A Meta-analysis of Climate Risk Mitigation Strategies in the Construction Sector.

Climate change is among the biggest challenges of our time. The construction sector is a contributor to this problem by emitting more than 36% of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. At recent climate change conferences hosted by the United Nations, commitments have been made by industry leaders including those in the construction sector to promote climate-friendly practices. Despite these commitments and debates on progress, there are still existing gaps on the mitigation strategies to minimise climate risks in construction activities. Available evidence shows continuous worse weather conditions affecting the development and management of construction projects with recent climatic disasters such as drought in the Horn of Africa, heatwaves in Southern Europe and wildfires in Hawaii, United States. These events highlight the demand for urgent actions towards climate-resilient construction project development pathways. Therefore, this study aims at analysing the climate risk mitigation strategies in the construction industry using a systematic meta-analysis review methodology. The findings demonstrate strategies such as training of construction management professionals to be equipped with climate management skills, adoption of net-zero and climate friendly technologies and procurement practices, build green and climate resilient projects, and retrofit existing buildings to withstand climate change. Practically, the key strategies presented in this study could serve as a checklist for the development of project management measures to minimise climate risks in the construction sector However, the results have revealed insufficient literature within the built environment on the topic which calls for further studies.