Developing a sustainability-driven risk management framework for green building projects: A literature review

Abstract

As the global construction sector moves toward sustainability, Green Buildings (GBs) have become a key solution for reducing environmental impact. However, managing the risks in GBs projects is challenging because of their unique features and integrable technologies. To this end, this paper proposes a framework that aligns risk management practices with sustainability objectives by identifying key risk factors, examining their impact, and emphasising proactivity, resilience, and transparency in managing the critical risks and affecting the successful implementation and delivery of GBs projects. To achieve this, a two-phase approach for data collection and analysis. First, a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework is applied to critically evaluate selected studies, synthesize findings on major risk categories, and identify gaps and patterns that inform the proposed risk management framework. Second, bibliometric analysis of the identified papers from the first methodological phase is conducted to map the research landscape, uncover key publication trends, analyse the annual progression of GBs risk management studies, and explore keyword co-occurrence and collaboration networks related to risk and sustainability in GBs projects. This study offers valuable implications for both academia and industry by addressing the pressing need for more sustainable and resilient risk management in GBs projects. Theoretically, it advances current literature by explicitly integrating sustainability objectives within the risk management process, thereby shedding light on complex interdependencies that are often overlooked in conventional frameworks. By doing so, it contributes to a more holistic understanding of how sustainability and risk factors intersect throughout the project lifecycle. Methodologically, the use of a systematic and replicable PRISMA-based review ensures the credibility and depth of the findings, providing a structured categorisation of GB-specific risks, drivers, and uncertainties that can guide future empirical investigations. Practically, the proposed framework serves as a valuable decision-support tool for project managers, designers, and policymakers by offering clear steps for implementation, improving proactive risk identification and mitigation, and enhancing overall project resilience. Furthermore, the developed framework lays a foundation for future research to test and refine its components across different geographical, regulatory, and technological contexts, and to explore advanced digital and AI-driven tools that could further strengthen proactive and predictive risk management in sustainable construction.