Different strategies for setting requirements for sustainability

The construction industry significantly impacts climate, environment, and society and should consider how best to respond to the present challenges. This paper aims to investigate what requirements clients are setting for sustainability and to discuss what strategies might be more efficient when setting those requirements. The paper draws on findings from screening sustainability requirements in recent tenders for large infrastructure projects. It has been analysed to what extent clients tend to add specific project requirements and focus on collaboration to reduce the project's CO₂ footprint. This is supplemented by findings from a case where a client changed the collaboration model to partnering to achieve a more sustainable project. The different strategies have different benefits and consequences, which should be considered in relation to the project context.