosen due to its high concentration of the construction trades. However, it is expected that the results of this study will resemble results attained in other parts of the country.

Chapter 3: Review of Literature

In order to understand the issues surrounding the impact of the new sustainability legislation, we must first examine the existing literature and theory as it pertains to this study. The following will examine legislative issues, theories on organizational learning, and the concept of organizational toxicity, as it pertains to business readiness to meet these new challenges. It will examine current academic research relating to the study topic.

Background of the study

Pressure is on the construction industry to find a way to meet the challenge set forth by the UK government to make certain that all buildings meet sustainability standards by the year 2009. This move will mean the need for more personnel and may mean higher costs for the construction industry. Construction engineers will be at the forefront of enforcement of these new building standards. This research will explore the impact that this new legislation will have on construction professionals in the future.

The construction industry impacts the environment in a number of ways that are different from any other industry. For instance, the construction industry in the UK is responsible for nearly 1/3 of all industrial related pollution (the Environment Agency, 2008). Construction demolition wastes represent nearly 19% of total UK waste. In addition, many buildings are inefficient and do not represent the best use of resources such as electricity and water (the Environment Agency, 2008). Energy used in the construction industry leaves an enormous carbon footprint and accounts for nearly 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK (the Environment Agency, 2008).

The acceptance of the need to use sustainable building techniques has been slow to catch on. There are a few key leaders that pay attention to sustainable practices, but for the most part it is business as usual for a majority of the firms (the Environment Agency, 2008). Compared to other countries in Europe, UK buildings are among the least efficient. A lack of sustainable practices, coupled with a rise in single person households has meant poorer use of the UK's resources. This scenario has increased both waste production and water consumption (the Environment Agency, 2008). Improvements are needed to reduce the impact of existing buildings, as well as new construction.

Pressure from other countries in the EU, in addition to a desire to improve their own standings through more efficient use of resources has resulted in a new interest in promotion of sustainable construction standards. Adoption of sustainable construction methods has been slow in the UK, largely because of the size of the industry. The construction industry provides nearly one-tenth of the UK's gross domestic product and employs nearly 1.4 million people (the Environment Agency, 2008). The industry is highly fragmented. Any change within the industry are slow to develop under these circumstances. Promoting the growth of sustainable practices will face many challenges due to the characteristics of the construction industry in the UK.

Construction is expected to increase in the upcoming years. The government felt that it was necessary to develop programs to promote sustainability in the industry, particularly in light of the expected increases (the Environment Agency, 2008). The Sustainable Communities Plan is expected to increase the number of sustainable homes in the future.

The Environment Agency and New Sustainability Requirements

The Environment Agency wishes to see the environmental impacts of the construction industry reduced in the future. It has targeted several key areas for sustainable improvements. Specifically, it wishes to address:

where buildings and infrastructure should be located to reduce environmental impacts and flood risk.

A to ensure construction waste is managed safely and to drive a reduction in construction pollution and waste volume.

A to ensure homes and other buildings are built in places that have the capacity to support them to encourage efficient water use (the Environment Agency, 2008).

In order to see these visions become a reality will require a partnership between government, industry, and the agencies involved in these issues. Sustainability is not only a consideration for the construction of the building, but lasts for the longevity of the building in the future. This represents a new way of thinking in the construction industry. In the past, as soon as the building was complete, the construction industry was no longer concerned with the building. Now the construction industry will have to consider the environmental impact of their building for as long as the building stands.

The Environment Agency will be the primary entity responsible for enforcing the new way on thinking on the construction industry. They will be asked to consult on the direction of development so that it will have the least environmental impact possible. It will be responsible for overseeing industry in the reduction of wastes so that they do not pollute streams and waterways (the Environment Agency, 2008).

Waste management has always been a passive activity in the construction industry. It was always assumed that a certain amount of waste would be generated and that it would eventually take up a certain amount of space in a landfill. These new provisions mandate that waste reduction become an active act in the planning of construction projects. Plans should in clued reduction in waste, as well as reuse and recycling plans. Waste reduction will shift from being a passive activity to an integral part of the construction process (the Environment Agency, 2008). This will mean that engineers need to think about waste management on the sight in a new way that is different from what they have done in the past.

The Environment Agency will require a "Site Waste Management Plan" to be submitted with future permit requests. This plan will have to identify the volume and type of construction and demolition waste. It will need to demonstrate how off-site waste will be managed, with an emphasis on reducing the total volume of waste (the Environment Agency, 2008). This will only apply to large developers, but smaller ones would be wise to follow suit.

The government plans to strengthen the ability of the Environment Agency to enforce these new provisions. They are in the process of adopting "Duty of Care" provisions to make certain that developers are responsible for the waste that they generate. They can no longer pass the responsibility onto contract waste carriers (the Environment Agency, 2008).