In search of carbon reduction drivers and practices for the construction projects in Australia

The liability that the construction sector has on carbon emissions has already been justified by statistical records. In Australia, new policies were introduced with an intention to drive carbon reduction in construction operations. A deeper understanding of whether low carbon initiatives like new policies or stringent regulations would be conducive to a change in contractors' behaviour towards emission reduction is desirable. This paper reports a study that investigates how the contractors may enact carbon reduction strategies. Data was collected through a survey conducted in the State of Victoria, Australia. The results indicate that many carbon reduction strategies are rarely adopted in construction projects. Despite 'Reducing Construction Wastes' and 'Complying with the Green Star Ratings' were agreed as the carbon reduction strategies adopted by the respondent's companies, their adoption may not be made in the emphasis for carbon reduction.