Integrating Sustainability into Construction Contracts: Evaluating Standard Forms for Effective Implementation in Pakistan

Abstract

The construction industry plays a pivotal role for economic growth, social progress, creating job market, providing vital infrastructure, and driving innovation. However, the conventional construction practices harm the environment by utilizing large quantities of natural resources, producing limitless waste, and emitting greenhouse gases by the use of materials like concrete, steel, plastic, glass and wood etc. Additionally, improper waste disposal practices and land disruption cause pollution and loss of biodiversity. These practices are unsustainable and need deviation towards greener and more energy-efficient methods of construction to reduce the environmental impact. These methods come under the umbrella of sustainability which is the ability to meet the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The public awareness regarding the concept of sustainability is quite good among the literate public but many face challenges in adopting sustainable practices due to lack of accessible resources, cost-effective solutions, clear guidelines, and tools. One of the most effective ways to ensure sustainability especially in construction projects is by incorporating sustainability clauses during contract formation. This would make sustainability not just a voluntary act but a contractual obligation. Globally, various standard forms of contract documents are being followed and a comparative analysis is needed to determine which document is the most effective in promoting sustainability. In Pakistan, we need to assess whether the current standard contract document that we follow is sufficient or we need to adopt a better model that ensures sustainability effectively.