Integrating Sustainability as an Explicit Goal in Construction Project Delivery: Enhancing Design and Costing Practices Toward Net Zero 2050 Kingston University in United Kingdom

Kingston University invites applications for a funded PhD project focused on integrating sustainability as an explicit, measurable goal in construction project delivery, with a particular emphasis on enhancing design and costing practices to achieve Net Zero 2050 targets. As climate change accelerates, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to embed sustainability at the core of project delivery, moving beyond compliance to proactive carbon reduction and long-term ecological responsibility.

This research will critically examine current practices where sustainability is often treated as an add-on rather than a central design and costing objective. The project aims to develop and validate a framework that incorporates sustainability—specifically carbon reduction—as a fourth pillar alongside cost, time, and quality in construction projects. Drawing on Lean Construction principles, the study will explore how design teams and cost consultants can use digital tools, such as BIM-integrated Life Cycle Assessment platforms, to estimate and communicate embodied carbon at early design stages. This approach will empower clients and project teams to make informed trade-offs between cost and carbon, facilitating the integration of sustainability into value engineering and target value design processes.

The research will employ a mixed-methods methodology, combining qualitative interviews with stakeholders (clients, designers, cost consultants) to understand decision-making processes and barriers, and quantitative simulations using industry-standard software to assess carbon outcomes across design alternatives. The project may also involve developing or evaluating digital tools for real-time carbon impact assessment during design iterations. The scope includes both organisational-level analysis (how firms build sustainability competencies and manage risk) and operational-level investigation (how design tools influence costing and carbon assessments).

Despite the growing adoption of BIM and digital platforms, their use in sustainability assessment remains fragmented. Many cost consultants lack training in carbon literacy and ESG decision-making, and early-stage carbon assessment tools are not fully integrated into costing platforms or client briefing documents. This research will assess whether these tools genuinely empower decision-makers or perpetuate disciplinary silos. Additionally, the study will interrogate how procurement and risk cultures—such as lowest-cost tendering and fixed-price contracts—impact the adoption of sustainability-led collaboration and innovation.

The successful candidate will join the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment at Kingston University, benefiting from a vibrant research community and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The project is part of the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry, offering funding opportunities for eligible applicants. Applicants should have a strong academic background in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Science, or related fields, and demonstrate interest in sustainability, digital tools, and construction project delivery. International candidates may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

For further details on funding and application procedures, please consult the Kingston University Graduate School Studentships and Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment webpages. The application deadline is March 4, 2026.