Performance management through sustainability management in the Finnish construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry plays a significant role in both the global and European economies, as well as in human well-being. However, its adverse impacts on the environment, nature, and sustainability necessitate actions to mitigate or eliminate these effects. Sustainability has recently emerged as a critical approach to addressing these challenges. In this context, sustainability management and sustainability performance have become essential for enhancing performance management and achieving competitive advantage in the construction sector. Despite this, integrating sustainability performance into daily operations and business practices remains challenging, particularly in identifying which dimensions of sustainability most effectively support performance management.

This dissertation offers new insights into performance management through the lens of sustainability management within the construction industry. First, it aims to deepen the understanding of sustainability management and its influence on performance management. Second, it explores how sustainability management contributes to performance outcomes. The primary objective is to identify which dimensions of sustainability management most effectively enhance performance management.

The dissertation comprises three publications based on survey data collected from Finnish construction companies. The findings indicate that strategic sustainability, business sustainability, and digital technologies play a significant role in improving performance. The dissertation contributes three key findings. First, it provides empirical evidence of the relationship between sustainability performance and construction industry performance. Second, it demonstrates the connection between sustainability management and performance management. Third, it identifies specific dimensions of sustainability performance that lead to improved outcomes.