On the Shore of the Lough: navigating sustainability in the rural context

Boyd, Philippa and Larsen, Graeme D (2024) On the Shore of the Lough: navigating sustainability in the rural context. In: International Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) Conference, 27- 29 August 2024, Leeds, UK. (In Press)

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Abstract

The narrative around sustainable projects often follows considerations of acontextual best practice, standards, and inter disciplinary integration. Such formalised approaches may be appropriate for large projects often with repeat clients, however smaller independent builds may not reflect these contextual norms. In these cases localised independent suppliers, builders, architects and trades are dependent on each other for ongoing work and each is very focused on maintaining good working relationships. As actors navigate the terrain of builds which incorporate unfamiliar technologies, these sensitivities can make contractual and day-day conflict management a key determinant of how projects unfold and how sustainable practices are realised. New building techniques, updated best practice and modern methods of construction (MMC) further test team dynamics and the old legitimacy of pathways and people. This research focuses on understanding how day-day issues are experienced in practice on smaller independent builds and draws upon concepts of localised learning and embeddedness. Using ethnographic methods in a single case study of a new-build residential project in rural Northern Ireland, the research takes three episodes during the build to explore these concepts. The build uses MMC and traditional procurement centring on a local supply chain. Findings indicate that subtle informal practices around the concept of embeddedness, coupled with active strategies of conflict avoidance were mobilised to navigate uncertainties of technology inclusion and associated challenges. These informal practices centred on protecting and nurturing relationships between project actors and became major barriers to adoption of new technologies, decision making, client satisfaction and sustainable outcomes. These findings prompt further examination of the issues surrounding this particular context and open new ways to explore how harmony between old and new methods of construction and sustainability standards can be achieved.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Sustainable Development Goals:	Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Keywords:	embeddedness, localised learning, SMEs, sustainable development
Divisions:	School of the Built Environment > Research > Sustainable Built Environment & Property Research Centre
Depositing User:	Dr Pippa Boyd
Date Deposited:	24 Jul 2024 09:01
Last Modified:	25 Jul 2024 14:17
URI:	https://ucem.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/126

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