The Adaptability of Sustainability Education in Quantity Surveying Degree Programs in Sri Lanka: The Industry Perception

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bridging the existing gap in sustainability education among quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka, the study aimed to analyze how sustainability education could be incorporated into the curricula of quantity surveying degree programs conducted by the higher education institutions in the country. The study used a mixed-methods approach, which included semi-structured interviews with three experts, a questionnaire survey conducted among 78 quantity surveyors, and expert interviews with 15 senior academics. Thirty-nine sustainability knowledge areas were identified from the semi-structured interviews. Using the survey findings, a mapping chart was prepared to identify the knowledge gaps in sustainability education. The results indicated that several sustainability-related knowledge areas with substantial gaps require enhancement. The barriers that hinder sustainability education and the measures that could be used to overcome those barriers were identified through expert interviews with senior academics. The key identified barriers include lack of sustainability in curriculum development, heavy workload of the students, and lack of knowledge of the academic staff. Incorporating the required knowledge areas in compulsory modules, updating curricula with new knowledge areas, adopting sustainability within the education environment, and developing awareness among the educational community are some of the measures that would help overcome the identified barriers.