Scaling Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment: Barriers, Enablers and Innovation Networks

Davies, Richard, Larsen, Graeme D, Newberry, Pablo and Garnett, Emily-Rose (2026) Scaling Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment: Barriers, Enablers and Innovation Networks. In: ARCOM Conference 2026: Network and Connectivity in Construction, 7-9 September 2026, loughborough University. (In Press)

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Abstract

Implementing viable sustainability solutions is critical to achieving global goals and reaching net zero. But solutions are not scaling up across the fragmented UK sector at the pace desired by many. Construction management research has examined innovation in the sector via diffusion and adoption but not scaling. Scaling as a lens: moves the analytical focus from bounded entities to interrelationships and processes; enrols parts of innovation networks otherwise relegated to context; is inherently multi-level; and emphasises action over description. This paper is a collaboration between UK Green Building Council and an academic team using findings from a recent study of scaling potential among UKGBC members and partners. The study identified 122 barriers plus enablers organised into seven significant categories. We analyse the prioritised enablers for Networks as a set of potential scaling practices tensioned against mechanisms of innovation scaling developed from selected research in social innovation, agriculture, and health. We discuss points of resonance, extensions and challenge and outline steps toward developing scaling pathways to inform interventions and future research on innovation for a sustainable built environment.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Sustainable Development Goals:	Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13: Climate Action
Keywords:	Sustainability, innovation, barriers, enablers, scaling
Depositing User:	Richard Davies
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2026 08:16
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2026 08:17
URI:	https://ube.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/297

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