Factor Identification for the Sustainable Supply Chain in Educational Construction Projects

Educational construction projects face the dual challenge of achieving sustainability targets while remaining cost-effective, yet existing studies often analyze supply chain drivers in isolation. This research addresses this gap by developing and validating a comprehensive model that examines five critical drivers—material selection, stakeholder engagement, waste management, energy efficiency, and digital technologies—within the context of educational infrastructure. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys with 100 industry professionals (35% project managers, 30% architects/designers, and 35% policymakers/consultants), 20 semi-structured interviews, and comparative analysis of three international case studies (Egypt, Singapore, and the United States). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to test hypothesized relationships, supported by thematic analysis for qualitative depth. Results show that stakeholder engagement (β = 0.31), material selection (β = 0.28), and digital technologies (β = 0.23) exert the strongest influence on sustainability performance, while energy efficiency (β = 0.19) and waste management (β = 0.16) demonstrate weaker but still significant effects. Regional variations highlight the role of contextual factors such as governance, policy support, and infrastructure readiness. Unlike prior studies that focus on single aspects, this research offers an integrated framework for evaluating and implementing sustainable supply chain practices in educational construction. The findings provide both theoretical advancement and actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to accelerate sustainable transformation in the education sector.