Cost Control Strategies in Green Building Projects: A Case Study of Urban Construction Firm

Thesis Abstract

In the face of escalating environmental concerns and rising construction costs, green building projects have gained prominence as sustainable alternatives within the construction sector, yet effective cost control remains a persistent challenge for industry practitioners. This study investigates the various cost control strategies employed in green building projects, specifically focusing on their implementation and effectiveness within Urban Construction Firm, a leading organization engaged in sustainable development in metropolitan areas. The primary aim is to identify, evaluate, and propose optimized cost management practices that enhance project efficiency while maintaining ecological and financial sustainability. To achieve this, the research articulated three specific objectives first, to examine the current cost control strategies utilized in green building projects; second, to assess the effectiveness of these strategies in minimizing cost overruns; and third, to develop a framework for best practice adoption tailored to the firm's operational context. The study adopted a qualitative case study design, supplemented by quantitative data for triangulation, to enable an in-depth exploration of the organization's practices. The population comprised project managers, quantity surveyors, and technical staff directly involved in green construction projects within Urban Construction Firm, totaling 75 professionals. A purposive sampling technique selected 50 participants based on their active roles and experience in recent green building initiatives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and site observations, with interview transcripts validated through member checking to ensure reliability. Quantitative data on project costs, budget variation, and schedule adherence were obtained from project reports and analyzed statistically. Data analysis employed thematic analysis to extract patterns and insights from qualitative interviews, guided by the Theory of Value Management and the Contingency Theory, which provide frameworks for cost optimization and adaptive management in complex projects. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to determine relationships between specific cost control strategies and project cost performance. The integration of qualitative and quantitative findings aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of existing strategies and potential avenues for improvement. It is anticipated that the research will reveal that practices such as integrated project delivery, the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), early stakeholder engagement, and rigorous procurement procedures significantly impact cost containment in green projects. The findings are expected to demonstrate that tailored application of these strategies across different project phases reduces cost overruns and enhances sustainability outcomes. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical application in the context of green building cost management, providing a conceptual model that encapsulates best practices and contextual factors influencing cost control success. The main conclusion emphasizes the importance of strategic adaptation and contextualized management approaches for cost efficiency in green construction. The study recommends that Urban Construction Firm and similar organizations invest in capacity building for staff, adopt integrated project delivery methods, and leverage advanced technological tools like BIM for better cost prediction and control. Additionally, it suggests establishing continuous improvement frameworks and fostering a culture of sustainability-aware financial discipline. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of these strategies across different geographic and institutional settings, and evaluate the impact of emerging innovations such as blockchain and AI-driven project analytics. Ultimately, this thesis aims to serve as a guide for practitioners and policymakers seeking to optimize economic and environmental performance in green building projects.