Analysis of preparedness for climate change in construction projects from the perspective of multiple stakeholders in Chile

Abstract

Climate change and its effects are becoming more latent every day, and the construction industry plays a significant role in this context. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the level of development of construction projects in climate change preparedness according to the various stakeholders of the industry in Chile through semi-structured interviews with construction and environmental professionals. The findings show that Chile is at an early stage in preparing for climate change both in the development of regulations and in the proper management of waste generated during construction projects. It highlights the crucial role of the government in implementing legislation and incentivizing more sustainable practices in the construction sector. Additionally, we found the importance of making changes from the design stage of projects to improve climate change preparedness in construction projects. This work contributes to filling the knowledge gap on the current approach of the construction sector to climate change in Chile and to a deeper understanding of the context of the climate crisis in a developing country. It also provides valuable background for the development of future environmental policies in the sector.