Sustainable Construction? : A Study on Errors, Damages and Complexity in Construction

Sammanfattning: Topics on the environment and sustainability attracts ever more attention today, especially in the construction sector. In Sweden, the building- and housing industry answers for a significant share of the total energy consumption, waste production and greenhouse gas emissions. The construction sector is often depicted as conservative with a low rate of productivity and innovation. Sweden’s National Board of Housing, Building and Planning suggests that errors and damages in construction causes expenses corresponding to tens of thousands new housing units each year in Sweden. In a time of climate action and pursuit of more circularity in resource use this issue becomes a burning question. There is no doubt that the industry has adopted the increasing awareness on sustainability issues. Carbon emission levels and renewable energy is being measured as any other key performance indicator. The strive for increased sustainability in construction becomes relevant for any actor who wants to remain relevant on the market. Considering recent studies emphasizing errors, damages, and inadequacies in construction a relevant question to ask would be if the reality lives up to the ambitions of a sustainable building industry. This study investigates underlying factors causing errors and damages in construction. Development on sustainability matters is plotted in relation to how it has affected the industry. Chosen literature covers sustainability development, building errors and damages as well as complexity matters unique for the construction industry. The study’s literature review is balanced by multiple interviews and a survey conducted with industry working professionals. The results suggest that the development of errors and damages in construction has been stable in recent years. However, data collection thru interviews and surveys declares that most participants has experienced an increase in errors and damages. The distribution of information and knowledge regarding errors and damages in construction has increased, which may have caused a perceived increase of errors and damages. Whether increased focus on sustainability matters has affected the occurrence of errors and damages depends on which time span is being considered. Sustainability related adaptions of work methods and materials may give rise to errors and damages in the short term. Hence, the heightened sustainability focus together with a rapid development pace calls for caution when designing buildings. The study’s data collection suggests an increasing lack of competence regarding the design of buildings and contract documents. Ambiguous and more demanding requirements together with lack of general liability and competence supply is described as the most urgent issues affecting errors, damages, and deficiencies in construction.