Exploring system boundaries for green public-private partnerships
Abstract
This study addresses the research gap in understanding the intricate dynamics of public-private partnerships (PPP) in fostering sustainable development by proposing a framework delineating eight system boundaries for green PPP. Through analysis across four cases from BRICS countries, the research illuminates the nuanced and interactive nature of these boundaries. The findings underscore the necessity of recognizing green PPP as complex socio-technical systems. The paper emphasizes the diversity and complexity of green PPP’s boundaries and highlights the importance of explicitly delineating them for meaningful comparison across contexts. By clarifying these perspectives, the study contributes to enhancing academic understanding and practical implementation of sustainable development initiatives through PPP.
Keyword : green PPP, system boundary, green practice, sustainable development
How to Cite
Liu, J., Chen, C., Zhan, W., & Li, X. (2025). Exploring system boundaries for green public-private partnerships. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 31(4), 376–394. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2025.23763
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Ali, S. H., Perrons, R. K., Toledano, P., & Maennling, N. (2019). A model for “smart” mineral enterprise development for spurring investment in climate change mitigation technology. Energy Research & Social Science, 58, Article 101282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2019.101282
Alqahtani, D., Salman, B., & He, S. (2024). An integrated sustainability assessment framework for public–private partnerships in highway projects. Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems, 150(7), Article 04024023. https://doi.org/10.1061/JTEPBS.TEENG-8189
Babatunde, S. O., & Perera, S. (2017). Analysis of financial close delay in PPP infrastructure projects in developing countries. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 24(6), 1690–1708. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-05-2016-0076
Bäckstrand, K., & Kylsäter, M. (2014). Old wine in new bottles? The legitimation and delegitimation of UN public–private partnerships for sustainable development from the Johannesburg Summit to the Rio+20 Summit. Globalizations, 11(3), 331–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/14747731.2014.892398
Baietti, A. (2013). Green infrastructure finance: A public-private partnership approach to climate finance. World Bank.
Bali, A. S., Howlett, M., Lewis, J. M., & Ramesh, M. (2021). Procedural policy tools in theory and practice. Policy and Society, 40(3), 295–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2021.1965379
Batista, M., Goyannes Gusmão Caiado, R., Gonçalves Quelhas, O. L., Brito Alves Lima, G., Leal Filho, W., & Rocha Yparraguirre, I. T. (2021). A framework for sustainable and integrated municipal solid waste management: Barriers and critical factors to developing countries. Journal of Cleaner Production, 312, Article 127516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127516
Berezin, A., & Ratner, S. (2019). Policy transition to low-carbon economy in Russia: State support measures. In Conference Proceedings of “International Days of Statistics and Economics” (pp. 120–130). https://doi.org/10.18267/pr.2019.los.186.13
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69909-7_3470-2
Bryman, A. (2008). Social research methods (3rd ed). Oxford University Press.
Bu, Z., Liu, J., & Zhang, X. (2025). Collaborative government-public efforts in driving green technology innovation for environmental governance in PPP projects: A study based on prospect theory. Kybernetes, 54(3), 1684–1715. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-08-2023-1415
Caloffi, A., Pryke, S., Sedita, S. R., & Siemiatycki, M. (2017). Public–private partnerships and beyond: Potential for innovation and sustainable development. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 35(5), 739–745. https://doi.org/10.1177/2399654417711496
Cao, F., & Wang, C. (2022). Factors influencing procurement officers’ preference for PPP procurement model: An empirical analysis of China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 832617. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.832617
Carbonara, N., Costantino, N., & Pellegrino, R. (2016). A transaction costs-based model to choose PPP procurement procedures. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 23(4), 491–510. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2014-0099
Carillo, F., Henke, R., & Sturla, A. (2023). An assessment of the effects of food districts on sustainable management of land: The case of Lombardia, Italy. Systems, 11(6), Article 283. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11060283
Casady, C. B., Eriksson, K., Levitt, R. E., & Scott, W. R. (2020). (Re)defining public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the new public governance (NPG) paradigm: An institutional maturity perspective. Public Management Review, 22(2), 161–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2019.1577909
Casprini, E., & Palumbo, R. (2022). Reaping the benefits of digital transformation through Public-Private Partnership: A service ecosystem view applied to healthcare. Global Public Policy and Governance, 2(4), 453–476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43508-022-00056-9
Cheng, Z., Wang, H., Xiong, W., Zhu, D., & Cheng, L. (2021). Public–private partnership as a driver of sustainable development: Toward a conceptual framework of sustainability-oriented PPP. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23(1), 1043–1063. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00576-1
Chinese Ministry of Finance. (2024). PPP projects.
Colverson, S., & Perera, O. (2012). Harnessing the power of public-private partnerships: The role of hybrid financing strategies in sustainable development (Report). International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Cruz, G. A. P.-D. L., Rabetino, R., & Kantola, J. (2022). Unveiling the shades of partnerships for the energy transition and sustainable development: Connecting public–private partnerships and emerging hybrid schemes. Sustainable Development, 30(5), 1370–1386. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2288
Cui, C., Liu, Y., Hope, A., & Wang, J. (2018). Review of studies on the public–private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects. International Journal of Project Management, 36(5), 773–794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2018.03.004
Darko, D., Zhu, D., Quayson, M., Hossin, M. A., Omoruyi, O., & Bediako, A. K. (2023). A multicriteria decision framework for governance of PPP projects towards sustainable development. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 87, Article 101580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2023.101580
Deulkar, W., & Shaikh, A. (2013). Viability gap funding scheme for infrastructure development. International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, 2(4), 123–127.
Dwyer, J., Short, C., Berriet-solliec, M., Depres, C., Lataste, F.-G., Hart, K., & Prazan, J. (2020). Fostering resilient agro-food futures through a social-ecological systems framework: Public-private partnerships for delivering ecosystem services in Europe. Ecosystem Services, 45, Article 101180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101180
El-Gohary, N. M., Osman, H., & El-Diraby, T. E. (2006). Stakeholder management for public private partnerships. International Journal of Project Management, 24(7), 595–604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.07.009
Estache, A., Guasch, J.-L., Iimi, A., & Trujillo, L. (2009). Multidimensionality and renegotiation: Evidence from transport-sector public-private-partnership transactions in Latin America. Review of Industrial Organization, 35(1), 41–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11151-009-9225-0
Filimonova, I. V., Krivosheeva, O. I., & Mishenin, M. V. (2023). The economic effect of public–private partnerships in the implementation of climate projects for the disposal of municipal solid waste. Energy Reports, 9, 996–1002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.11.042
Herweg, F., & Schmidt, K. M. (2017). Auctions versus negotiations: The effects of inefficient renegotiation. The RAND Journal of Economics, 48(3), 647–672. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-2171.12189
Hofstadter, D. R., & Sander, E. (2013). Surfaces and essences: Analogy as the fuel and fire of thinking. Basic Books.
Hueskes, M., Verhoest, K., & Block, T. (2017). Governing public–private partnerships for sustainability: An analysis of procurement and governance practices of PPP infrastructure projects. International Journal of Project Management, 35(6), 1184–1195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.02.020
Hwang, B., & Tan, J. S. (2012). Green building project management: Obstacles and solutions for sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 20(5), 335–349. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.492
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate change 2023: Synthesis report. Geneva, Switzerland.
Johannessen, Å., Rosemarin, A., Thomalla, F., Gerger Swartling, Å., Axel Stenström, T., & Vulturius, G. (2014). Strategies for building resilience to hazards in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems: The role of public private partnerships. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 10, 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2014.07.002
Kang, M. J., & Park, J. (2013). Analysis of the partnership network in the clean development mechanism. Energy Policy, 52, 543–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2012.10.005
Khoza, S., & Rabie, B. (2021). Investigating the potential use of public private partnerships to fund green building initiatives. The case of the Department of Environmental Affairs. Administratio Publica, 29(3), 70–88.
Koppenjan, J. F. (2015). Public–private partnerships for green infrastructures. Tensions and challenges. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 12, 30–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2014.08.010
Kurniawan, F., Ogunlana, S., Motawa, I., & Dada, M. (2013). Public-private partnership projects implementation: Three case studies of seaport projects in India. In International PPP Conference 2013 - Body of Knowledge (pp. 65–80), Preston, UK.
Lee, J., Kim, K., & Oh, J. (2022). Build-Transfer-Operate with risk sharing approach for railway public-private-partnership project in Korea. Asian Transport Studies, 8, Article 100061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eastsj.2022.100061
Li, L. (2020). “Green” effects of hybrid actors through carbon trading: Cases in Beijing. Global Transitions Proceedings, 1(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gltp.2020.03.001
Littau, P., Jujagiri, N. J., & Adlbrecht, G. (2010). 25 Years of stakeholder theory in project management literature (1984–2009). Project Management Journal, 41(4), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20195
Liu, J., He, P., & Meng, Q. (2023). Meeting investors’ demands in PPP project to improve enthusiasm for participating in green and low-carbon. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 36(1), Article 2167224. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2023.2167224
Ludu, A. (2016). Boundaries in social systems. In A. Ludu (Ed.), Boundaries of a complex world (pp. 79–105). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-49078-5_3
Luhmann, N. (2006). System as difference. Organization, 13(1), 37–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508406059638
Mahani, I., Z. Tamin, R., G. Pradoto, R., Meifrinaldi, Whardani, P. N. K., A. Tanne, Y., & A. Hartono, K. (2022). A study on the application of availability payment scheme for urban infrastructure in Indonesia. International Journal of Education and Social Science Research, 5(5), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2022.5506
Morano, P., & Tajani, F. (2017). The break-even analysis applied to urban renewal investments: A model to evaluate the share of social housing financially sustainable for private investors. Habitat International, 59, 10–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2016.11.004
Morse, J. M. (2010). Simultaneous and sequential qualitative mixed method designs. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(6), 483–491. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800410364741
Morse, J. M., & Niehaus, L. (2009). Mixed method design: Principles and procedures (1st ed). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315424538
Mulej, M., Ženko, Z., & Mulej, N. (2017). Dialectical systems theory as a way to handle complex systems. In M. Nemiche & M. Essaaidi (Eds.), Nonlinear systems and complexity: Vol. 18. Advances in complex societal, environmental and engineered systems (pp. 145–158). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46164-9_7
Ning, L., Abbasi, K. R., Hussain, K., Alvarado, R., & Ramzan, M. (2023). Analyzing the role of green innovation and public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals: A novel policy framework. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-26414-6
Office of Government Commerce. (2002). Green public private partnerships – A guidance note on how to include environmental considerations within PPP and PFI projects.
Ong, B. K. (2012). Grounded theory method (GTM) and the Abductive Research Strategy (ARS): A critical analysis of their differences. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 15(5), 417–432. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2011.607003
Pan, W. (2014). System boundaries of zero carbon buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 37, 424–434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.015
Pan, W., Li, K., & Teng, Y. (2018). Rethinking system boundaries of the life cycle carbon emissions of buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 90, 379–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.057
Pauline, N. M., & Lema, G. A. (2024). Consideration of climate change on environmental impact assessment in Tanzania: Challenges and prospects. Environmental Management, 74(2), 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-024-01972-8
Pieters, I. J., Lotz, M., & Brent, A. (2014). Investigating the financial close of projects within the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 25, 57–68. https://doi.org/10.7166/25-3-912
Pu, W., Xu, F., Chen, R., & Marques, R. (2020). PPP project procurement model selection in China: Does it matter?. Construction Management and Economics, 38(2), 126–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2019.1596291
Raouf, A., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2019). Effectiveness of project delivery systems in executing green buildings. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 145, Article 03119005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001688
Shang, L., & Abdel Aziz, A. M. (2020). Stackelberg game theory-based optimization model for design of payment mechanism in performance-based PPPs. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(4), Article 04020029. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001806
Shiferaw, A. T., Klakegg, O. J., & Haavaldsen, T. (2012). Governance of public investment projects in Ethiopia. Project Management Journal, 43(4), 52–69. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21280
Sim, J., Saunders, B., Waterfield, J., & Kingstone, T. (2018). Can sample size in qualitative research be determined a priori?. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 21(5), 619–634. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2018.1454643
Song, J., Song, D., & Zhang, D. (2015). Modeling the concession period and subsidy for BOT waste-to-energy incineration projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 141(10), Article 04015033. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001005
Sourani, A., & Sohail, M. (2011). Barriers to addressing sustainable construction in public procurement strategies. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability, 164(4), 229–237. https://doi.org/10.1680/ensu.2011.164.4.229
Su, L., Cao, Y., & li, H. (2023). Performance-based payment structural design for infrastructure PPP projects. International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 27(2), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.3846/ijspm.2023.19180
Suresh, R., & Akintoye, A. (2010). Integrating sustainability issues into public-private partnership business model. In Y. Wang, J. Yang, G. Q. P. Shen, & J. Wong (Eds.), Proceedings of 2010 International Conference on Construction and Real Estate Management (Vols. 1–3, pp. 258–263). China Architecture & Building Press.
Tan, J., & Zhao, J. Z. (2021). Explaining the adoption rate of public-private partnerships in Chinese provinces: A transaction cost perspective. Public Management Review, 23(4), 590–609. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2019.1699947
Tavana, M., Khalili Nasr, A., Mina, H., & Michnik, J. (2022). A private sustainable partner selection model for green public-private partnerships and regional economic development. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 83, Article 101189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2021.101189
United Nations Industrial Development Organization. (2011). UNIDO green industry: Policies for supporting green industry.
Vassileva, A. G. (2022). Green public-private partnerships (PPPs) as an instrument for sustainable development. Journal of World Economy: Transformations & Transitions, 2(5), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.52459/jowett25221122
Vassileva, A., & Simić, M. (2023). Green public-private partnerships: Global and European context and best practices. Technogenesis, Green Economy and Sustainable Development, 2, 161–188. https://doi.org/10.18485/tgesd.2023.2.ch7
von Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. George Braziller Inc.
Xiang, P., Zhang, Q., Jiang, Q., & Liu, Z. (2022). Operational risk allocation in urban rail transit public–private partnership projects. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10, Article 900322. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.900322
Xu, N., Kasimov, I., & Wang, Y. (2022). Unlocking private investment as a new determinant of green finance for renewable development in China. Renewable Energy, 198, 1121–1130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.07.037
Yin, R. K. (2013). Case study research design and methods (5th ed., Vol. 30). Sage Publications.
Zaki, S., & Hegazy, I. (2023). Investigating the challenges and opportunities for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 18, 809–819. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctad062
Zhang, X., Shen, L., & Wu, Y. (2011). Green strategy for gaining competitive advantage in housing development: A China study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(2–3), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.08.005
Zhu, F., Sun, M., Wang, L., Sun, X., & Yu, M. (2019). Value conflicts between local government and private sector in stock public-private partnership projects: A case of China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(6), 907–926. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2018-0330
Alqahtani, D., Salman, B., & He, S. (2024). An integrated sustainability assessment framework for public–private partnerships in highway projects. Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems, 150(7), Article 04024023. https://doi.org/10.1061/JTEPBS.TEENG-8189
Babatunde, S. O., & Perera, S. (2017). Analysis of financial close delay in PPP infrastructure projects in developing countries. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 24(6), 1690–1708. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-05-2016-0076
Bäckstrand, K., & Kylsäter, M. (2014). Old wine in new bottles? The legitimation and delegitimation of UN public–private partnerships for sustainable development from the Johannesburg Summit to the Rio+20 Summit. Globalizations, 11(3), 331–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/14747731.2014.892398
Baietti, A. (2013). Green infrastructure finance: A public-private partnership approach to climate finance. World Bank.
Bali, A. S., Howlett, M., Lewis, J. M., & Ramesh, M. (2021). Procedural policy tools in theory and practice. Policy and Society, 40(3), 295–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2021.1965379
Batista, M., Goyannes Gusmão Caiado, R., Gonçalves Quelhas, O. L., Brito Alves Lima, G., Leal Filho, W., & Rocha Yparraguirre, I. T. (2021). A framework for sustainable and integrated municipal solid waste management: Barriers and critical factors to developing countries. Journal of Cleaner Production, 312, Article 127516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127516
Berezin, A., & Ratner, S. (2019). Policy transition to low-carbon economy in Russia: State support measures. In Conference Proceedings of “International Days of Statistics and Economics” (pp. 120–130). https://doi.org/10.18267/pr.2019.los.186.13
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69909-7_3470-2
Bryman, A. (2008). Social research methods (3rd ed). Oxford University Press.
Bu, Z., Liu, J., & Zhang, X. (2025). Collaborative government-public efforts in driving green technology innovation for environmental governance in PPP projects: A study based on prospect theory. Kybernetes, 54(3), 1684–1715. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-08-2023-1415
Caloffi, A., Pryke, S., Sedita, S. R., & Siemiatycki, M. (2017). Public–private partnerships and beyond: Potential for innovation and sustainable development. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 35(5), 739–745. https://doi.org/10.1177/2399654417711496
Cao, F., & Wang, C. (2022). Factors influencing procurement officers’ preference for PPP procurement model: An empirical analysis of China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 832617. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.832617
Carbonara, N., Costantino, N., & Pellegrino, R. (2016). A transaction costs-based model to choose PPP procurement procedures. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 23(4), 491–510. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2014-0099
Carillo, F., Henke, R., & Sturla, A. (2023). An assessment of the effects of food districts on sustainable management of land: The case of Lombardia, Italy. Systems, 11(6), Article 283. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11060283
Casady, C. B., Eriksson, K., Levitt, R. E., & Scott, W. R. (2020). (Re)defining public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the new public governance (NPG) paradigm: An institutional maturity perspective. Public Management Review, 22(2), 161–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2019.1577909
Casprini, E., & Palumbo, R. (2022). Reaping the benefits of digital transformation through Public-Private Partnership: A service ecosystem view applied to healthcare. Global Public Policy and Governance, 2(4), 453–476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43508-022-00056-9
Cheng, Z., Wang, H., Xiong, W., Zhu, D., & Cheng, L. (2021). Public–private partnership as a driver of sustainable development: Toward a conceptual framework of sustainability-oriented PPP. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23(1), 1043–1063. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00576-1
Chinese Ministry of Finance. (2024). PPP projects.
Colverson, S., & Perera, O. (2012). Harnessing the power of public-private partnerships: The role of hybrid financing strategies in sustainable development (Report). International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Cruz, G. A. P.-D. L., Rabetino, R., & Kantola, J. (2022). Unveiling the shades of partnerships for the energy transition and sustainable development: Connecting public–private partnerships and emerging hybrid schemes. Sustainable Development, 30(5), 1370–1386. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2288
Cui, C., Liu, Y., Hope, A., & Wang, J. (2018). Review of studies on the public–private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects. International Journal of Project Management, 36(5), 773–794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2018.03.004
Darko, D., Zhu, D., Quayson, M., Hossin, M. A., Omoruyi, O., & Bediako, A. K. (2023). A multicriteria decision framework for governance of PPP projects towards sustainable development. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 87, Article 101580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2023.101580
Deulkar, W., & Shaikh, A. (2013). Viability gap funding scheme for infrastructure development. International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, 2(4), 123–127.
Dwyer, J., Short, C., Berriet-solliec, M., Depres, C., Lataste, F.-G., Hart, K., & Prazan, J. (2020). Fostering resilient agro-food futures through a social-ecological systems framework: Public-private partnerships for delivering ecosystem services in Europe. Ecosystem Services, 45, Article 101180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101180
El-Gohary, N. M., Osman, H., & El-Diraby, T. E. (2006). Stakeholder management for public private partnerships. International Journal of Project Management, 24(7), 595–604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.07.009
Estache, A., Guasch, J.-L., Iimi, A., & Trujillo, L. (2009). Multidimensionality and renegotiation: Evidence from transport-sector public-private-partnership transactions in Latin America. Review of Industrial Organization, 35(1), 41–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11151-009-9225-0
Filimonova, I. V., Krivosheeva, O. I., & Mishenin, M. V. (2023). The economic effect of public–private partnerships in the implementation of climate projects for the disposal of municipal solid waste. Energy Reports, 9, 996–1002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.11.042
Herweg, F., & Schmidt, K. M. (2017). Auctions versus negotiations: The effects of inefficient renegotiation. The RAND Journal of Economics, 48(3), 647–672. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-2171.12189
Hofstadter, D. R., & Sander, E. (2013). Surfaces and essences: Analogy as the fuel and fire of thinking. Basic Books.
Hueskes, M., Verhoest, K., & Block, T. (2017). Governing public–private partnerships for sustainability: An analysis of procurement and governance practices of PPP infrastructure projects. International Journal of Project Management, 35(6), 1184–1195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.02.020
Hwang, B., & Tan, J. S. (2012). Green building project management: Obstacles and solutions for sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 20(5), 335–349. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.492
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate change 2023: Synthesis report. Geneva, Switzerland.
Johannessen, Å., Rosemarin, A., Thomalla, F., Gerger Swartling, Å., Axel Stenström, T., & Vulturius, G. (2014). Strategies for building resilience to hazards in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems: The role of public private partnerships. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 10, 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2014.07.002
Kang, M. J., & Park, J. (2013). Analysis of the partnership network in the clean development mechanism. Energy Policy, 52, 543–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2012.10.005
Khoza, S., & Rabie, B. (2021). Investigating the potential use of public private partnerships to fund green building initiatives. The case of the Department of Environmental Affairs. Administratio Publica, 29(3), 70–88.
Koppenjan, J. F. (2015). Public–private partnerships for green infrastructures. Tensions and challenges. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 12, 30–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2014.08.010
Kurniawan, F., Ogunlana, S., Motawa, I., & Dada, M. (2013). Public-private partnership projects implementation: Three case studies of seaport projects in India. In International PPP Conference 2013 - Body of Knowledge (pp. 65–80), Preston, UK.
Lee, J., Kim, K., & Oh, J. (2022). Build-Transfer-Operate with risk sharing approach for railway public-private-partnership project in Korea. Asian Transport Studies, 8, Article 100061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eastsj.2022.100061
Li, L. (2020). “Green” effects of hybrid actors through carbon trading: Cases in Beijing. Global Transitions Proceedings, 1(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gltp.2020.03.001
Littau, P., Jujagiri, N. J., & Adlbrecht, G. (2010). 25 Years of stakeholder theory in project management literature (1984–2009). Project Management Journal, 41(4), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20195
Liu, J., He, P., & Meng, Q. (2023). Meeting investors’ demands in PPP project to improve enthusiasm for participating in green and low-carbon. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 36(1), Article 2167224. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2023.2167224
Ludu, A. (2016). Boundaries in social systems. In A. Ludu (Ed.), Boundaries of a complex world (pp. 79–105). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-49078-5_3
Luhmann, N. (2006). System as difference. Organization, 13(1), 37–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508406059638
Mahani, I., Z. Tamin, R., G. Pradoto, R., Meifrinaldi, Whardani, P. N. K., A. Tanne, Y., & A. Hartono, K. (2022). A study on the application of availability payment scheme for urban infrastructure in Indonesia. International Journal of Education and Social Science Research, 5(5), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2022.5506
Morano, P., & Tajani, F. (2017). The break-even analysis applied to urban renewal investments: A model to evaluate the share of social housing financially sustainable for private investors. Habitat International, 59, 10–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2016.11.004
Morse, J. M. (2010). Simultaneous and sequential qualitative mixed method designs. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(6), 483–491. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800410364741
Morse, J. M., & Niehaus, L. (2009). Mixed method design: Principles and procedures (1st ed). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315424538
Mulej, M., Ženko, Z., & Mulej, N. (2017). Dialectical systems theory as a way to handle complex systems. In M. Nemiche & M. Essaaidi (Eds.), Nonlinear systems and complexity: Vol. 18. Advances in complex societal, environmental and engineered systems (pp. 145–158). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46164-9_7
Ning, L., Abbasi, K. R., Hussain, K., Alvarado, R., & Ramzan, M. (2023). Analyzing the role of green innovation and public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals: A novel policy framework. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-26414-6
Office of Government Commerce. (2002). Green public private partnerships – A guidance note on how to include environmental considerations within PPP and PFI projects.
Ong, B. K. (2012). Grounded theory method (GTM) and the Abductive Research Strategy (ARS): A critical analysis of their differences. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 15(5), 417–432. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2011.607003
Pan, W. (2014). System boundaries of zero carbon buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 37, 424–434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.015
Pan, W., Li, K., & Teng, Y. (2018). Rethinking system boundaries of the life cycle carbon emissions of buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 90, 379–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.057
Pauline, N. M., & Lema, G. A. (2024). Consideration of climate change on environmental impact assessment in Tanzania: Challenges and prospects. Environmental Management, 74(2), 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-024-01972-8
Pieters, I. J., Lotz, M., & Brent, A. (2014). Investigating the financial close of projects within the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 25, 57–68. https://doi.org/10.7166/25-3-912
Pu, W., Xu, F., Chen, R., & Marques, R. (2020). PPP project procurement model selection in China: Does it matter?. Construction Management and Economics, 38(2), 126–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2019.1596291
Raouf, A., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2019). Effectiveness of project delivery systems in executing green buildings. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 145, Article 03119005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001688
Shang, L., & Abdel Aziz, A. M. (2020). Stackelberg game theory-based optimization model for design of payment mechanism in performance-based PPPs. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(4), Article 04020029. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001806
Shiferaw, A. T., Klakegg, O. J., & Haavaldsen, T. (2012). Governance of public investment projects in Ethiopia. Project Management Journal, 43(4), 52–69. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21280
Sim, J., Saunders, B., Waterfield, J., & Kingstone, T. (2018). Can sample size in qualitative research be determined a priori?. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 21(5), 619–634. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2018.1454643
Song, J., Song, D., & Zhang, D. (2015). Modeling the concession period and subsidy for BOT waste-to-energy incineration projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 141(10), Article 04015033. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001005
Sourani, A., & Sohail, M. (2011). Barriers to addressing sustainable construction in public procurement strategies. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability, 164(4), 229–237. https://doi.org/10.1680/ensu.2011.164.4.229
Su, L., Cao, Y., & li, H. (2023). Performance-based payment structural design for infrastructure PPP projects. International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 27(2), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.3846/ijspm.2023.19180
Suresh, R., & Akintoye, A. (2010). Integrating sustainability issues into public-private partnership business model. In Y. Wang, J. Yang, G. Q. P. Shen, & J. Wong (Eds.), Proceedings of 2010 International Conference on Construction and Real Estate Management (Vols. 1–3, pp. 258–263). China Architecture & Building Press.
Tan, J., & Zhao, J. Z. (2021). Explaining the adoption rate of public-private partnerships in Chinese provinces: A transaction cost perspective. Public Management Review, 23(4), 590–609. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2019.1699947
Tavana, M., Khalili Nasr, A., Mina, H., & Michnik, J. (2022). A private sustainable partner selection model for green public-private partnerships and regional economic development. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 83, Article 101189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2021.101189
United Nations Industrial Development Organization. (2011). UNIDO green industry: Policies for supporting green industry.
Vassileva, A. G. (2022). Green public-private partnerships (PPPs) as an instrument for sustainable development. Journal of World Economy: Transformations & Transitions, 2(5), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.52459/jowett25221122
Vassileva, A., & Simić, M. (2023). Green public-private partnerships: Global and European context and best practices. Technogenesis, Green Economy and Sustainable Development, 2, 161–188. https://doi.org/10.18485/tgesd.2023.2.ch7
von Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. George Braziller Inc.
Xiang, P., Zhang, Q., Jiang, Q., & Liu, Z. (2022). Operational risk allocation in urban rail transit public–private partnership projects. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10, Article 900322. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.900322
Xu, N., Kasimov, I., & Wang, Y. (2022). Unlocking private investment as a new determinant of green finance for renewable development in China. Renewable Energy, 198, 1121–1130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.07.037
Yin, R. K. (2013). Case study research design and methods (5th ed., Vol. 30). Sage Publications.
Zaki, S., & Hegazy, I. (2023). Investigating the challenges and opportunities for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 18, 809–819. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctad062
Zhang, X., Shen, L., & Wu, Y. (2011). Green strategy for gaining competitive advantage in housing development: A China study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(2–3), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.08.005
Zhu, F., Sun, M., Wang, L., Sun, X., & Yu, M. (2019). Value conflicts between local government and private sector in stock public-private partnership projects: A case of China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(6), 907–926. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2018-0330