Report on Sustainability in Construction: Learning and Development

This report delves into the critical role of sustainability within the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of learning and development for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. It utilizes the Gibbs model of reflection to analyze past experiences and inform future strategies, focusing on both successes and challenges encountered during a construction site management role. The report highlights the application of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to overcome obstacles such as raw material shortages and improve operational efficiency. Furthermore, it includes a personal development plan aimed at enhancing academic and management skills, with a focus on effective communication, decision-making, and teamwork, all contributing to increased productivity and a positive work environment. The conclusion underscores the significance of continuous learning and development for organizational success and individual career growth, advocating for strategic planning and employee empowerment to foster a sustainable and efficient construction industry.

Sustainability in
construction industry

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................3
Part 1................................................................................................................................................3
Part 2................................................................................................................................................3
A reflection on the learning and development process..........................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
References........................................................................................................................................9

Introduction
Sustainability in construction industry is a vital component for regulating growth in an
economy. Several studies with regards to sustainability are conducted at construction site in
order to develop plans for various businesses and corporations. These studies are carried out in
order to arrive at appropriate findings for challenging situations. The concept of sustainability
aids in the investigation of an issue and the identification of the most effective methods to
address it (Denham and et. al., 2021). Learning and development are also vital for employees to
improve their skills and knowledge, which aids in better functioning in the organisation.
Learning refers to acquiring new attitudes and abilities in order to improve one's performance in
the workplace. Processes of learning and growth are included in this document. This article also
discusses why learning is critical in the field of innovation and technology and acquiring
sustainability while working in a construction firm. This study explains how these lessons will
aid future research and development initiatives. The report will conclude with a discussion of a
personal development plan that will aid in the growth of personal skills and knowledge (García-
González, Jiménez-Fontana and Goded, 2020).
Main Body
Part 1
Part 2
A reflection on the learning and development process
Gibbs model of reflection
The author Graham Gibbs introduced the Gibbs model of reflection in the year 1988.
This model was created to serve as a foundation for analysing various past or historical events.
Individuals may learn from their past experiences by making use of the model, which will aid
them in establishing as well as attainment of desirable future goals. This model combines all
parts of the past, including what went well and what did not. This methodology aids in the
identification of the finest innovation and technology prospects (Gibbs and Flotemersch, 2019).

This approach consists of several phases through which an individual can improve his or her
expertise in the field of technology. These steps help to slow down the process and enable
effective decision making;
Description
I have worked on construction sites and gained a great deal of new information and
relative knowledge for the same. I was assigned the role of manager at that site for which I was
in charge of supervising and monitoring the construction of a building. It was really difficult for
me to lead various operations on the construction site at the time because I never had this
experience before. I was concerned and anxious at the moment because I was worried about
whether the tasks related to the job I had been assigned would be finished on time or not. But
while engaging in daily construction tasks taught me a lot of new skills. This assignment helped
me to practice my management abilities. I also learned about innovative manufacturing
procedures that may be engaged on building sites. It broadened my understanding of how a
building site manager oversees operations using the perspective of sustainability. Various
machinery and technologies were working throughout the building process and as a result, I
learned how to use these devices in the field (Gibbs and et. al., 2020). Before beginning the
project, my team conducted research and development to determine the most efficient resources
that could be employed in manufacturing. Our crew had to deal with a lack of raw supplies
during the building process and other difficulties due to the external environment while engaging
in multiple construction tasks.
Feelings
The described experience proved to be challenging for me as a manager since it gave me
a lot of duties and obligations to carry out the site's operations. When I was assigned the role of
manager, I was initially really concerned about my team. My team was extremely supportive and
went above and beyond to ensure that the project was completed on time. I was not confident
before the ending stage of the project, but once I and my team completed tasks on schedule, my
confidence increase rapidly (Gibbs and Beavis, 2020). Technology had greatly aided us at the
time in carrying out production-related duties and maintaining sustainability. Workplace stress is
reduced as a result of new technology breakthroughs and an effective brand image of the
construction industry was displayed through sustainable practices. I learned about new
manufacturing procedures as a result of being part of the given project. Everyone who has

worked on the site has gained effective learning with regard to new sustainable techniques.
Although it was a completely new experience for me because I had never had a managerial
position before. Leading the events on the sites was a huge challenge for me, but it taught me
how to operate under pressure and now I feel confident in a similar situation if happened to me
(Ibrahim and et. al., 2022).
Evaluation
The project's activities went really well and everyone gave it their all to finish the
assignment on time. However, throughout the production of all operations, my team encountered
a scarcity of raw materials, which caused the production activities to be delayed. That was a
really difficult scenario for me and the team to deal with the issue and completion of sustainable
construction tasks. At the event, I and my team encountered various difficulties on the site,
which caused technical sectors to be delayed in their work. My team members, on the other
hand, were all extremely supportive and eager for the project to be done on time. As a result,
they have also worked the night shift to complete the construction site being allotted to them.
Technology also played a significant role at the time, since the work that had been postponed
was completed using the most up-to-date technologies. The team's accounting department failed
to keep accurate records of inventories and raw materials, resulting in a shortage of raw
materials. However, with the assistance of innovation and technology, the accounting department
was able to keep appropriate raw material records (Masood, Lim and González, 2021).
Therefore, key attention towards maintaining sustainability at the construction firm was also
being taken into consideration.
Analysis
With the assistance of technical improvements, various activities on the building site are
carried out efficiently. I have installed a number of new tools and machinery that have aided staff
in their work on the job. This lowered the amount of labour required and allowed the procedure
to be completed in less time. I critically analysed the work environment prior to the start of
operations, which assisted me in analysing the project's good and bad features. Based on the
review, I have taken the required steps to limit the negative aspects that could have an impact on
operations. I employed a variety of technical instruments to pick the precautions and measures,
which are extremely useful in determining the best path for executing the activities. The use of

new ideas in operations leads to increased productivity and cost reduction in a cost-effective way
(Terán-Yépez and et. al., 2020).
Conclusion
From the analysis of the above model, it can be said that collaboration and teamwork of
all of the personnel, the project was finished effectively maintaining a desirable level of
sustainability. During this project, I learned a lot of things, including how to use technology to
make innovative improvements in operations and thus by obtaining sustainable standards for
working in a construction firm. Employees were sometimes demotivated, but I used to inspire
them by providing various advantages at work. I always check to see if staff are doing their jobs
correctly, and if they are not, I took steps to prevent them from making mistakes and
coordinative efforts were taken with regard to attainment of workplace objectives keeping in
mind sustainable elements.
Action plan
In the future, I will remember to carry out activities with adequate strategic planning and
decisions, which will aid in smooth operations. All construction site errors are rectified using
technical breakthroughs that require less labour and time. Skills should be improved through
training and development in order to improve performance that allows sustainable ways of
working in the firm. I constantly analyse the necessity and requirement for training by focusing
on employee productivity. I have created a detailed calendar for each assignment to avoid work
pressure and foster a decent working environment in the business firm. I keep in touch with my
staff on a regular basis, which allows me to better understand their requirements and desires.
Personal development plan
Academic skills to develop Plan to develop skills Future implications
Communication skills I have to decide to develop
communication skills. The
respective skills are being
useful for operating the
workings of the business firm.
This will guide my
coordinated course of action
toward the attainment of
The skill of effective
communication will help me
to guide an effective course of
action when being engaged in
multiple workplace tasks.
There are various future
implications of the relative
skill i.e., effective

desired goals and objectives.
Through communication
skills, I was able to dedicate
better terms of workings in the
business firm that will avoid
wastages of resources and
completion of desired project
goals and objectives.
communication. Such
implication includes the
completion of project tasks
and activities at the desirable
time period. In addition to
this, in light of the fact that
day by day complexities in the
business environment is
increasing. Therefore, through
maintaining effective
communication wastage of
resources at the workplace can
be avoided. This will develop
a better understanding of the
working environment and
guide collaboration while
working in the team.
Management skills I have improved my decision-
making abilities, which has
aided in the development of
my managerial abilities.
Managing a team and
resolving their issues boosts
my confidence in leading
others. I had examined every
perspective of an organisation,
which aids in my self-
awareness and evaluation. I
have planned to establish trust,
which helps to improve stress
and anxiety (Williams and et.
Management ability will aid in
the establishment of future
goals, resulting in growth and
success. This talent is vital for
increasing confidence and
boosting morale. With the aid
of management skills, a
positive working hour can be
produced, as it will effectively
settle disagreements and
address numerous difficulties.
Understanding the sentiments
of workers at work is a
management talent that leads

al., 2020). Better
communication methods
assisted me in improving my
management abilities, which
resulted in increased
production. I used to train
management skills for myself
according to the scene so that
the organization's activities
were not disrupted.
to increased satisfaction and
goal success. When I develop
my management skills, I feel
self-motivated, which is a
really beneficial element
(Yang and Pan, 2020).
Conclusion
From the analysis of the report document learning and development is a critical aspect of
increasing an organization's success, as evidenced by the above study. It provides a boost for an
individual's self-assurance, which is a beneficial feature of an employee's career life. Learning
helps to build a variety of vital abilities that aid in growth and development. Research plays a
crucial in assessing the skills and abilities required to carry out activities. This report contains a
learning and development reflection that will be utilized to generate better future strategies.
Personal development plans are created that evaluate academic skills and provide
recommendations for how to enhance them.

References
Books and Journals
Denham, D., Rozance, M.A., Malone, M. and Goodling, E., 2021. Sustaining future
environmental educators: building critical interdisciplinary teaching capacity among
graduate students. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 11(1), pp.101-114.
García-González, E., Jiménez-Fontana, R. and Goded, P.A., 2020. Approaches to teaching and
learning for sustainability: Characterizing students’ perceptions. Journal of Cleaner
Production, 274, p.122928.
Gibbs, D.A. and Flotemersch, J., 2019. How environmental futures can inform decision making:
A review. Futures, 108, pp.37-52.
Gibbs, L., Press, F., Wong, S. and Cumming, T., 2020. Innovative Methods for Researching
Leadership Emergence. Qualitative Report, 25(8).
Gibbs, P. and Beavis, A., 2020. Contemporary thinking on transdisciplinary knowledge: What
those who know, know. Springer Nature.
Ibrahim, C.K.I.C., Manu, P., Belayutham, S., Mahamadu, A.M. and Antwi-Afari, M.F., 2022.
Design for safety (DfS) practice in construction engineering and management
research: A review of current trends and future directions. Journal of Building
Engineering, p.104352.
Masood, R., Lim, J.B. and González, V.A., 2021. Performance of the supply chains for New
Zealand prefabricated house-building. Sustainable Cities and Society, 64, p.102537.
Terán-Yépez, E., Marín-Carrillo, G.M., del Pilar Casado-Belmonte, M. and de las Mercedes
Capobianco-Uriarte, M., 2020. Sustainable entrepreneurship: Review of its evolution
and new trends. Journal of Cleaner Production, 252, p.119742.
Williams, K., Hamylton, S.M., Ihlein, L. and Gibbs, L., 2020. Sustaining the seas through
interdisciplinary songwriting. Sustaining the Seas: Oceanic space and the politics of
care, pp.281-92.
Yang, Y. and Pan, W., 2020. Automated guided vehicles in modular integrated construction:
potentials and future directions. Construction Innovation.