Walker, Helen  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0892-9231, Bukhari, Hassan, Lynch, Jane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2863-8594, Gosling, Jon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9027-9011 and Denner, Kate
2026.
Measuring what matters: A systematic literature review of impact assessment in sustainable construction procurement.
Cleaner and Responsible Consumption
23
, 100485.
10.1016/j.clrc.2026.100485
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Abstract
The public procurement of large construction projects has long been associated with an overriding focus on cost savings and short-term objectives. However, the UK Procurement Act 2023 introduces a significant shift, requiring buyers to evaluate tenders based on proposals that offer to deliver the highest sustainable value rather than focusing only on lowest cost. Public sector procurement is now expected to generate longer-term social, economic, environmental outcomes. Despite the shift in focus, one central challenge in sustainable procurement remains: how to effectively measure the impacts of these investments. To address this issue, this study develops a conceptual model of barriers and enablers spanning across organizational, market, and government levels. This study examines existing studies to gain insight into impact measurement, and addresses the challenge of how to operationalize sustainability outcomes in large construction contracts. First, a systematic literature review was conducted analysing 58 articles on impact measurement in sustainable construction. The findings reveal divided opinions on measures and methods, and a notable absence of practical and comprehensive impact measurement frameworks. This study reflects on the interconnection between policy and practice and provides insights on how impact assessment can more effectively be captured in the context of sustainable procurement.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Business (Including Economics) |
| Publisher: | Elsevier BV |
| ISSN: | 2666-7843 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 17 August 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Sep 2026 14:23 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189027 |
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