Cognitive biases that shape the drivers and barriers to embracing green construction practices

What is it about?

The challenges associated with cognitive biases can significantly impact the decision-making process of driving and adopting green construction practices. Recognising and approaching these barriers with understanding and empathy is essential, as they often stem from deeply rooted habits and perceptions. This study highlights drivers and barriers to green building construction practices and identifies the cognitive biases connected to these factors. A dual systematic literature review was used to assess academic journal articles from 2018 to 2023 to uphold the recency of information and utilise narrative and thematic analysis to conclude the results. Results, presented in tables and a dynamic map, reveal the profound influence of 71 cognitive biases on the 95 drivers and barriers shaping green building practices' adoption. This paper novelly explores interconnected factors by delving into the key drivers that promote sustainable building practices, the barriers that hinder their implementation, and the cognitive biases that affect decision-making in this context. Additionally, the paper delves into the cognitive biases that can influence decision-making in this area, illuminating how existing beliefs and biases might affect the decisions made by builders, architects, and developers as they strive for sustainability. The theoretical implications of our study extend to future research, providing a foundation for exploring the human perspective within the construction industry.

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