Identifying and analyzing factors influencing sustainable procurement in construction projects in the Mekong Delta

Abstract

In the context of Vietnam’s construction industry transitioning toward green growth, sustainable procurement has increasingly been recognized as an important tool for integrating environmental, social, and economic objectives into the selection of construction materials, contractors, and services. However, in the Mekong Delta region, the implementation of sustainable procurement in civil construction projects remains limited due to multiple barriers related to institutional frameworks, market conditions, organizational capacity, and flood-prone infrastructure characteristics. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the implementation of sustainable procurement within the specific context of the Mekong Delta. A quantitative research approach was adopted, based on a survey of 500 relevant stakeholders using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire. The reliability of the measurement scales was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, and the underlying factor structure was extracted through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results indicate that 38 observed variables converge into four main factor groups, comprising two barrier-related factors and two benefit-related factors. Based on these findings, the study proposes several managerial implications to promote sustainable procurement practices in civil construction projects in the Mekong Delta.