Sustainable construction and life cycle assessment in qatar: industry challenges, adoption, and policy implications

Abstract

Sustainable construction is a key priority for Qatar, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's commitment to environmental sustainability. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a crucial tool for evaluating the environmental impact of construction projects, yet its adoption in Qatar remains limited due to financial constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, and lack of industry expertise. This study investigates the current state of sustainable construction in Qatar, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for LCA implementation. Through a survey of industry professionals, key barriers were identified, including high initial costs, insufficient technical knowledge, and the absence of standardized sustainability regulations. The findings reveal that while many practitioners recognize the long-term benefits of LCA, its integration remains hindered by weak enforcement mechanisms and inconsistent policy frameworks. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration with LCA to enhance sustainability assessments, yet adoption remains low due to knowledge gaps and limited digital transformation in the sector. To address these challenges, the study recommends strengthening regulatory enforcement, introducing financial incentives, and implementing structured training programs to enhance industry capacity and encourage LCA adoption. Increased collaboration between policymakers, developers, and environmental agencies is also necessary to create a more robust sustainability framework. By tackling these barriers and leveraging digital tools, Qatar can enhance its transition towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon construction sector, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable building practices.