Opportunism or symbiosis? A case study on contractors’ unsustainable highway construction in China

Highway construction generates considerable adverse effects on the natural environment, which has attracted closer attention from both government and the public. Although contractors are stimulated to engage in sustainable construction, contractors incline to select unsustainable practices. This research aims to investigate the reason why contractors adopt unsustainable practices. A semi-structured interview and content analysis were employed to explore environmental changes and contractors thought on making a decision. The research findings indicate that contractors use environmental restoration to escape environmental responsibility and government punishment. Governments have a tolerance for the environment which reduces environmental management. This study offers a new perspective to investigate contractors’ unsustainable construction and provide clues to improve sustainable construction.