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Leblanc, H, Thomson, C and Nitithamyong, P (2011) Mapping sustainability related knowledge of construction planned works: A social housing case study. In: Egbu, C and Lou, E C W (Eds.), Proceedings 27th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2011, Bristol, UK. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 563–72.

  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Keywords: knowledge management; social housing; sustainability
  • ISBN/ISSN: 978-0-9552390-5-2
  • URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/ar2011-0563-0572_Leblanc_Thomson_Nitithamyong.pdf
  • Abstract:
    Evidence suggests that the awareness amongst construction practitioners of the sustainability concept and its implications is growing, although changes in practice remain relatively slow. In the UK, the government has launched several initiatives to improve the situation and a plethora of sustainable guidelines and frameworks have been developed for construction practitioners. This research argues that despite this, insufficient emphasis has been placed on the management of sustainability related knowledge which is currently readily available and held in practice. To fill this gap, a doctoral research based at Glasgow Caledonian University aims to develop a framework to help construction practitioners to manage the flow of sustainability related knowledge available during the course of their projects. As part of this wider research, this paper presents a case study of a kitchen renewal project by a small urban Scottish housing association exploring the dynamics and complexities of sustainability related knowledge flow. A seven step knowledge mapping methodology analysing semi-structured interviews with practitioners involved in the project delivery is presented. The case study findings indicate that Housing Association (HA) practitioners possess economic, environmental and social goals and the knowledge associated but no formal system or mechanism to manage it. Next it appears that practitioner relationships influence the exchange of sustainability related knowledge. Also it was observed that implicit and tacit knowledge influence practitioners decisions. Finally it seems that practitioners acquire sustainability related knowledge from practice rather than policies. The case study findings provide a base to develop practical advices and solutions for HAs practitioners during planned works to improve the management of sustainability related knowledge based on an understanding of sustainability issues and communication mechanisms.