Embedding Net-Zero in Construction: Client–Contractor Practices and Collaboration

Abstract

This research addresses a critical gap in the built environment: the human and collaborative factors that contribute to successful net-zero construction. While the technical and economic aspects of net-zero are well-documented, the day-to-day collaborative practices and inter-organisational dynamics that translate these goals into project reality remain underexplored. Drawing on Practice Theory, this study seeks to understand how the interactions, routines, and shared understandings of clients and contractors shape net-zero project outcomes.

To achieve this, a qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of professionals from both the client and contractor sectors involved in net-zero construction projects in the UK. This methodology was designed to provide rich, nuanced insights into the practical realities of their working relationships.

Findings from early conversations with participants suggest that successful collaboration is not defined by formal contracts alone, but is profoundly influenced by informal practices, trust, and the development of shared values and emergent learning across project teams. Key challenges identified include misaligned expectations, traditional procurement models, and a lack of mechanisms for effective knowledge exchange.

In conclusion, this research provides a novel theoretical contribution by applying Practice Theory to identify and analyse specific collaborative mechanisms and their implications for sustainable construction. The findings are highly relevant for enhancing project management strategies and fostering a collaborative culture. Future research could extend this practice-based lens to examine how these dynamics evolve over a project's lifecycle.