Bridging the Gender Gap: Unleashing Motivational Dynamics for Climate Action in the Construction Industry

We are pleased to announce the publication of our recent research paper titled "How Gender Influences Motivation and Action Toward Climate Change: A Qualitative Study of Participants from a UK Construction Company." This work was authored by CEM student Fenella Ross, Professor Campbell Middleton and Dr Olivia Remes.

This study explores the crucial intersection of gender and climate action within the construction industry, a sector known for its high carbon emissions and significant gender disparities. While women generally exhibit more concern and action towards climate change, this has been less studied in relation to the workforce—particularly in industries like construction that have traditionally been male-dominated.

Using qualitative analysis based on data from 30 employees in a major UK engineering/construction company, our study highlights how gender influences employees' knowledge, awareness, and actions on climate change. With construction being a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, the research emphasises the importance of fostering diverse perspectives, especially when shaping climate policies and actions in such critical sectors.

Key findings include:

• Gender-based differences in climate change concern and response.

• The need for gender equity in climate change decision-making, especially within industries contributing to the global carbon footprint.

The paper sheds light on the importance of addressing gender inequities in tackling climate change.

Read the full paper for an in-depth look at how gender can drive meaningful climate action in a sector with one of the largest environmental impacts.