Human capacity development framework for civil engineers in advancing sustainable construction

Human Capacity Development (HCD) in sustainable construction refers to the process of enhancing and sustaining the capabilities of individuals, organizations, and institutions to achieve long-term development goals while aligning with the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. Although prior research has predominantly emphasized the environmental and economic dimensions due to their more tangible, quantifiable indicators, the human capacity dimension remains underexplored due to its inherently subjective nature. Various stakeholder perceptions and motivations regarding HCD across different phases of the sustainable construction project life cycle further compound this gap. Moreover, existing studies have disproportionately focused on the construction phase, often neglecting the critical contributions of HCD in other stages of the project. To address these limitations, this research presents a comprehensive review of the existing literature, critically evaluating academic studies on Human Capacity Development (HCD) in the context of sustainable construction. The analysis focuses on the conceptual understanding of HCD, exploring its three fundamental dimensions: Leadership, Knowledge, and Accountability. It also examines the research methods applied, the key themes discussed, and the progression of theoretical perspectives over time. The central outcome of this study is the formulation of a framework that connects specific HCD attributes to the distinct phases within the sustainable construction project life cycle. This framework aims to guide stakeholders in recognizing and leveraging key HCD attributes that influence organizational decision-making and capacity continuity. By offering a structured understanding of human capacity within the broader sustainability agenda, the study contributes to advancing more holistic and effective strategies in sustainable construction practice.