Sustainable Supply Chain Management In Indian Construction Projects: Environmental Challenges, Innovations And Policy Recommendations

Abstract

This study presents a critical examination of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices in the Indian construction sector, with a specific focus on environmental performance, adoption barriers, and policy implications. Drawing on data from 487 structured survey responses and 20 expert interviews, the paper identifies key drivers and inhibitors of sustainability across different project types residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure. The findings reveal that while infrastructure projects show stronger integration of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and IoT-enabled monitoring systems, most residential and SME-led projects continue to rely on traditional, non-sustainable methods. Major challenges include the lack of structured green procurement practices, poor vendor compliance with environmental standards, and limited use of formal risk assessment frameworks. Sectoral differences are also prominent, with private organizations demonstrating more openness to innovation and sustainability than their public-sector counterparts. In response to these gaps, the study proposes targeted policy measures, including the creation of centralized digital portals for compliance tracking, green vendor certification frameworks, and training programs focused on environmental risk management. These strategies aim to foster a more resilient and environmentally responsible construction supply chain ecosystem in India, aligning industry practices with national and global sustainability goals.