Building a Sustainable Future: Tackling Carbon Challenges in Jordan’s Multi-Family Apartments

Abstract

Focusing on issues related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), this study aligns with the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study explores the barriers unique to the industry that obstruct the adoption of low-carbon emission solutions in Jordan’s multi-family residential buildings. Multi-family apartments constitute 73% of the total housing stock and account for over 80% of all residential structures. A total of eight main barriers that are preventing the implementation of low-carbon emission techniques were evaluated. The Fuzzy Delphi Method was utilized to gather insights from the Consultancy Council members of the Jordan Housing Investors Association. The results suggest that a major obstacle is the insufficient knowledge among end-users regarding environmental concerns, along with financial limitations, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for low-carbon multi-family apartments. Moreover, insufficient cooperation between consultants and contractors leads to subpar constructability, which is worsened by the prevailing conventional procurement method that prioritizes cost and schedule above environmental consequences. To further investigate, it is advisable to examine the utilization of contemporary procurement methods, such as Design–Build and Construction Management and modern family contracts such as NEC4 in the housing industry of Jordan. These alternative methods have the potential to solve the current difficulties by promoting more effective and environmentally friendly building practices.

1. Introduction

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases such as carbon dioxide, ozone, methane, and nitrous oxide, which retain heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, elevating the average temperature from −18 °C to 15 °C. Alterations in the natural balance of carbon concentrations amplify the greenhouse effect, leading to the warming of the Earth’s surface and substantially contributing to global climate change [1]. The building sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [2,3], while it is essential for improving our quality of life [4,5]. The construction industry has considerable environmental issues, including resource depletion and pollution, accounting for around 35% of worldwide energy consumption and over 39% of GHG emissions from energy use [3,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. It utilizes substantial quantities of raw materials and energy, resulting in considerable waste and emissions that adversely affect the environment [ibid]. Notwithstanding these problems, there exists a significant deficiency in knowledge on sustainable building methods across the Global South, including Jordan [14,15].

Buildings produce two categories of carbon emissions over their life cycles: operational carbon (OC) and embodid carbon (EC) [3]. EC denotes the carbon dioxide released during the manufacturing, shipping, and assembly of building materials, while OC relates to the emissions generated during the building’s use, including heating, cooling, and lighting. The construction process has several steps, beginning with the fabrication of essential components such as non-metallic minerals, petroleum products, cement, steel, and concrete [16]. Transportation constitutes 82% to 96% of total CO₂ emissions within this sector [17]. Multiple studies underscore the need of mitigating EC to efficiently decrease emissions within the construction sector [18,19].

In the residential real estate market, home investors are characterized as firms or individuals who acquire properties as part of an investment plan, often procuring numerous houses without occupying them [20]. Housing investors are essential in the construction business, especially in monitoring and mitigating EC emissions. The choice of materials and construction methods has a significant impact on the carbon footprint of buildings [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12], with housing investors serving as the primary decision makers in this process. This research seeks to investigate the obstacles of adopting carbon-friendly solutions in the development of multi-family apartments in Jordan, emphasizing the viewpoints of housing investors, who play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices within the sector.

This study investigates sector-specific obstacles hindering the implementation of low-carbon solutions in Jordan’s multi-family residential building industry. These structures constitute 73% of Jordan’s overall housing inventory and represent over 80% of all erected buildings [21]. Notwithstanding regulatory enhancements, the industry continues to be impeded by insufficient environmental awareness, financial limitations, and poor stakeholder collaboration. Confronting these problems is essential for aligning the sector with Jordan’s sustainability objectives, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering innovation in sustainable building techniques.

This study commences by delineating Jordan’s dedication to sustainability, followed by an exhaustive literature study of the challenges associated with executing carbon reduction initiatives in the construction sector. Afterwards, the document delineates the materials and methods used, presents the results, and concludes with a discourse on the principal barriers in implementing low-carbon practices in Jordan’s multi-family apartments.

2. Jordan’s Pathway to a Sustainable Future

The population of Jordan has increased more than tenfold in the last 55 years, mostly owing to regional geopolitical instability, which has led to forced migration and a substantial influx of refugees [22,23]. Xie and colleagues [24] emphasize that the determinants of sustainable urban development vary markedly across different scales, including continents, nations, and communities. Five essential indicators for evaluating urban growth sustainability were identified: general progress, agricultural progress, stress on land supply, grassland resources, and the urban sustainability index. These metrics provide a framework for assessing sustainable urban development across diverse conditions. By conforming to international standards for sustainable urban development, cities may leverage growth potential while mitigating environmental damage and guaranteeing long-term urban resilience.

Although accounting for less than 0.01% of world emissions [25], Jordan has shown a strong commitment to international climate accords, beginning with its endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol in 1993. In 2015, Jordan adopted Agenda 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Figure 1). During the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Jordan committed to a 14% reduction in GHG emissions intensity. Jordan was the first nation in the region to establish a National Climate Change Policy for 2003–2020, highlighting its commitment to fostering a climate-resilient economy and advancing renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions [26].

Furthermore, Jordan’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its initiatives to incorporate the 17 SDGs across all governmental tiers (Figure 1). The 17 SDGs set by the United Nations aim to address global challenges by promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion by 2030. They cover diverse issues such as poverty, inequality, climate action, clean energy, and responsible consumption, providing a blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for all. Jordan has established an extensive strategy to integrate the SDGs into national policies, emphasizing community awareness, capacity development, and policy coherence [27]. In 2017, the government of Jordan (GoJ) delivered its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) [28], emphasizing national accomplishments and pinpointing areas requiring more advancement towards the 2030 Agenda. In 2020, the government initiated the Jordan National Urban Policy (JNUP) to foster efforts towards mitigate carbon emissions. The JNUP incorporates sustainable development principles into urban planning to promote economic growth and social welfare while mitigating environmental deterioration. Jordan’s second VNR, published in 2022, demonstrates ongoing advancements in legal and organizational frameworks. However, the 2022 VNR reveals little progress in the localization of SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 13 (climate action) (p. 13), both of which are critical to this research.

Table 1. Jordan’s SWOT analysis towards SDGs localization. Source: the author.

Endogenous Factors (Internal)		Exogenous Factors (External)
Strengths	Weaknesses	Opportunities	Threats
Strong political commitment to SDGs: Jordan has integrated the SDGs into national development strategies such as the Government Indicative Executive Programme (GIEP) and the Green Growth National Action Plan.	Limited financial resources: budget constraints impede Jordan’s ability to fully implement SDG initiatives.	Strong international partnerships: Jordan enjoys robust collaborations with global entities such as UN agencies, which provide financial and technical assistance for SDG implementation.	Regional instability and conflicts: ongoing regional instability, such as the Syrian refugee crisis, continues to strain Jordan’s resources and infrastructure.
Established institutional frameworks: Jordan has well-developed institutions, such as the Higher Steering Committee and the National Higher Committee for Sustainable Development, which monitor and coordinate SDG implementation.	Socio-economic disparities: these disparities hinder broader societal ownership of the SDGs, limiting public engagement.	International support for research and development: strong interest from the international community, including research centers and institutions such as the World Bank, in supporting and pushing efforts toward SDG localization.	Global economic volatility: changes in global donor priorities leave Jordan vulnerable to fluctuations in international financial support for SDG localization.

provides a thorough evaluation of Jordan’s internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and obstacles for the localization of SDGs. This table offers a succinct evaluation of the nation’s ability to tackle its challenges and use current opportunities, demonstrating the overarching framework for sustainable development in Jordan. This perspective clarifies the obstacles facing the nation and the opportunities available for attaining its sustainability goals.

Sixty-five percent of the 169 SDG targets rely on the engagement and action of local and regional governments. Two prominent Jordanian metropolitan areas have undertaken Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), evaluating progress and converting national policy into local activities aligned with global sustainability objectives. In 2022, Amman, the capital, initiated the first VLR in the Arab region and is now planning for its second edition. In 2024, the city of Irbid started its VLR process to synchronize local development with the SDGs, partnering with international, regional, and municipal agencies to foster sustainable urban growth.

Notwithstanding considerable advancements in reducing carbon emissions in Jordan [29], an examination of Jordan VNR and VLR reports reveals numerous significant deficiencies. These reports do not adhere to the criteria of evidence-based analysis, often missing significant empirical data to substantiate their assertions and recommendations. Instead, they often depend on subjective judgments and sweeping generalizations, which diminish their trustworthiness. The lack of a defined and open study methodology, including data collecting and sample methodologies, diminishes the credibility of the results. Most importantly, publications purporting to be participatory often fail to authentically include a wide array of stakeholders, particularly vulnerable populations. Successful localization of the SDGs requires active and inclusive engagement; nevertheless, reports often exhibit a deficiency in openness on the methods used to collect and incorporate stakeholder feedback. This compromises their inclusivity and thoroughness. Generally speaking, the submitted reports are deficient in depth, providing summaries without delving into the intricacies of the pertinent concerns. Ambiguous generalizations often substitute for actionable advice, thus limiting the reports’ practical value for decision making.

Future SDG reports in Jordan must emphasize evidence-based procedures, using empirical data to augment legitimacy. Inclusivity is essential, emphasizing the engagement of underprivileged populations (i.e., women, youth, refugees) via specialized initiatives. Transparency in the reporting process is crucial for establishing confidence and credibility, ensuring that reports contribute to genuine advancement toward sustainable development objectives.

3. Navigating Carbon Emission Barriers in the Housing Sector

The construction and building sector, recognized for its substantial influence on energy use, waste production, and carbon emissions, highlights the pressing need for revolutionary actions to reduce its environmental effect [30]. Notwithstanding technical advancements, several obstacles hinder the widespread implementation of low-carbon activities. This section examines these hurdles, deriving them from [31].

Multiple studies highlight the significance of mitigating EC to achieve considerable reductions in the industry’s overall carbon footprint. In this regard, housing investors are crucial in reducing EC emissions [32]. Their investment decisions directly affect the use of low-carbon materials and sustainable practices, thus influencing a building’s carbon emissions over its life cycle—from material extraction to disposal—through tactics such as life cycle evaluations and decarbonization initiatives [33,34]. Disregarding the influence of housing investors hinders the formulation of comprehensive carbon reduction strategies within the building industry [35,36].

Arogundade and colleagues [31] emphasize that the absence of visionary leadership and strategic direction at the organizational level hinders carbon reduction initiatives. Inadequate support from senior management results in inconsistent resource distribution and ephemeral carbon policies. Additional obstacles stem from cultural resistance and insufficient stakeholder comprehension. Bribián and colleagues [37] cite knowledge deficiencies and inadequate education as primary obstacles in integrating sustainable design into residential developments. Furthermore, Giesekam and colleagues [38] indicate that the elevated expense and restricted accessibility of low-carbon materials exacerbate these difficulties. Moreover, housing investors may hesitate to implement low-carbon procedures owing to apprehensions over possible adverse effects on project timeline, costs, and quality [39,40]. Röck and colleagues [19] contend that inadequate regulatory frameworks and economic disincentives impede investment in sustainable materials and technology. These economic problems often compel stakeholders to prioritize cost above environmental considerations, resulting in opposition to the adoption of novel building techniques. Ortiz and colleagues [41] further observe that different regulatory frameworks and disparate requirements across nations hinder the implementation of sustainable practices. The lack of a strong regulatory framework complicates construction projects, obstructing the adoption of sustainable practices and stakeholder collaboration. Due to the complex nature of building processes and the many players involved, explicit laws are crucial for the implementation of carbon reduction plans. In the absence of such a structure, coordination is hindered, resulting in inefficiencies and obstacles to sustainability activities [42]. The absence of institutional governance exacerbates the difficulties associated with the intricate nature of building projects, hence hindering the efficient execution of carbon reduction strategies.

Table 2. Carbon reduction barriers with explanations.

ID	Barrier	Description	References
BR1	Leadership and strategic alignment	The absence of strong leadership commitment and clear strategic direction hinders the integration and execution of carbon reduction initiatives. A lack of top management support, coupled with undefined carbon management plans and organizational policies, results in inadequate resource allocation and project integration, impeding the effective reduction of carbon emissions across construction projects.	[18,32,33,34,42,43,44,45]
BR2	Fear of jeopardizing project success in terms of time, cost and quality	Housing investors may exhibit hesitancy or apprehension in the adoption of specific measures or changes, driven by a perceived risk of adversely affecting pivotal project dimensions, including temporal efficiency, overall expenditure, and the ultimate deliverable quality.	[32,42,43,45]
BR3	Knowledge and awareness deficiency	Insufficient knowledge and awareness regarding carbon reduction principles, benefits, and technologies create significant barriers to implementing sustainable practices. This lack of understanding hinders informed decision making and the prioritization of carbon reduction efforts, making it challenging to quantify benefits and integrate new technologies into construction processes.	[32,37,42,43,45]
BR4	Non-availability of low-carbon materials and equipment	The scarcity of accessible low-carbon materials and equipment poses a significant challenge to sustainable construction practices. This constraint hinders the seamless integration of carbon reduction measures into projects, affecting the feasibility and effectiveness of initiatives.	[32,35,42,43,45]
BR5	Collaboration and involvement challenges	The lack of collaboration and early involvement of stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and contractors, inhibits the effective implementation of carbon reduction strategies. This gap in interdisciplinary engagement and communication results in inefficiencies and missed opportunities to incorporate sustainability considerations at the design and specification stages of construction projects.	[32,42,43,44]
BR6	Regulatory and incentive limitations	The absence of clear governmental regulations and incentives for carbon reduction creates barriers to adopting sustainable practices within the construction industry. Without regulatory guidance and motivation through incentives, stakeholders may be reluctant to implement carbon reduction strategies due to perceived risks and a lack of uniform adoption across projects.	[16,32,42]
BR7	Lack of demand for low-carbon construction project	Inadequate, limited enthusiasm among consumers for low-carbon construction, attributed to limited awareness of its benefits, financial concerns, or a general undervaluation of environmental considerations in decision making.	[32,42,43,45]
BR8	The complex nature of construction projects	The intricate nature of construction projects poses a challenge to the effective implementation of sustainable practices within the industry. The multifaceted aspects and intricate processes involved may contribute to difficulties in seamlessly integrating and executing carbon reduction initiatives, potentially impeding their successful adoption.	[32,36,42,43,45]

delineates the principal difficulties highlighted in other research articles to further support claims. This overview will guide the questionnaire designed to collect housing investors’ viewpoints and experiences about these hurdles (See Appendix A).

4. Materials and Methods

This study extends the author’s prior research from the SCMT6 [46] conference by replicating the methodologies and challenges identified by Arogundade and colleagues [31] to investigate the constraints in mitigating carbon emissions within Jordan’s construction industry. During the expert panel discussions conducted in [46], participants agreed that the initial sixteen list of impediments was extensive and would benefit from consolidation into wider categories. In accordance with this guidance, the author consolidated and categorized the difficulties, decreasing their number from sixteen to eight.

This research utilizes the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to ascertain obstacles impeding carbon reduction in Jordan’s building sector. The FDM seeks to establish a dependable agreement among a varied assembly of experts, encapsulating their individual perspectives on a particular topic [47,48,49,50,51]. The FDM entails recurrent cycles of data collecting using questionnaires, facilitating the evaluation of consensus or divergence among experts’ perspectives.

Existing research indicates that the FDM generally has four major aspects:

Firstly, the identity of the expert panel is preserved throughout the data collection procedure, ensuring that individual views remain uninfluenced by others. This characteristic makes the Delphi approach very efficacious as it reduces the margin of error in replies [52]. The selection of experts is based on their knowledge and experience, emphasizing those with significant competence in the research domain. As stated in [53], a minimum of five experts should comprise the panel; however, increasing the number of participants may strengthen the study’s rigor. This research included 14 housing investors, and each had over 20 years of expertise in executing multi-family apartments in Jordan.

Secondly, replies are methodically gathered and evaluated using statistical methods, such as a structured questionnaire. The study’s questionnaire was developed using the FDM technique, integrating identified challenges (Table 1) and language scales (illustrated in

Table 3. The significance weight assigned to the fuzzy scale equivalents corresponding to each criterion.

Likert Scale	Linguistic Variable	Fuzzy Scale			Indication
5	Very Important	0.6	0.8	1	A strong impact on the outcome
4	Important	0.4	0.6	0.8	A notable influence
3	Neutral	0.2	0.4	0.6	Neither strong nor weak impact
2	Low Importance	0	0.2	0.4	A limited effect
1	Not Important At All	0	0	0.2	Negligible influence on the outcome

). The language factors used by Danacı and Yıldırım [47] were modified to align with the context of this research, spanning from “not important at all” to “very important”.

Given the adoption of triangular fuzzy sets in this investigative framework, each fuzzy set is characterized by three values, namely, the lowest conceivable value, the most probable value, and the highest conceivable value. Fuzzy numbers $\widetilde{r_i^k}$ show the triangular fuzzy averages that the expert k gives to the barrier (Equation (1) below).

$$\widetilde{r_i^k}={\displaystyle \frac{1}{K}}\left[\widetilde{r_i^1}+\widetilde{r_i^2}+\dots +\widetilde{r_i^k}\right]$$

(1)

• K represents the total number of experts involved in the study.
• $\widetilde{{\mathbf{r}}_{\mathbf{i}}^{\mathbf{k}}}$ denotes the aggregated fuzzy rating for the i-th barrier, which is calculated by averaging the individual fuzzy ratings from each expert (denoted as $\widetilde{{\mathbf{r}}_{\mathbf{i}}^{\mathbf{1}}},\widetilde{{\mathbf{r}}_{\mathbf{i}}^{\mathbf{2}}},\dots ,\widetilde{{\mathbf{r}}_{\mathbf{i}}^{\mathbf{k}}}$).

The sum of the individual fuzzy ratings provided by all experts for a particular barrier ($\widetilde{{\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{i}}^1}$ to $\widetilde{{\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{i}}^{\mathrm{k}}}$) is divided by K to calculate the average fuzzy rating for that barrier. This aggregation allows for the combination of multiple experts’ assessments to determine the overall significance or impact of each barrier based on the provided criteria.

Thirdly, the iterative nature of the process necessitates that principal investigators undertake follow-up interviews with experts whose perspectives markedly diverge from those of their colleagues to improve and validate their contributions. Upon completing the interviews and disseminating the questionnaires, the research required an assessment of the experts’ consensus on the mentioned themes. The research used the standard deviation to mean ratio (SDMR), as proposed by Gunduz and Elsherbeny [54]. An SDMR below 0.3 indicates a consensus among experts on the plan. Higher SDMR values, particularly those exceeding 0.3, indicate increasing divergence in expert opinions, with higher numbers reflecting a more pronounced lack of consensus on the evaluated barriers.

The fourth step entails the process of defuzzification to convert the responses provided by experts from the realm of linguistic variables into quantifiable values. Subsequently, the articulation of the hierarchy of risk importance is articulated as follows (Equation (2)):

$$\widetilde{A_i}={\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}}\left(a_{i1}+a_{i2}+a_{i3}\right)$$

(2)

The ascertainment of the relative importance of each risk factor, denoted as “a_i”, is contingent upon numerical values. The ultimate delineation of the hierarchy of challenges impeding carbon reduction in the Jordanian construction process emanates from the comprehensive synthesis of expert opinions. Following this determination, the research findings are disseminated to the experts, eliciting their consultation on the most efficacious strategies for alleviating the preeminent barrier.

5. Results

This study involved a panel of 14 experts, all members of the Consultancy Council of the Jordan Housing Investors Association (

Table 4. Characteristics of the expert panel.

IDs	Years of Professional Experience in the Field of Housing Development in Jordan	Number of Delivered Multi-Family Apartments Buildings in Jordan
EXP 1	28	More than 40 blocks
EXP 2	7	3
EXP 3	35	35
EXP 4	20	33
EXP 5	46	15
EXP 6	22	30
EXP 7	42	20
EXP 8	40	27
EXP 9	22	30
EXP 10	40	NA
EXP 11	40	86
EXP 12	25	110
EXP 13	2	NA
EXP 14	52	NA

), including housing investors specializing in multi-family apartment developments, to assess the key barriers and challenges in the sector. The author chose members of the Consultant Council of the Jordan Housing Investors Association as the major data source because of their profound engagement with pertinent rules and extensive competence in procuring residential building. This group was carefully selected to guarantee that the research included the viewpoints of stakeholders with both practical expertise and a comprehensive grasp of the regulatory framework. The professionals have industry experience ranging from 10 to over 30 years. Expert 11 notably provided over 86 building components, highlighting their substantial contributions to the study.

Table 5. Jordan housing investors’ perspectives on barriers to carbon reduction in construction.

Barrier	Standard Deviation	Means	SDMR 1st Round	Defuzzification	Rank	Threshold Value	Is Critical?
Barrier 1	0.1484	4.14	0.2361	0.6285	5.5	0.6306	FALSE
Barrier 2	0.1399	4.28	0.2129	0.6571	4	0.6306	TRUE
Barrier 3	0.122	4.64	0.1675	0.7285	1	0.6306	TRUE
Barrier 4	0.221	4.07	0.357	0.619	7	0.6306	FALSE
Barrier 5	0.1647	4.5	0.2353	0.7	2	0.6306	TRUE
Barrier 6	0.1829	4.14	0.291	0.6285	5.5	0.6306	FALSE
Barrier 7	0.1456	4.42	0.2124	0.6857	3	0.6306	TRUE
Barrier 8	0.9258	3	0.3086	0.4	8	0.6306	FALSE

delineates an examination of eight identified obstacles (Barrier 1 to Barrier 8) pertinent to the setting of this research. Each barrier has been assessed using a defuzzified number (DB), which signifies the consolidated experts’ views gathered via the Fuzzy Delphi Method.

To maintain brevity, this discussion will concentrate solely on the barriers that exceed the threshold value outlined in Table 4 above. This threshold value was calculated using Equation (3) and is essential for identifying the significant factor.

$$TS={\sum }_{n=1}^{g}DB\left(b\right)/g$$

(3)

DB(b) represents the defuzzified number of aggregated responses for barrier b, while TS stands for the threshold value. The defuzzified value of a specific barrier determines its classification as either critical or non-critical. If the defuzzified value surpasses the established threshold, the barrier is considered critical.

Barriers with a defuzzified value over the threshold are categorized as crucial, signifying their heightened importance or influence in this context. The “Is Critical” column in the table indicates if a barrier exceeds the threshold, hence denoting its significance. This quantitative study provides explicit insights into which obstacles should be addressed in strategic planning or decision making, directing attention toward the most significant difficulties.

6. Discussion

The results emphasize the need of shifting towards sustainable energy communities, which embody a novel paradigm for ecological transition. These communities prioritize local cooperation, the integration of renewable energy, and energy-efficient practices to attain a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced resilience [55]. This approach fosters stakeholder collaboration and community involvement, aligning with Jordan’s sustainability objectives and Economic Modernization Vision, thus providing a pragmatic framework to address current challenges in the housing sector. Further clarification on this model and its implications for Jordan is presented in the following sub-sections. The three major findings fit under the three categories of economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability.

6.1. Lack of Environmental Awareness in Jordan

A major difficulty in Jordan is the pervasive absence of environmental awareness, which results in customers’ inadequate priority of low-carbon housing. This mostly stems from a deficiency of comprehension about the advantages of low-carbon living, leading consumers to overlook the benefits of sustainable building techniques in mitigating carbon emissions and enhancing quality of life [17,56,57,58,59]. Ziadat [60] ascribes this lack of awareness to socio-economic and educational deficiencies. In the absence of sufficient environmental awareness, prospective purchasers do not prioritize environmentally sustainable buildings. Akroush and colleagues [61] emphasize that customer perceptions, especially regarding energy-efficient items, significantly influence purchase intentions. In Jordan’s economic landscape, characterized by constrained financial resources and elevated living expenses, the perceived high prices of energy-efficient items dissuade several buyers [61,62].

Research conducted by Hossain and colleagues [58] and Gulzar and colleagues [17] demonstrates that customer behavior toward energy-efficient items is significantly affected by attitudes and moral standards. Alwedyan [63] contends that entrenched consumption patterns and an absence of proactive energy-saving behaviors impede the implementation of sustainable practices. This problem is exacerbated by the prevailing inclination for short-term comfort rather than long-term sustainability, especially in housing decisions [58,59]. The hesitation to embrace eco-friendly options is intensified by fears about greenwashing, which foster mistrust regarding environmental assertions, and the lack of persuasive economic models demonstrating the long-term cost advantages of low-carbon housing.

Moreover, the deficiency of effective marketing and communication on the advantages of low-carbon housing is a significant concern. Abu-Elsamen and colleagues [62] and Al-Omari and colleagues [64] contend that the housing industry in Jordan has failed to include sustainability into its fundamental messaging, resulting in insufficient understanding among prospective purchasers about the benefits of low-carbon structures. The inadequate advertising restricts the visibility and appeal of eco-friendly housing choices, thereby hindering the demand for sustainable alternatives.

6.2. Lack of Collaboration Among Construction Stakeholders in Jordan

The absence of cooperation among construction parties considerably obstructs efforts to mitigate EC emissions [42]. Fragmented coordination among housing investors, consultants, contractors, and legislators results in inefficiencies and lost chances to implement low-carbon materials and practices. Research emphasizes the significance of collaborative integration in reducing environmental effect, facilitating prompt decision making and agreement on sustainable practices. Bal and colleagues [65] emphasize that insufficient stakeholder engagement results in lost chances for adopting sustainability initiatives, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to tackle challenges such as EC emissions. Aljboor and colleagues [66] further investigate highway building projects in Jordan, demonstrating that inadequate communication among project teams hinders the implementation of sustainable practices. These studies jointly illustrate the obstacles confronting Jordan’s construction sector in attaining sustainability objectives without efficient cooperation.

A significant factor contributing to this lack of coordination is the widespread adoption of the Design–Bid–Build procurement technique in Jordan [67]. Pellegrini and colleagues [68] contend that this conventional methodology in the construction industry establishes several obstacles to the effective reduction of carbon emissions. Granheimer and colleagues [69] assert that traditional procurement methods inhibit innovation and cooperation, which are essential for the adoption of low-carbon construction techniques. Jaglan and Korde [70] examine how procurement techniques might facilitate or obstruct decarbonization initiatives. Xi and Cao [71] examine how inadequate coordination between design and construction stages, often stemming from conventional procurement methods, elevates carbon emissions by neglecting more integrated, low-carbon strategies. Almusaed and colleagues [72] assert that inadequate coordination may result in inefficiencies and lost possibilities to integrate recycled materials, which are crucial for reducing EC emissions.

Furthermore, the absence of cooperation hinders buildability—the simplicity of constructing a design—resulting in additional challenges in executing low-carbon initiatives throughout construction [73]. Inadequate collaboration between consultants and contractors often results in suboptimal buildability, hindering the implementation of sustainable practices. Studies indicate that procurement practices significantly influence the sustainability outcomes of building projects [74,75]. Traditional procurement models emphasize cost and time efficiency, sometimes overlooking the environmental impacts of building operations and worsening issues connected to constructability and carbon reduction initiatives.

Conversely, contemporary procurement procedures, including NEC4 contracts and modern procurement pathways such as Design–Build or Construction Management, facilitate early cooperation among contractors, consultants, and housing investors [76,77,78,79,80]. He and colleagues [79] contend that these methodologies enhance decision making by including sustainable materials and practices from the project’s inception, hence reducing EC emissions. Abougamil and colleagues [76] investigated the integration of NEC4 contracts with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Saudi Arabia, concluding that NEC4 enhances cooperation and facilitates early warnings, hence increasing communication throughout a project’s lifespan. These contemporary methodologies promote stakeholder cooperation from the project’s outset, leading to enhanced decision making and superior carbon reduction results throughout the construction phase.

6.3. Insufficient Demand for Low-Carbon Buildings in Jordan

The restricted demand for low-carbon buildings in Jordan is closely linked to the nation’s dominant neoliberal market approach, which emphasizes economic efficiency above environmental sustainability [81]. Neoliberalism, defined by deregulation, privatization, and an emphasis on market-oriented development, often marginalizes environmental issues in pursuit of cost efficiency and rapid expansion. The market-driven emphasis in the construction industry hinders the implementation of sustainable practices, impeding the progress of low-carbon efforts. Research conducted by Madadizadeh and colleagues [82] indicate that the lack of financial incentives in these countries substantially obstructs the implementation of low-carbon construction methods. Xi and Cao [71] similarly highlight that market-oriented economies have structural barriers to integrating low-carbon solutions, emphasizing the need for systemic transformations.

Ruta and colleagues [83] examine the challenges faced by the construction industry, which emphasizes cost and efficiency, in incorporating low-carbon materials and techniques. Mahmoodi and colleagues [84] contend that effective mitigation of building emissions is mostly realized by nations that synchronize market incentives with stringent environmental legislation. In this context, governmental action is essential for facilitating transformation.

Le and colleagues [85] emphasize the significance of governmental intervention in establishing legislation, offering financial incentives, and promoting stakeholder participation. This strategy incorporates low-carbon practices into national policy frameworks, positioning government involvement as a catalyst for emission reductions in the building industry. Zhang and colleagues [86] illustrate that governmental regulations and incentives may transform industries to enhance sustainability. Sun and colleagues [87] emphasize the synergistic influence of governmental intervention and public demand in facilitating low-carbon urban transformation, exemplified by China’s Low-Carbon City Pilot Policy (LCCP), which integrates regulatory measures with market mechanisms to enhance sustainability.

The obstacles confronting Jordan’s construction sector—diminished demand for low-carbon structures, inadequate stakeholder engagement, and a deficiency in environmental awareness—are interrelated, forming a self-perpetuating loop that hinders the implementation of sustainable methods. In the absence of environmentally concerned customers, the demand for low-carbon housing is diminished, hence lessening the incentive for stakeholders such as contractors, investors, and lawmakers to engage in sustainable efforts. This predicament is further intensified by the neoliberal market emphasis, which favors immediate cost reductions and rapid expansion above long-term sustainability expenditures.

To sum up, D’Adamo et al. [88] delineate sustainability into three distinct pillars: environmental, social, and economic, offering a structured approach to evaluate the challenges faced by Jordan’s construction sector. The insufficient public awareness in Jordan results in a diminished appreciation for low-carbon housing and its advantages, highlighting a significant shortfall in environmental sustainability, stemming from inadequate communication approaches. In the context of social dynamics, the attainment of sustainability is significantly influenced by the collaboration among stakeholders.

Jordan’s market approach emphasizes immediate cost-effectiveness at the expense of long-term sustainability, as a lack of financial incentives and regulatory backing limits the appeal of low-carbon buildings. This method stands in opposition to the focus of D’Adamo et al. [88] on harmonizing market mechanisms with objectives for sustainable development. The interconnected issues of insufficient environmental awareness, inadequate collaboration among stakeholders, and a market that overlooks long-term sustainability highlight the necessity for comprehensive interventions. These interventions aim to improve awareness, promote stakeholder integration, and synchronize market strategies with sustainability goals across all three pillars.

7. Conclusions, Insights, and Recommendations

This research offers critical insights into the obstacles hindering the implementation of low-carbon solutions in Jordan’s multi-family housing sector, highlighting its correspondence with SDG 11 and SDG 13. This study identifies critical impediments, including budgetary limitations, knowledge deficiencies, and stakeholder coordination challenges, therefore supporting Jordan’s efforts to enhance sustainability in its housing sector in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The results highlight the need to use sustainable methods to diminish carbon emissions, hence aiding in the achievement of SDG objectives. Effectively addressing these constraints will boost the sector’s environmental performance, build urban resilience, improve quality of life, and promote sustainable urbanization in accordance with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. This study advocates for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to adopt comprehensive strategies, including legislative changes and alternative procurement methods, to address current obstacles and promote the localization of Sustainable Development Goals within the housing sector.

Jordan’s potential to embrace environmental approaches is strongly rooted in its historical and cultural connection with nature, where traditional practices aligned with sustainability and respect for the environment. Historically, previous generations of Jordanian society were agrarian laborers who kept a strong relationship with the natural environment, prioritizing ecological stewardship and eschewing pollution. This profound cultural and emotional connection to the land provides a basis for promoting the use of sustainable building approaches. Several studies assert that this relationship transcends economic factors, including cultural, social, and emotional aspects. For some farmers, the land is integral to their identity, fostering a natural propensity for environmental conservation and sustainability. The author posits that by reinstating modern Jordanian society’s link to traditional values and fostering understanding of the enduring economic and environmental advantages of low-carbon buildings, the desire for sustainable construction may be redirected. Currently, the market-driven economic forces in Jordan favor short-term profits at the expense of long-term sustainability, thus impeding growth.

Confronting this dilemma requires more than a mere invocation of cultural heritage; a holistic strategy is essential. This includes regulatory measures, economic incentives, and comprehensive educational initiatives. Research indicates that enhancing end-user awareness of the advantages of low-carbon buildings, including diminished energy expenses, enhanced health outcomes, and elevated property values, may stimulate demand, even in a market resistant to transformation. British developers may significantly influence public awareness. In the UK, developers involved in sustainable housing initiatives have enhanced knowledge of the advantages of low-energy structures, establishing themselves as important contributors to the increasing public demand for these advances. Comparable trends are seen in Australia, where developers incorporate sustainability into housing models, impacting both legislation and customer demand.

To ameliorate the standstill in Jordan’s housing market, it is essential to address both the economic and cultural issues affecting consumer behavior. During interviews, and following side notes, three key solutions were proposed to address these challenges:

• Economic incentives: introduce financial mechanisms, such as tax breaks and subsidies, to lower the cost risks associated with low-carbon housing, making it more accessible to developers and middle-class buyers.
• Cultural awareness: reconnect Jordanian society with its historical environmental values by launching awareness campaigns that emphasize sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Regulatory reforms: eliminate legislative barriers within organizations like the Ministry of Public Works, the Jordan Engineers Association, and the Jordan Contractors Association to facilitate the adoption of modern contracts (e.g., NEC4) and procurement routes.

This paper examines the substantial obstacles in implementing low-carbon emission strategies in Jordan’s housing sector, hence advancing the localization of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study’s orientation corresponds with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, improving comprehension of the socio-economic and environmental elements influencing urban sustainability. This research also offers significant insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, delineating a framework for enhancing carbon reduction activities in Jordan’s construction sector.