Preprint / Version 2

Construction Project Management Sustainability Competencies

Navigating Carbon Tax and Green Retrofitting Barriers from Corporations

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31224/3563

Keywords:

Carbon Footprint Analysis, Carbon tax, Circular economy in construction, Cognitive Competency Theory (CCT), Competency-Based Management, Construction project management, Energy efficiency measures, Energy Policy, Environmental impact assessment (EIA), Green building standards, Green retrofitting, Lifecycle assessment (LCA), Project management, Renewable energy integration, Resource conservation, Social Cognitive Theory, Sustainable development, Sustainable Materials Management, Sustainable urban planning, Waste Reduction Strategies

Abstract

Introduced in 2019, South Africa's carbon tax imposes escalating financial penalties on companies exceeding emissions limits, reaching up to six billion rand annually. This study examines the perceived competencies of Construction Project Managers (CPMs) in green retrofitting against standards set by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and develops Cognitive Competency Theory (CCT), testing its tenets in reality. The research employs qualitative methods, interviewing thirteen experienced CPMs in green refurbishment. Findings reveal that CPMs are pivotal in balancing carbon tax demands and advancing sustainable development. However, they often lack a full understanding of their role in environmental protection and compliance with carbon tax regulations. The study concludes that while CPMs are essential in navigating the complexities of green retrofitting, there is a need for future research to explore the evolving role of CPMs in relation to regulatory pressures and industry standards. The Centre for the Built Environment emphasises that CPMs must possess competencies across various stages of project development, but sustainability competencies are not yet standardised in the industry.

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Author Biographies

Malcolm Weaich, University of the Witwatersrand

Malcolm Weaich
Sustainability Innovator | Researcher | Quantity Surveyor

Malcolm Weaich is a distinguished quantity surveyor and sustainability innovator with over 12 years of experience in the construction industry. Based in Durban, South Africa, Malcolm is known for providing expert advice on financial and contractual matters related to built environment projects. He currently serves as a Project Quantity Surveyor and Feasibility Specialist at Weaich Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd, where he manages project financials, supply chain, tender negotiations, and project change management.

Malcolm's academic background includes the persuit of a PhD and an MSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of the Witwatersrand, with a focus on sustainable development in urban infrastructure. He also holds a BSc (Honours) in Quantity Surveying from the same university, a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying, and a National Diploma in Building Engineering from the Durban University of Technology. His educational pursuits are further complemented by a series of publications.

In addition to his professional role, Malcolm is a part-time lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he imparts practical knowledge and real-world insights to students in the Department of Construction Economics and Management. He is passionate about sustainable development and has received several honors and awards, including the Best Overall Under 35 Award of the Year and the Golden Spade Award.

Malcolm's expertise spans various areas including construction project management, business ethics, and peer review of scientific research. He is proficient in industry-specific software such as CostX, WinQS, and Candy, enhancing his ability to deliver projects efficiently and within budget.

Pride Ndlovu, University of Witwatersrand


Dr. Pride Ndlovu is a distinguished researcher focused on enhancing cross-border collaboration in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specialising in knowledge transfer between international and local firms, Dr. Ndlovu's work promotes regional development and innovation. Her expertise is pivotal in building sustainable partnerships and fostering economic growth across the continent.

Prisca Simbanegavi, University of Witwatersrand

Prisca Simbanegavi, PhD

Senior Lecturer

School of Construction Economics and Management, University of Witwatersrand,

University of Witwatersrand

prisca.simbanegavi@wits.ac.za

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7238-3731

Research focus: Real estate, urban economics & the built environment.

Dr. Prisca Simbanegavi is a distinguished Specialist Researcher and Advisor in real estate and the built environment at large. Her academic credentials are robust, having earned a PhD in Real Estate in 2019 from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She holds a BSc (Honors) in Economics from University of Zimbabwe, a BCom (Honours) in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management from University of Cape Town and a Master of Science in Real Estate Management from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Simbanegavi is committed to advancing research in the areas of real estate, urban economics & the built environment. She prefers to work within the African continent, contributing her extensive expertise in addressing crucial developmental needs of her continent. At University of Witwatersrand, she lectures courses that include urban economics, property management, real estate asset management, real estate finance & real estate market analysis. She is the current Program Coordinator for popular Masters in Real Estate Development and Management at the university. Most students attest to her prolific research supervision skills at masters and PhD student levels.

Faranani Gethe, University of Witwatersrand


Faranani Gethe is a dynamic Building Inspector and academic at Wits, blending practical expertise with academic insight. His work focuses on enforcing building regulations while contributing to research on construction standards and urban development. Gethe's dual role enhances his teaching, enriching students' learning with real-world applications and current industry practices.

David Root, University of Witwatersrand

Professor David Root was the Head of School at the University of Witwatersrand’s School of Construction Economics and Management. Until 2011 he was Associate Professor and previously Senior Lecturer in the Department of Construction Economics and Management at the University of Cape Town which he joined in 2003. He originally trained as a Building Surveyor working in both private practice and a variety of public and private sector client organisations in the UK before entering academia. David holds an Honours degree in Building Surveying from the University of Salford, and an MSc and PhD degrees in Construction Management from the University of Bath. He undertook post doctoral research at the University of Loughborough’s Department of Civil and Building Engineering in the area of design management and supply chain management working with companies such as AMEC and their supply chain partners. He is a Chartered Builder and a Chartered Surveyor and is registered with the SACPCMP as a Construction Project Manager in South Africa.

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Posted

2024-02-22 — Updated on 2024-05-22

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Copyright (c) 2024 Malcolm Weaich, Pride Ndlovu, Prisca Simbanegavi, Faranani Gethe, David Root

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Version justification

Version 2: The paper now has Editorial acceptance and is currently under peer review with The International Journal of Sustainability Policy and Practice. Version 2 includes several significant changes, reflective of what has been issued for Peer Review. Changes from Version 1 include, the abstract now emphasises the financial impact of carbon tax and introduces the validation of Cognitive Competency Theory (CCT). Professor David Root has been added as a co-author, to assist with discussing the implications and impact Cognitive Competency Theory will have on the Construction Project Management body of knowledge. The research scope has been expanded to focus more on regulatory pressures and industry standards, highlighting the critical need to bridge policy and practice. Keywords have been updated to include "Cognitive Competency Theory (CCT)," "Council for the Built Environment (CBE)," "Regulatory Compliance," and "Sustainability Competencies." Six specific highlights summarising the paper's contributions have been included. The introduction has been enhanced with additional background on the financial implications of carbon tax and the importance of CPMs in green retrofitting. The methodology section now details methods used more clearly and explains the engagement with thirteen experienced CPMs, emphasising the methodological rigour and contextual richness of the data collection. Findings highlight gaps in CPMs' understanding of their roles in environmental protection and compliance with carbon tax regulations and discuss the evolving role of CPMs under regulatory pressures. The theoretical framework explanation has been enhanced, integrating SCT and CBM, and includes a visual representation. The discussion and recommendations sections now emphasise the need for enhanced CPD and collaboration for effective green retrofitting and address the implications of the research findings for future policy and practice. The conclusion further elaborates on the necessity for standardised sustainability competencies in the industry. The references list has been expanded to include recent studies and relevant literature, reflecting a comprehensive enhancement of the study's depth and clarity.