Title: A framework for green project management processes in construction projects

Authors: Khaled Hassan Al Rumaithi; Salwa Mamoun Beheiry

Addresses: Abu Dhabi Water and Environmental Authority (ADWEA), P.O. Box 2577, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates ' American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: Green industries are growing worldwide and in most cases provide a good rate of return on investment. Moreover, there are many benefits that are associated with green buildings such as lower ecological impact and carbon footprint on the environment, healthier life style for residents and end users, higher service life, less water and energy consumption and less maintenance. The main obstacle for a wide adaptation of green and sustainable buildings in the construction industry is the perceived higher initial costs and the higher risks involved with novel ventures. The higher costs and risks associated with green projects could be reduced by utilising a green project management process that addresses the needs of specific projects. Such green project management processes, if adapted and implemented, could lower the costs and risks of green projects and raise their competitive advantage versus conventional and less efficient projects. This study investigates the conventional project management processes used in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction industry and postulates the integration of green practices into these project management processes to enhance their applicability in new construction projects.

Keywords: green project management; sustainable management; United Arab Emirates; UAE; LEED; construction projects; construction industry; green buildings; sustainable buildings.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2016.077514

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2016 Vol.8 No.2, pp.126 - 144

Received: 12 Sep 2014
Accepted: 02 Oct 2015
Published online: 04 Jul 2016 *

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