Evaluating Regulatory Frameworks’ Impact on Sustainable Building Construction Project Delivery Using AMOS-SEM

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on sustainable construction has positioned regulatory frameworks as critical drivers of sustainable building construction project delivery (SBCPD), particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. However, the effectiveness of different regulatory instruments remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the influence of regulatory factors on SBCPD by examining two key constructs: Compulsory Enforcement and Incentivisation (CEI) and the Sustainable Building National Framework (SBNF). A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the relationships between regulatory mechanisms and project delivery outcomes. The findings reveal that CEI does not exhibit a statistically significant influence on SBCPD when modelled as a combined construct, despite showing significance when tested independently. This suggests that aggregating compulsory and voluntary regulatory instruments may weaken their explanatory power due to underlying interaction effects. In contrast, SBNF demonstrates a strong and statistically significant positive influence on SBCPD, highlighting the critical role of government-led policies, institutional frameworks, and certification systems in shaping sustainable construction practices. The study contributes to theory by advancing our understanding of regulatory hybridity and the role of institutional drivers in sustainable construction. In practice, the findings underscore the need for coherent, well-articulated policy frameworks, strengthened enforcement capacity, and strategic alignment between voluntary and mandatory instruments. The study concludes that government-led frameworks remain the primary catalyst for sustainable construction delivery in developing economies. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance sustainability performance in the built environment.