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review and both quantitative and qualitative primary research, the paper evaluated lean theory and
examined its application in a variety of construction scenarios.
The principal findings of the research were that reducing waste required engagement through
collaborative planning and training programmes, with techniques such as designing out waste and
clash detection proving to be less effective. Attitude towards risk in procurement was cited as the
greatest cause of waste, with heightened involvement of subcontractors in the design process cited
as an opportunity for improvement. The findings also suggested that much work is needed in the
measurement of lean benefits, as little empirical evidence is available which demonstrated the
efficacy of lean management in the reduction of physical waste.

Richard considered that the recognition of the CO2 emissions that the construction industry accounts
for had driven increased attention to the drive for the integration of sustainable practices into the
construction industry. However, this recognition had now started to shift towards managing the
exorbitant amount of resource use that construction is responsible for. With this in mind, to what
extent did main contractors consider environmental, social and economic issues in their decision
making process of construction elements? The aim of the project was to identify the influence that
sustainability factors had when considered amongst the traditional decision making drivers for
contractors in the specification of materials on construction projects. The study comprised an in-
depth literature review and questionnaire, with the respondents being informed by Main Contractor
employees operating in the UK.
The assessment focused on the following areas in the context of a design and build contract; the
contractor’s internal job roles and their varying influences on the selection of construction materials,
the decision making drivers within these job roles and their levels of influence when selecting
construction materials, the influence sustainability has on these decisions and the varying situations
that affect that influence. This enabled a full appreciation to be grasped of current practices and a
critical analysis undertaken of the future role of sustainability in influencing material choices.

The results of this study found main contractors to be inherently conservative and risk averse with
the traditional time, cost, and quality model being the main driver behind the majority of decisions. It
recognised that although clients and architects have a role to play, a circle of blame has developed
where criticism is pushed onto construction practitioners for either not asking for sustainable
materials, or not specifying sustainable materials. Although it acknowledged that a more
collaborative and integrated approach is required to overcome this, the contractor has the scope and
responsibility in all stages of a project to encourage a move towards more sustainable material
selection.

Most notably though it was identified that globally there is still a great deal of complexity and lack of
knowledge surrounding the evaluation of sustainability drivers, particularly in relation to risk and
cost. This fundamental issue requires addressing through regulation or industry development for
integration to be successful.
If you wish to comment on this edition of the Journal, you can contact the editor at thejournal@virginmedia.com.
If you require more details of the Company please contact the Clerk at:
constructorsclerk@constructorscompany.co.uk or write to Mr Kim Tyrrell at:
The Clerk, The Worshipful Company of Constructors, 5 Delft Close, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 7TQ

38 | Autumn 2015 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors