In the quest to mitigate the environmental impacts of construction, a new study is shedding light on the knowledge gaps and trends that could shape the future of the industry. Led by Chijioke Emmanuel Emere from the Department of Built Environment at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, the research provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of environmental health and sustainability (EHS) in construction, offering valuable insights for scholars, stakeholders, and energy sector professionals alike.
Published in the journal ‘Eng’ (which translates to ‘Engineering’), the study delves into the trends and themes that have dominated EHS research in construction-related domains. By analyzing data from the Scopus database, Emere and his team identified four key themes that have emerged in recent years: Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making, Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Mechanical Performance of Concrete, Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices, and Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emission Analysis.
One of the most striking findings of the study is the scarcity of research focused specifically on environmental health, as opposed to environmental sustainability. “This disparity highlights a significant knowledge gap that needs to be addressed,” Emere notes. “Understanding and mitigating the health impacts of construction activities is crucial for the well-being of workers and communities, and it’s an area that has been relatively overlooked.”
The study also reveals that while India leads in the number of publications on EHS in construction, Spain, China, and Saudi Arabia have the highest citation-to-publication ratios, indicating their strong influence in the field. However, the research underscores the need for more relevant studies in African nations and South Asian countries, particularly emerging economies, to enhance the sustainability and environmental performance of construction projects.
For the energy sector, the findings offer valuable insights into the trends and themes that are likely to shape future developments in construction. The emphasis on energy-oriented decision-making and low-carbon materials, for instance, points to a growing demand for innovative solutions that can reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects. Similarly, the focus on waste management and circular economy practices highlights the need for more sustainable approaches to resource use and waste disposal.
As Emere explains, “The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions and environmental degradation. By addressing these knowledge gaps and trends, we can develop more sustainable and resilient built environments that support the well-being of people and the planet.”
The study’s strategic thematic mapping provides a solid theoretical basis for future research and practical applications, enhancing the industry’s preparedness to mitigate the adverse environmental and climatic impacts of traditional construction methods. By bridging the gap between environmental health and sustainability, the research offers a roadmap for a more sustainable and healthier future for the construction industry and the energy sector.