Sustainable Building Project Management in Algeria: Challenges, Strategies, and Future Directions for Environmentally Friendly Construction

Abstract

The effective integration of green project management practices is crucial for promoting sustainable construction in Algeria while ensuring cost efficiency. This study proposes a structured framework to modify traditional project management approaches throughout the project life cycle, focusing on early interdisciplinary collaboration, integrated design, and continuous training. Key barriers to implementation include limited awareness, high costs, and inadequate government support, all of which hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. The findings reveal inconsistencies in the application of green construction methods, emphasizing the need for robust policy incentives, financial support, and active community participation. Additionally, the study highlights the urgency of educational initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps and advocates for incorporating sustainability into urban planning. Addressing these challenges will enable Algeria to advance its sustainable construction sector, positioning it as a model for other developing nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

1. Introduction

All activities related to building constructions for residential or commercial purposes have negative consequences on the environment. Precisely, the building of a new house generally involves CO₂ emissions, which can vary from 15 to 100 tons [1], depending on the house’s size, the used materials, and their origins. Buildings contribute to 39% of carbon emission energy-related worldwide, with 11% from the used materials and the construction process, and 28% from its operational use [2]. According to the UN report, the building and construction sector is the largest source of greenhouse gases, responsible for 37% of emissions worldwide [3]. In addition, the building industry has substantial impacts on the social aspects such as health, security, and life quality, as well as economically, for instance, employment, productivity, and the association of development and infrastructure needs. Addressing sustainability in the building industry entails a general approach, which covers the entire building’s cycle of life, from conception and construction to exploitation and, finally, an eventual demolition [4].

On account of the fast-growing urbanization and rising environmental preoccupations, the building industry in Algeria is in a critical position [5]. As the country is engaging in infrastructure transformations, it is crucial to integrate sustainable construction practices and even development needs with environmental responsibilities [6]. Algeria, with a blooming population of 44.6 million and stretches over 2.38 million square kilometers, perceived its rate of urbanization spike from 60% in 2000 to 74% in 2021, according to the official Algerian National Statistics Office [7]. Even as the housing programs have considerably reduced slum housing, the country still faces challenges due to the unceasingly high demands; 80% of real estate transactions take place on nonregulated markets [7].

Table 1. Key Housing Statistics and Population Trends in Algeria (2019–2024).

Year	Population	Annual Growth Rate	House Stock (Units)	Avg. Household Size	New Homes Delivered
2024	46,278,751	1.47%	10 million	4.4	Ongoing
2023	45,606,480	1.57%	10 million	4.4	320,000+
2022	44,903,225	1.64%	10 million	4.4	700,000 (since 2020)
2021	44,177,969	1.67%	10 million	4.4	700,000 (since 2020)
2020	43,451,666	1.75%	10 million	4.4	700,000 (since 2020)

, Key Housing Statistics and Population trends in Algeria (2019–2024) provides further insights into these demographic and urbanization trends.

Moreover, the economic deceleration resulting from the COVID 2019 pandemic led to a decline of 4.9% in 2020, followed by a recovery of 4.1% in 2021, beside an increase in inflation rates of 7.5%. These economic shifts are further detailed in

Table 2. Overview of Algeria’s Urbanization, Economy, and Housing Sector (2021).

Aspect	Details
Population	44.6 million
Land Area	2382 million square kilometers
Urban Population	Increased from 60% in 2000 to 74% in 2021
Housing Supply	Housing programs have eradicated 90% of slums
Economic Impact of COVID-19	Economy decreased by 4.9% in 2020; recovery with 4.1% GDP growth in 2021, Inflation (2021) 7.5%
Gross Domestic Product GDP Composition	Hydrocarbon revenues account for 30% of GDP, 60% of budget revenues, and 95% of exports
Multidimensional Poverty	Fell from 2.1% to 1.4%
Population Growth Rate	2.2%
Housing Demand	Estimated at 200,000 units per year
Real Estate Transactions	80% occur in informal marketplaces
Financial Sector	Non-banking (82% of GDP) and banking (73% of GDP)
Mortgage Loans	Expected to be less than DA400 billion (US$2.8 billion), or 2% of GDP
Public Bank Loans (March 2021)	Over 9711 billion (US$66.2 billion)
Housing Allocations	State subsidies dominate; mortgages reserved for households with sufficient income
Disaster Risk Management	Focuses on reconstruction rather than prevention and mitigation
Climate Hazards	Includes floods, earthquakes, droughts, and forest fires
Government Housing Program	579,500 housing units planned between 2021 and 2024 as part of a one-million-home program
Investment Policies	New investment law aims to simplify and digitize operations, with tax benefits to investors

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This study looks into the role of green project management (GPM) in promoting sustainable buildings in Algeria. GPM integrates traditional project management fundamentals into sustainability requirements, incorporating environmental, social, and economic considerations [8]. By evaluating the actual state of green building practices in Algeria, this research aims to identify the main challenges and opportunities while proposing tangible strategies to integrate sustainability into project management.

Acknowledging the need for proactive solutions, this study, besides evaluating the ongoing practices, also advocates concrete actions. The challenges of implementing sustainability into Algeria’s construction field are highlighted through this research while emphasizing the necessity of strategic planning, policy endorsement, and initiatives to enhance capacities. By a structured system, this study aims to contribute to the global debate on sustainable development, placing Algeria as a model for expanding economies targeting to balance the extending economy along with environmental safekeeping [9].

In the succeeding sections, this article explores the fundamental principle of green project management, analyses specific challenges in the building sector in Algeria, and proposes a road map to introduce sustainability within project management practices. By this mean, this study seeks to gather theoretical insights as well as practical suggestions to promote sustainable constructions in Algeria.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Sustainable Development in Algeria’s Construction Sector

Sustainable development aims to balance between environmental, economic, and social needs, guaranteeing that the buildings are eco-friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible throughout their life cycle [10]. However, regardless of its importance globally, the construction sector took too long to integrate sustainable practices, particularly in developing countries such as Algeria [11]. Although the need for sustainable building project management is increasingly acknowledged in Algeria, some major challenges subsist, such as high initial costs, limited expertise, and a rather weak regulatory framework [12].

2.2. Algeria’s Commitment to Sustainability

Algeria has shown a strong commitment towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by participating in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development [13]. The country has been actively engaged in the international SDG initiatives, with significant efforts in sectors such as energy efficiency and water conservation [13]. Yet, even with these efforts, the execution is still slow because of systematic obstacles, including a lack of applicable national policies and limited implementation of sustainable practices within the building field [12].

The energy industry in Algeria is still strongly dependent on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels, which provide 99% of its electricity [14]. However, the country is now focusing progressively on its abundant natural resources, particularly solar energy, in the context of its goals for an energetic transition [14]. In 2023, Algeria had installed 437 MW of solar production capacity, with the objective of achieving 4 GW by 2025 [15]. This ambitious objective reflects the increasing acknowledgment of Algeria’s need to diversify its energy resources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by adjusting to global shifts in matters of sustainable development [16]. Despite these efforts, only a small fraction of buildings use energy-efficient materials, which proves the delay between political ambitions and the concrete results [17]. The pilot project ECO-PACK, which aims to build 600 energy-efficient houses, shows the potential of sustainable development but has encountered limited success because of high costs and a lack of thorough regulatory application [12].

2.3. Comparing Algeria with Other North African Countries

In comparison, other North African countries, such as Morocco and Tunisia, have achieved significant progress in matters of sustainable construction. Morocco, for instance, has adopted bio-climatic architecture and passive strategic designs, using solar energy and local materials to reduce energy consumption [18]. Tunisia has also implemented energy efficiency systems, like low emissivity windows and green roofs, integrating successfully these techniques within the urban development [19]. These two countries have established reference points in matters of energy efficiency and climate-resilient designs, which made them leaders in the region [20].

Algeria, however, is lingering behind in comparison to its neighbors in terms of regulatory framework and implementing sustainable building practices [21]. The country has yet to develop a localized environmental evaluation method proper to its specific climate conditions, unlike countries such as Morocco and Tunisia, where sustainable measures have been implemented within national policies and urban planning. Algeria’s segregated approach in matters of sustainable building and lack of regulatory framework represents a major challenge for an extensive implementation [21].

2.4. Barriers to Sustainable Construction in Algeria

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Lack of government support: Lack of comprehensive national policies to ensure conformity of sustainable construction, this leaves the construction field without any clear directions nor incentives [12].

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High initial costs: The initial cost for sustainable materials and technologies are often consistently costly, which discourages and limits their use in building construction [12].

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Limited expertise: Numerous professionals in the construction sector have limited to no knowledge and necessary training in matters of green construction techniques and environmental assessment methods [5].

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Lack of regulations: The current regulatory framework is lacking in matters of promoting and implementing effectively sustainable building practices [10].

2.5. Strategies for Advancing Sustainable Construction

In order to overcome those barriers, Algeria must focus on developing a regionally adapted environmental assessment framework that considers the impact of local climate conditions as well as social and economic circumstances [22]. Such a framework would allow the following:

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Establish well-defined standards for energy efficiency, material use, and water management;

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Promote the use of local provenance materials, which would reduce transportation emissions as well as costs;

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Advocate the government’s involvement, through policies and financial incentives that support sustainable construction practices;

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Training professionals in sustainable conception and Building Information Model (BIM), so as to reinforce capacity in the construction sector.

In addition, implementing bio-climatic architecture, which has already proven to be effective in the neighboring countries, could bring significant benefits by reducing energy consumption and improving climate resilience in Algerian buildings [23].

Algeria is facing important challenges in advancing sustainable construction practices, particularly in matters of energy-efficient conceptions, waste management, and water management [18]. Although the country has engaged with international sustainability initiatives, the implementation has been growing slowly because of weak regulatory frameworks, high costs, and limited expertise [12]. Despite these challenges, Algeria’s growing interest in solar energy, with ambitious goals such as 4 GW of solar capacity by 2025, offers a promising path to a sustainable future [15].

Regardless of an increasing awareness of sustainable building in Algeria, there is a lack of comprehensive frameworks that incorporate sustainable building project management all through the building life cycle [12]. Previous studies focus mainly on identifying barriers, such as high costs and limited expertise, without providing actionable solutions. This article aims to propose a structured framework that stresses interdisciplinary collaboration, integrated design, and continuous training while taking on Algeria’s specific social, economic, and environmental challenges.

3. Methodology

The methodology of this study has been designed to examine the various barriers to adopting sustainable construction in Algeria and to evaluate the level of public knowledge regarding sustainable construction in the country. A quantitative research approach was chosen, as it allows for the collection of structured data and statistical analysis to measure awareness and perceptions systematically (Creswell, 2014) [24]. A survey questionnaire was developed as the primary data collection tool, following best practices in survey-based research for sustainability studies (Dillman et al., 2014) [25].

A literature survey was conducted to establish a foundation for the study, and a structured questionnaire was designed and circulated among professional individuals from the construction sector and students from civil engineering and architecture departments. The inclusion of professionals was justified by their direct involvement in the construction industry, offering practical insights into challenges related to sustainable practices (Saunders et al., 2016) [26]. The inclusion of students was based on their potential role as future industry professionals, making it crucial to assess their level of awareness regarding sustainability in construction (Bryman, 2012) [27]. The demographics of the respondents are given in

Table 3. Demographics of respondents.

Category	Subcategory	Number of Respondents	Percentage
Total Respondents		109
Professionals	Total	60
	Male	38	63.33%
	Female	22	36.67%
	Field
	Civil Engineering	55	91.7%
	Architecture	5	8.3%
Civil Engineering	Total	55
	Project Managers	24	43.6%
	Design Engineers	11	20.0%
	Structural Engineers	2	3.6%
	Construction Managers	6	10.9%
	Professors	3	5.5%
Architecture	Total	5
	Architects	3	60.0%
	Urban Planners	1	20.0%
	Interior Designers	1	20.0%
Civil engineering Students	Total	49
	Overseas Students	12	24.49%
	Students in Algeria	37	75.51%
Overseas Students	Total	12
	Male	8	66.67%
	Female	4	33.33%
Students in Algeria	Total	37
	Male	28	75.68%
	Female	9	24.32%

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To ensure a diverse and relevant respondent base, a snowball sampling technique was employed (Goodman, 1961) [28], where initial participants were encouraged to distribute the survey further within their networks. This approach is widely used in studies where access to a well-defined target population is needed (Biernacki & Waldorf, 1981) [29]. The survey was primarily distributed via email, leveraging professional networks, academic contacts, and institutional affiliations, which is considered an effective and efficient method for reaching a geographically dispersed respondent pool (Evans & Mathur, 2005) [30]. This Methodological approach is summarized in Figure 1.

The data were collected from 109 respondents, ensuring a broad perspective from various segments of the Algerian construction sector and academic community. The distribution of respondents by category is shown in Figure 2. This methodological approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and awareness surrounding sustainable construction in Algeria.

This study also incorporates established research methodologies, such as those employed by Choi (2012) [31], which provide a structured approach to data collection and analysis. A scientific process was followed to examine a broad range of information, including regional construction sector dynamics and sustainable development practices in Algeria. Furthermore, an in-depth literature review was conducted to identify key concepts, theories, and best practices in sustainable construction and green project management (Darko et al., 2017) [32].

Phase One of the study provided background knowledge for designing a comprehensive survey questionnaire, ensuring that the collected data effectively addressed the research questions. The study ultimately aims to identify challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable construction by integrating green project management strategies in Algeria, utilizing both quantitative research techniques and established methodological frameworks.

3.1. Data Collection

The research adopted a survey approach for data collection, and we deployed a survey method for this project using a survey method developed in SmartSurvey Online Survey Software and Survey Tool. For this study, an early challenge was obtaining a sampling frame and responses from professionals from a field that is notoriously difficult to reach. We addressed this with the non-probability sampling method of snowball sampling. Even the non-probability sampling, if used properly, may provide a sufficient sample from which the researcher can obtain generalizable and realistic answers to the problem pursued (Patton 2001) [33].

The purpose of the study is to understand green buildings, green project management techniques, and sustainability practices in Algeria. It was necessary to determine the gap, that is so commonplace between the traditional ways of building and contemporary sustainable building methods. This study aims to support the preservation of the eco-environment and the efficient use of natural resources in the Algerian construction sector by supporting implementation of environmentally friendly, resource-saving, and sustainable development green project management practices. The data were obtained in this survey through the research for the benefit of sustainable construction practices in Algeria.

In addition to the provisions of the official documents on the aforementioned government commitments during the twentieth held in the nineteenth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CDD-19) in Algeria in 2011, the standards prepared by the competent standardization commission on standards for sustainable construction, as an example, have been highlighted and referred to as one of the requirements that the “Second Generation” of laws would establish. This research, therefore, seeks to support the growth of sustainable construction practices through the data from Algerian survey responses, as well as the limited literature and government reports on the or even the absence thereof related to green project management strategies practiced in Algeria to date.

3.2. Data Analysis

A theoretical underpinning, specifically the PSR model (pressure, state, response), was used to organize the survey data. The analysis involved calculating percentages to represent the distribution of responses within each survey question, employing a combination of descriptive statistics and logical reasoning methods.

A.

Descriptive statistics

Descriptive Statistics Percentages were calculated to represent the distribution of responses for each survey question. This quantified the level of familiarity with sustainable construction, awareness of environment-focused construction practices, perceived challenges, beliefs in positive impacts, proposed simple changes, factors encouraging adoption, importance of environmental considerations, sources of information, awareness of sustainable materials and technologies, understanding of energy-efficient construction practices, perception of the role of project management, and opinions on various aspects related to sustainable construction in Algeria.

• B. Measurement scales

Logical reasoning was applied to interpret the data and draw meaningful conclusions. For instance, based on the survey results, it was inferred that cost barriers, limited government support, and a lack of information were significant challenges hindering the adoption of environmentally friendly construction practices. Likewise, strong beliefs in the positive impact of such practices and widespread recognition of the importance of environmental considerations underscored a positive sentiment towards sustainability measures among the surveyed Algerians.

4. Results

The survey data reveal several key insights into sustainable construction practices in Algeria Figure 3. Among the respondents, 41.28% expressed being very familiar with sustainable construction, indicating a moderate level of awareness within the population. However, a notable portion, 18.35%, remains completely unfamiliar with the concept, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness initiatives.

Respondents pointed out some big obstacles concerning green building practices Figure 4. Such reasons include expensive costs (56.88%), limited government support (67.89%), and lack of information (53.21%). Moreover, the report points out that people’s resistance to change (57.80%) and shortage of skilled workforce (53.21%) could be some of the reasons for the Origin of these challenges, which seem to need a multi-pronged solution.

In terms of encountering environment-focused construction practices in Algeria Figure 5, 35.78% of respondents reported having come across such practices, while 41.28% have not. This suggests that while there is some presence of environmentally friendly practices, there is room for further implementation and visibility. On the other hand, there is almost universal agreement that eco-friendly construction practices have an impact on everyday life, according to most respondents (94.50%), despite the obstacles. Such a high level of support is a testament to the perceived benefits of sustainable construction practices.

Other responses related to the building process include ways construction can be greener (Figure 6) such as recycling materials (72.48%), continuing to have an energy-efficient design (61.47%), and reducing waste (69.72%). These ideas conform to recognized principles of green building and provide specific actions that promote more environmentally friendly construction.

There was also a high belief, 85.32% of respondents (93 votes), that involving local communities in construction projects positively influences them. In addition, 80.73% of respondents (88 votes) also highlighted that sustainable construction has the potential to create employment in Algeria Figure 7.

Additionally, 69.72% of respondents pointed out the need for government incentives (76 votes) to stimulate the people of Algeria to choose green buildings, and 61.47% of them voted in favor of public awareness campaigns (67 votes). Financial support, 74 votes (67.89%), and providing easy-to-understand information, 58 votes (53.21%), were the necessary supports (Figure 8).

Most of the respondents (79.82%) believe that environmental impact is extremely important or very important for construction projects in Algeria, which shows a high awareness of the environment in the construction industry (Figure 9).

The main sources of information about construction practices was social media, which had a high prevalence with a presenting rate of 68.80% as the source of information on construction practices in Algeria, followed by oral relay (mouth to mouth) (33.03%), and information channeled by the media (news outlets) (30.28%). This highlights the power of digital platforms to spread the word about construction methodologies (Figure 10).

Even though people have knowledge that sustainable materials are being utilized in construction projects (17.43%), there is an apparent requirement for widespread knowledge and promotion of these materials in the building and construction industry Figure 11.

Although there are remarkable results of awareness, such as 14 votes (12.84%) of respondents for awareness of green building certifications and 10 votes (9.17%) for awareness of technology advancements in sustainable construction practices, there are still key aspects of sustainable skills that remain low awareness exposition. These are opportunities for further training and promotion in the industry (Figure 11).

Respondents also had differing degrees of understanding of energy-efficient construction practices, suggesting areas in regard to which more education could be implemented to improve understanding and use.

The survey data present a clear overview of the state of sustainable construction practices in Algeria and identifies areas where progress can be made and guided.

In another question, we invite professionals and students in the field of construction to exchange with us and share other ideas and recommendations that they consider fundamental for achieving sustainable construction in Algeria from the point of view of their experience.

The majority of respondents reiterated that government policies are needed to drive green construction. As part of this, any acts, including ordinances and incentives promoting the use of eco-friendly materials, managing power consumption, and supporting green building certifications. The public also needs better education and awareness about sustainable construction, indicating a lack of public knowledge and understanding.

A lack of positive tendency towards sustainable practices was pointed out. The resistance is partially due to a lack of awareness but also to senior decision makers being willing to invest in privacy over other priorities or being willing to pay a premium for privacy in the form of added costs for producers. So, there must be large-scale efforts to convince the public on the benefits of sustainable construction, and it is very import to the success in overcoming our resistance.

It was suggested that there are still some obstacles within the Algerian communities when it comes to changing old ways to adopt more sustainable practices. This resistance may be tied to conditions such as unawareness or high perceived cost or competing priorities. Combating this resistance necessitates a significant amount of community-wide education, helping people understand why sustainable construction is important and how building more sustainable homes can benefit developers, homeowners, and the environment.

Respondents also highlighted that environmental issues, particularly global warming, should be dealt with quickly. They were hopeful that awareness would increase and in an era of environmental concerns, sustainable construction will begin to make sense and will be held as a concern of the nation.

Concerns were raised over the high life cost associated with sustainable construction practices, leading to appeals to invest in energy-autonomous buildings and material innovation for low-impact development, ensuring controlled energy consumption and minimization of environmental disturbance. This highlights a requirement for investment and incentives that provide sustainable practices with financial justification to make them readily available and cheaper.

Moreover, there were a number of responses stating that there is no publicly available information or examples of projects in Algeria that can be considered to promote sustainable construction and that there is a need for the industry to see successful sustainable projects so that they are inspired and educated on these projects.

Recommendations were also to concentrate on urban renewal instead of extending outward, to give waste management top priority to minimize pollution, as well as to use local materials to reduce environmental impact. This transformative methodology is not limited to building procedures; even urban planning methods are formed to create stable atmospheres and eco-friendly locales.

The very fact that there are specialists studying the efficiency of energy in buildings suggests the emergence of best practices and experts in sustainable construction. Marking the pathway for a strong future workforce to further stimulate innovation and adoption throughout the industry.

Such comments reveal a sophisticated understanding of the mindsets and landscape of sustainable construction challenges and opportunities in Algeria. This holistic approach includes policy, technology, education, public engagement, and urban planning as essential ingredients to create a sustainable built environment.

Towards the objectives of sustainable buildings, the following is a summary of the construction sustainable development standardization that is published by the relevant standardization commission.

Finally, according to the 19th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CDD-19) which are outlined in

Table 4. Laws for sustainable development according to the 19th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CDD-19).

Law Number	Definitions
Law n°03-10 of 07/19/2003	Relating to the protection of the environment in the sustainable development framework.
Law n°01-19 of 12/12/2001	relating to management, control and elimination garbage.
Law n°04-09 of 08/14/2004	Relating to the promotion of renewable energies within the framework of sustainable development.
Law n°02-02 of 05/02/2002	Relating to the protection and valorisation of littoral.
Law n°04-03 of 06/23/2004	Relating to the protection of mountain areas within the framework of sustainable development.
Law n°01-20 of 12/12/2001	Relating to planning and development sustainability of the territory.
Law n°05-12 of 04/08/2005	Relating to water.
Law n°02-08 of 05/08/2002	Relating to the conditions for the creation of cities news and their development.
Law n°04-20 of 12/24/2004	Relating to risk prevention and management within the framework of sustainable development.
Law n°06-06 of 02/20/2006	Relating to the city’s orientation law.
Law n°07-06 of 05/13/2007	Relating to management and protection and the development of green spaces.
Law n°11-02 of 02/17/2011	Relating to protected areas within the framework of sustainable development.
Law n°08-16 of 03/08/2008	Relating to agricultural orientation.
Law n°08-05 of 02/23/2008	Modifying and supplementing law n° 98-11 relating to the law of orientation and program with a five-year projection on research scientific and technological development.
Law n°99-09 of 28/07/1999	Relating to energy management.
Law n°90-29 of 01/12/1990	Relating to development and town planning.
Law n°01-13 of 07/08/2001	Relating to the orientation and organization of transport land in the context of sustainable development.

, on the legislative and regulatory level, several so-called 2nd generation laws for sustainable development have been promulgated.

These various laws and this comprehensive legislative framework that the Algerian government has decided upon provide an interesting and powerful framework for guiding high-sustainability construction projects in Algeria. These policies are in line with the goals of sustainable construction, articulated as to the protection of the environment, the study use of resources (raw materials), and the development of sustainable all-around development.

A.

Environmental protection and sustainable development

This reference is in line with the Sustainable Development theme, one of the objectives of Law n°03-10 of 19 July 2003 on the protection of the environment. Sustainable construction reduces the environmental impact of buildings by using eco-friendly materials and applying green building practices, making them an important part of environmental conservation.

B.

Waste Management

This will influence sustainable construction since the promotion of recycling and efficient allotment of residual materials on construction sites corresponds to Law n°01-19 of 12 December 2001, whose theme was the control of garbage management and its elimination. Strategies to eliminate waste from construction projects are not only born of compliance with such a law but also contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact of the building sector.

C.

Renewable Energy Promotion

The promotion of renewable energy Law n°04-09 of 14 August 2004, which is a part of sustainable construction, is a very important point to note. The use of renewable energy solutions, such as solar or wind power in buildings designs, helps to diversify energy sources by lessening the dependence on fossil energy and moving away from non-renewable sources of energy, supports the sustainable constructions process in Algeria and national goals for sustainable development.

D.

Protection of Coastal and Mountain Areas

Compliance with Law n°02-02 of 2 May 2002 and Law n°04-03 of 23 June 2004 (coastal protection and mountain area protection) ensures sustainable construction practices for responsible development of these sensitive areas. Since the nation is currently facing consequences of uncontrolled, unplanned, and haphazard constructions with reduced concern over environmental issues and sustainable building management, it is possible that such interventions, the effects on these ecologically important regions can be kept to a minimum by favoring environmental considerations and a sustainable type of buildings management, if implemented in a well-conceived manner, this will substantially reduce the negative impacts on these ecologically important areas.

E.

Urban Planning and Territorial Development

In the same way, Law n°01-20 of 12 December 2001 concerning sustainable territorial planning and orientation law for cities and Law n°06-06 of 20 February 2006 reveal the importance of adapting construction practices to the requirements of urban development in terms of sustainability. Green building helps to foster sustainable growth and better quality of life in urban areas while significantly reducing resource consumption.

F.

Water Management

Indeed, Law n°05-12 of 8 April 2005 highlights water management, which is an essential approach of sustainable building. The introduction of water-saving systems and technologies in real estate properties also contributes to the conservation of water resources, which corresponds to the State policy in the field of water resources protection.

G.

Risk Prevention and Management

Sustainable construction also fits with Law n°04-20 of 24 December 2004 on risk prevention and control. Sustainable construction can allow us to turn natural disasters and climate change risks into safety by building more durable and safer buildings using resilient building practices and materials.

H.

Green Spaces and Protected Areas

Law n°07-06 of 13 May 2007 (green spaces) and Law n°11-02 of 17 February 2011 (protected areas) emphasize the need for green spaces and biodiversity conservation within the framework of sustainable development. Sustainable construction projects that integrate green spaces and support biodiversity directly contribute to these legislative goals.

I.

Agricultural Orientation and Energy Management

With Law n°08-16 of 8 March 2008 (agricultural Orientation) and Law n°99-09 of 28 July 1999 (energy management), sustainable construction methods, which include the use of local resources and efficient energy management, should be used to promote the reduction in energy consumption of building projects and the local economy.

J.

Education and Technological Development

The modification and supplementation of laws, such as Law n°08-05 of 23 February 2008, to promote scientific and technological development are crucial for advancing sustainable construction. Continuous education and technological innovation are essential for developing new sustainable building practices and materials.

5. Discussion

Greening project management practices for sustainable construction in Algeria requires a shift from conventional methods due to the unique demands of green building projects. These projects necessitate the use of specialized materials and sustainable building practices, often accompanied by extensive documentation for environmental certification, matrix comparing the project processes of the green project management (GPM) approach to construction with those of the conventional construction approach [34], as presented in

Table 5. Matrix comparing the project processes for the Green Project Management (GPM) approach to construction versus the conventional construction approach.

Project Process	Green PM Approach to Construction	Conventional Construction Approach
Project Initiation	- Define sustainability goals and objectives - Engage stakeholders, including environmental experts and community members—Aim for LEED or BREEAM certification	- Define project scope, objectives, and constraints - Engage stakeholders primarily focused on project deliverables
Project Planning	- Develop a sustainable project plan - Conduct environmental impact assessments—Incorporate green building standards (LEED, BREEAM)	- Develop a project plan focused on scope, time, cost, and quality - Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments
Design Development	- Emphasize sustainable design principles - Select eco-friendly materials - Optimize energy and water efficiency—Integrate LEED or BREEAM guidelines	- Focus on functional and aesthetic design - Select materials based on cost and availability - Consider energy efficiency as secondary
Procurement	- Prioritize green procurement practices - Source sustainable and locally produced materials - Engage eco-conscious suppliers - Ensure compliance with LEED or BREEAM criteria	- Follow traditional procurement practices - Source materials based on cost, quality, and availability - Engage conventional suppliers
Construction Execution	- Implement green construction practices - Minimize site disturbance and waste - Use energy-efficient equipment - Follow LEED or BREEAM construction requirements	- Implement standard construction practices - Focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness - Use conventional construction equipment
Quality Management	- Monitor adherence to green building standards (LEED, BREEAM) - Conduct regular sustainability audits	- Monitor adherence to project specifications and building codes—Conduct quality checks and inspections
Risk Management	- Identify and mitigate environmental risks—Develop contingency plans for sustainability challenges	- Identify and manage project risks—Develop contingency plans for project delivery
Communication Management	- Communicate sustainability goals and progress to stakeholders - Engage community and environmental groups	- Communicate project progress to stakeholders - Focus on meeting project deliverables and timelines
Stakeholder Engagement	- Involve diverse stakeholders, including environmental advocates and local communities	- Involve stakeholders primarily focused on project outcomes
Project Monitoring and Control	- Track environmental performance and sustainability metrics - Adjust plans to meet sustainability targets (LEED, BREEAM)	- Track project performance based on scope, time, cost, and quality metrics - Adjust plans to meet project objectives
Project Closing	- Ensure sustainability goals are achieved—Document green practices for future projects—Conduct post-construction audits (LEED, BREEAM)	- Ensure project deliverables are met—Conduct final inspections and handovers - Closeout project documentation
Post-Construction	- Implement sustainable operations and maintenance practices - Monitor long-term environmental impact - Maintain LEED or BREEAM certification	- Focus on building operation and maintenance based on initial specifications - Monitor performance based on conventional standards

. To minimize risks and control costs, traditional project management must be adjusted to accommodate the increased need for cross-disciplinary coordination, particularly in site selection, construction techniques, and building systems early in the project lifecycle. Conventional linear and fragmented construction management processes can lead to costly rework in green projects. Addressing sustainability issues early in the project lifecycle is more cost-effective and can significantly impact both short-term construction costs and long-term operating expenses [35]. Early adjustments foster the development of an integrated design and construction team, ensuring that green building objectives are met at every project phase.

A.

High Costs, Government Support, and Knowledge Gaps

Algeria encounters big challenges to the initiation of green building techniques, consisting of high costs, nearly no government backing, and a lack of knowledge of environmentally responsible buildings [36]. This is despite the fact that it costs only about 2% more to build an eco-conscious building than a conventional one. When weighed, the lifecycle cost analysis shows that the financial benefits of eco-friendly structures, with average operating savings ranging from 14 to 19%, are significant. Yet, these barriers hinder broad implementation and adoption. In addition, there is a major discrepancy in the general public and professionals’ understanding of sustainable buildings projects, which also gets into their way when discussing, advocating, or promoting these kind of methods. Devoid of sturdy fundamental insight and understanding as well as government funded financial inducements, building sustainably eco-friendly homes remains a lofty goal.

B.

Conventional Project Management Practices

Traditional project management practices, which are linear and compartmentalized, would lead to more rework during the cycle of green field projects. The issue here is that these conventional ways of working do not correspond with the need in sustainable buildings construction, which require special materials, an early cross-disciplinary coordination, and a focus on sustainability from start to end within a project life cycle [34].

C.

Inconsistent Implementation of Sustainable Practices

There are few sustainable building practices in Algeria with unpredictable implementation and lack or limited visibility. This stark contrast highlights that it requires more physical models and greater integration of sustainable solutions into conventional building methods [37].

D.

Current Knowledge and Awareness Levels

Results from the survey show that there is also a gap in the consensuses about sustainable construction among Algerians professionals involved in the building field. While a large number of respondents recognize that conventional constructions are injurious to the welfare of our planet, greater education and awareness raising are indeed imperative. Initially, informative sites and social media channels can serve as effective platforms to spread and promote green building practices, helping educate specialists in the building fields as well as citizens on how beneficial it is to construct buildings in a manner that is conducive for future generations [38].

E.

Adoption of Green Practices

The adoption of green practices, such as reusing materials and creating energy-efficient designs, is rare in Algeria, although these are internationally lauded best practices. However, nearly 80% of the people polled here asserted environmental issues as the most significant factor in building activities, which means urban areas must be prepared for stricter regulations with improved enforcement and better policing of sustainable practices in the building field [39].

F.

Legislative Framework and Policy Gaps

Based on the applicable legislation, Algeria’s legal framework seems to indicate a relative commitment towards sustainability as it includes laws penalizing environmental offenses and regulations for waste management services while also incorporating incentives for the deployment of renewable energy. Sustainable construction as such is still not widely enough known, and the knowledge base needs to be greater [36].

G.

Government Policy and Financial Incentives

Algeria has to inject a vigorous stimulus through generous subsidies, tax underpinning, as well as public policy reforms for the widespread adoption of green construction standards due to high cost if not backed by government, thereby severely limiting implementation. This will require a combination of tougher environmental standards and policies that deal with public, individuals, as well as industry matters [34].

H.

Educational and Public Awareness Campaigns

Education through targeted campaigns on social media could do wonders in understanding about sustainable construction processes. This effort should promote the message of sustainability, energy-efficient designs, and benefits that green construction offers from both user side to developer-construction professionals [38].

I.

Alignment of Sustainable Practices with Urban Planning

Additionally, the government should align urban planning efforts that incorporate sustainable building practices to deliver buildings that are resilient and resource-efficient. However, it would involve community stakeholders, training programs specific to the region, and showing that green building complexes are a success [37].

6. Recommendations

Challenges in containing costs in conventional construction projects due to poor communication among technical experts, leading to a “silo effect” where specialists work in isolation [40]. This lack of collaboration makes it hard to manage changes, mitigate risks, and optimize systems for cost and time savings. The LEED accreditation program aims to bridge this gap by training professionals in sustainable building practices, enhancing project efficiency, and lowering costs [41]. The use of charrettes, collaborative planning processes involving stakeholders, could be implemented as another effective method to improve communication, exchange ideas, and contain costs, especially in green construction projects.

Green building projects differ significantly from traditional construction projects in terms of technical requirements. They necessitate the use of specialized materials and construction methods to achieve sustainability goals. Additionally, if environmental certification is sought, there is often a need for thorough documentation and reporting. These unique aspects of green construction demand adjustments to conventional project management practices to reduce risks and enhance the likelihood of staying within budget constraints. To achieve this, increased coordination across disciplines is essential, particularly in early project stages concerning site selection, construction techniques, and building systems. Traditional linear project management approaches can lead to rework, especially in green projects, making it more cost-effective to address environmental considerations early on. The timing of these decisions significantly impacts short-term construction costs and long-term operating expenses. Early adjustments facilitate the development of an integrated design and construction team, ensuring that green building goals are met throughout the project lifecycle.

The key steps to achieving a sustainable building project within budget constraints primarily occur during the feasibility and design stages. Change orders in conventional projects often lead to cost inefficiencies, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability early on. While it is ideal to involve the entire team early, it is not always cost-effective. Hiring a “generalist” with broad exposure to green development can achieve similar results at a lower cost, helping overcome the industry’s “silo effect” [42]. However, the best approach involves nominal contracts with selected professionals for planning and design work.

For successful green projects within financial parameters, owners and project managers must establish sustainability goals before design and construction start [43]. This early prioritization shapes future decisions, reducing the need for significant design changes or additional costs [44]. Early decisions also impact implementation costs, especially concerning site selection. Traditional cost approaches often lack flexibility for life cycle costing or integrated design teams. Depending on project goals, an integrated team will include different professionals to meet specific needs.

After establishing project goals, the next crucial step is building the project team. In traditional construction practices, a single point of contact manages the project post-feasibility, delaying key team member selection until later phases. This delay, common in conventional approaches, hinders timely and budget-friendly delivery of green construction projects. The major challenge in successful green projects lies in communication and coordination across multidisciplinary teams, especially for LEED-certified projects that demand complex coordination and interaction among diverse professionals.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to involve architects, builders, and engineers early on to understand project goals and implement sustainable practices effectively [44]. For instance, in LEED certification, sustainable site considerations like site selection and community connectivity are critical [45], but traditional practices often limit their incorporation due to late involvement of key team members. Early involvement of professionals allows for maximal integration of sustainable practices at a minimal cost.

Establishing an integrated team during the feasibility stage is essential, although some may perceive it as costly. However, hiring a green building consultant or project manager early can mitigate costs and ensure sustainable practices throughout the project. The involvement of stakeholders from the onset is equally vital to garner support, align goals, and prevent delays or changes later on. Effective communication tools and strategies, such as charrettes and stakeholder meetings, maintain engagement and ownership, ensuring a successful and cohesive green project.

A.

Design approach

The project manager plays a crucial role in maintaining momentum post charrette and involving the entire team in finalizing the project’s design, cost estimates, and construction documents. After the charrette, the project team moves into the design phase with a solid plan for architectural drawings and other design elements. Simultaneously, the project manager starts working on an initial project budget and schedule, benefiting from the efficiency and quality achieved by the integrated project team.

The contractor’s input is vital for improving cost estimates and ensuring the reliability of selected materials, especially considering the relative immaturity of the green building products market [46]. The ongoing collaboration between the architect, builder, engineering consultants, and other professionals further enhances the accuracy and delivery time of construction documents, avoiding costly changes later on.

Charrette’s outcomes also facilitate a smoother local government permitting phase by reducing community resistance and incorporating feedback from regulatory agencies early on. Involving local officials during planning and design offers opportunities for incentive programs related to green building, such as permit rebates and expedited review periods.

B.

Utilizing incentives and rewards within project contracts

In conventional construction projects, the building contractor is typically hired after the completion of construction documents and the bidding process, usually through the hard bid method where the lowest bid wins. However, this method raises concerns about subcontractor quality, handling of cost savings, and fragmented accountability. In sustainable construction, contractors may add premiums to cover perceived risks, especially with LEED certification or lack of green experience [47].

An integrated project team is preferred for green projects as it includes a contractor who understands the project’s vision and has been involved in design and cost estimation. Despite this, negotiations for project implementation contracts are necessary to protect both parties. For green projects, a recommended approach includes a cost-plus-fee arrangement with open-book subcontracting, minimum bids for subcontracts, and clear clauses on cost savings usage [42].

Contracts should also feature performance agreements, incentives, and bonuses for sustainable practices, encouraging a reward-based system over penalties. This approach minimizes the need for contractors to add a “green risk premium” to contracts [48].

C.

Delivering Continuous Training and Communication to Lower Expenses

Effective communication and training are crucial during the construction phase to achieve green project goals efficiently. Initiating LEED and charrette processes at the project’s outset ensures accurate planning and communication. Utilizing technology such as teleconferences, online training sessions, and project management software aids in ongoing communication, especially for complex projects with multiple subcontractors. This software is particularly valuable for tracking documentation for LEED certification and managing project aspects like budget, schedule, and personnel digitally [48].

Training should begin with a kick-off meeting led by the project manager, including sustainable education for on-site construction personnel. Similar meetings should be conducted with incoming subcontractors. Monthly on-site meetings for the entire workforce should also incorporate education and training on green building practices, alongside rewards and recognition for teams meeting project milestones like completing work early or within cost and sustainability targets.

7. Conclusions

Implementing green project management practices significantly enhances the success of sustainable construction projects within budget limits. A matrix outlines specific adjustments to traditional project management practices across the project life cycle. It emphasizes the importance of involving a cross-discipline team early on and throughout the project. Additionally, key guidelines for green construction projects include setting sustainability goals before design and construction, integrating the project team early, designing collaboratively, using incentives in contracting, and providing ongoing training and communication during construction.

The integrated design process is crucial for cost-efficient delivery, especially in overcoming challenges like fragmented expertise hindering effective teamwork. The paper’s value lies in providing practical guidance for practitioners and suggesting areas for future research, such as validating the proposed model and studying the greening of the building supply chain, which currently faces challenges like fragmented specialization and unsubstantiated claims about green products. Further research could also explore how green project management practices might benefit traditional construction projects.

This research results concerning sustainable construction practices in Algeria shed light on the construction sector and reveal that there are very important issues that need to be addressed. It provides important information about the status of the construction industry in the country and the serious problems that need to be solved. The results showed that among all interviewed, only a few have a complete understanding of sustainable construction. A fundamental lack of awareness like this shows how urgently needed it is that we start tremendous education campaigns to bridge this gap effectively. Without a solid foundation of understanding, efforts to promote sustainable practices may struggle to gain traction or achieve meaningful impact.

The paper also sheds light on an inconsistency in the implementation of a sustainable construction approach. Although sustainable practices are present, they are not well integrated or visibly prominent. This certainly speaks to the need for more reflective practice and case studies, as well as the application in the real world to illustrate the effectiveness and viability of these methods. The key is taking what is currently a theoretical understanding and moving it to practical applications that can be included in traditional and larger construction projects.

High costs pertaining to sustainable construction and limited government support are the two of the biggest challenges that have been figured out. Cruising past these hurdles demands a comprehensive and multi-pronged way. Put simply, certain financial incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, or grants can make sustainable options better for developers and investors. Regulation is also part of the solution, as a strong policy and financial incentives by the government can lead the construction sector to be more sustainable.

The study further highlights the need for community involvement and employee trainings. Community resistance to change and talent shortages are major factors to be considered. This approach is helpful in shedding some light on the successes, but it does little in reducing the resistance and gaining the support needed to introduce sustainable measures into practice, and it would be missing an opportunity if ownership and the involvement of local communities to actual construction sites are excluded.

In terms of future research works, we acknowledge the importance of not limiting the investigation and recommend research aimed at establishing and implementing educational programs that target specific communities, bolster government support with beneficial policies and incentives, and incorporate sustainability into urban design and planning processes. These are necessary for long-term resilience, resource efficiency, and environmental protection in the construction sector.

In conclusion, the importance of this study is the ability to give directions for the policymakers, the industry key players, and the academia in updating and upgrading the industry into future construction models suitable for the environment of Algeria. Responding to these challenges and using pre-existing legislative frameworks, Algeria will be able to move towards broader sustainable goals and can be used as a model for the rest of the world as well.