Reinvigorating research on sustainability reporting in the construction industry: A systematic review and future research agenda

Abstract

Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).. This study investigates sustainability reporting (SR) in the construction industry, which is vital to achieving sustainable development goals. Despite extensive research on sustainability practices, scant attention has been paid to SR, a crucial channel for communicating and managing sustainability performance. Aiming to advance SR research, this study systematically reviews 150 articles on the topic in 73 journals. The review reveals significant knowledge gaps and methodological limitations, highlighting the need for a more diversified theoretical lens for evaluating the complex nature of SR. The investigation identifies four study themes: assessment and indicators, determinants, strategic management, and outcomes of SR. The review offers a comprehensive analysis of the current literature and presents an integrated framework that encompasses sustainability attributes and reporting in the construction sector. The study’s contributions include directions for future research and practical implications for managers and policymakers that can support the transition toward sustainable development in the construction industry.