The critique of sustainability discourse within the off-site construction (OSC): a systematic-scientometric review

Offsite Construction (OSC) continues to be perceived as a transformative vehicle and agent for empowering the predominantly labour-intensive construction industry (CI) to achieve heightened productivity. The contemporary socio-economic landscape demands that the CI assumes a broader responsibility beyond mere productivity. In this respect, CI professionals are increasingly obliged to address sustainability concerns. Consequently, research endeavours have progressed to align with this overarching aim – ergo, to reconcile sustainability imperatives with economies of scale and intrinsic opportunities provided by OSC in this respect. Against this backdrop, this research examines the ongoing developments in OSC research. It uses the UK CI as the primary research lens, to critically evaluate the degree to which outcomes are aligned to core sustainability drivers and mandates. In doing so, it employs a systematic-scientometric review method to examine OSC interventions across three performance themes. Research findings reveal the prevalence of diverse OSC terminologies and their axiological positioning, the corollary of which seems to exert a significant influence on inference. Acknowledging this, a causal relationship model was developed to: establish causal interconnections among the identified themes; present a structured comparative analysis of the UK’s current position; and finally, use these findings against similar developed countries. This study posits that OSC's purported emphasis on heightened environmental sensitivity is not without its flaws. Moreover, it emphasises the need for holistic integrated thinking. This is seen as a core inhibitor and barrier, which inter alia, not only stifles progress (cf. meeting sustainability objectives) but also fails to recognise the impact on performance – hence, the importance of fostering integrated thinking across the OSC productivity-sustainability conundrum.