The act of climate declaration of buildings : A study of construction engineers’ approach and competence for implementation of the act

Abstract: The construction sector is an important actor in the work of reducing CO2 emissions, and keeping global warming under 2°C. From 1 January 2022, a new legislation entered into force in Sweden regarding climate declaration for new buildings. The study aims to investigate how the act may impact construction engineers’ daily work, and if they possess the competence the act require. Furthermore, the study explores construction engineers’ and Sweco’s approach towards such change, and identify how Sweco as an organization should manage the change in order for a sufficient implementation.  A qualitative method was applied, primary data were collected through five semi-structured interviews with one sustainability coordinator, three construction engineers, and one project manager. The interviews covered the current project conditions, Sweco’s work with the act of Climate Declaration, the awareness and approach among construction engineers, and their competence for complying with the legislation. A literature review was conducted to identify common obstacles and necessary actions within change management.  The result identified that the implementation of the act will require a change in attitude towards sustainability. Today, construction projects address the factors: quality, time, and cost as measures for success. The ignorance of sustainability targets will not continue as projects must comply with the act. From the perspective of Sweco’s management, it is reasonable that the construction engineers will provide A1-A4 of the act, since the construction engineers’ work will be dependent on the emission limitation the act will require.  Nevertheless, although, all interviewees understand the importance of the sustainable transition the industry need, the construction engineers feel rejection towards providing what the act require. This is founded in the identified limited knowledge the construction engineers possess regarding LCA and emissions related to materials. The result indicates, however, that it is possible to change their mindset and achieve readiness with direct and right communication. Yet, the lack of knowledge remains even if readiness is achieved. Hence, the result show that Sweco with a favorable organizational structure needs to improve their sustainability work and provide obligatory education for the engineers.  It is moreover concluded that the communication regarding the change and sustainability in general within construction projects must be prioritized, to solve the implementation hindrances that may arise. First, the construction engineer has to entry projects in an early stage, which is not always the case. Second, construction projects’ time and cost budgets are interpreted as tight. Hence, it is important to make a sufficient time estimation of the time the construction engineers require in order to comply with the act, and further include it in the budget.  All interviewees have, however, high trust that the industry will solve the implementation of the act as it is today, but the future limitations of emissions that will be implemented is perceived to be the major obstacle. Luckily, there is still time to anchor the change within the industry, but it is important to start working for it now, as change takes time.