Building capacity for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the construction industry : a structural equation modelling approach

Abstract

The preparedness of the construction industry (CI) for climate change is a critical area that requires a holistic assessment. Requisite capacity of construction practitioners to effectively implement climate change mitigation and adaptation is therefore of global interest. The current capacity-building frameworks are often fragmented, offering only partial assessments. This study aims to create and validate a five-dimensional capacity-building model for practitioners' continuous development. The primary model explores how education and training improves awareness of climate change and the resultant effect on practitioners’ capacity. The holistic impact of practitioners’ capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation was further explored. The model was validated using a hybrid hierarchical clustering approach and partial least squares structural equation modelling method. The results revealed substantial (β=0.500, p < 0.000) and moderate (β=0.491, p < 0.000) impacts of practitioners' capacity on achieving mitigation and adaptation objectives, respectively. Furthermore, the study confirmed a positive and significant influence of awareness of climate change concepts (β =0.432, p < 0.000) on overall practitioners’ capacity. A novel contribution of this study is the in-depth analysis of how practitioners operationalised and applied climate change-related concepts based on perceived relevance through the average linkage hierarchical clustering approach. The results highlighted a strong focus and considerable capacity in sustainability and climate change mitigation, while also identifying the existing knowledge gaps in climate change adaptation. Through this clustering approach, the study illustrated a transition from a mitigation-focused perspective to an integrated strategy that provides better project outcomes.