Journal of Sustainable Construction and Management

GenAI Policy

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Policy

Journal of Sustainable Construction and Management (JSCM)

The Journal of Sustainable Construction and Management (JSCM) acknowledges the increasing integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies in research, design modeling, sustainability analytics, and manuscript preparation. While AI-driven tools can enhance efficiency in drafting, data processing, and visualization, their use in construction and sustainability research raises important considerations regarding transparency, methodological integrity, environmental modeling accuracy, and professional accountability. This policy establishes clear standards for responsible GenAI use in submissions to JSCM.

Permitted Use of GenAI

Authors may use GenAI tools as assistive technologies for:

  • Language editing and grammar correction

  • Structural organization and formatting of manuscripts

  • Code drafting or computational scripting support

  • Preliminary data visualization

  • Literature summarization for background context

However, GenAI tools must not replace substantive intellectual contributions. Research design, sustainability modeling assumptions, environmental impact analysis, life cycle assessment (LCA) interpretation, risk evaluation, and managerial conclusions must remain the responsibility of qualified human researchers.

Authorship and Accountability

Artificial intelligence systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship implies intellectual ownership, ethical responsibility, and accountability for the integrity of the research criteria that AI systems cannot meet.

If GenAI tools materially contribute to manuscript preparation, authors must include an “AI Usage Statement” specifying:

  1. The name and version of the tool used

  2. The purpose of its use

  3. Confirmation that all AI-generated outputs were critically reviewed and validated by the authors

Failure to disclose significant AI involvement may constitute a breach of publication ethics.

Data Integrity and Sustainability Modeling

Sustainable construction research often involves:

  • Environmental impact assessments

  • Life cycle cost and carbon modeling

  • Structural performance simulations

  • Energy efficiency analysis

  • Policy and regulatory evaluation

GenAI tools must not be used to fabricate datasets, generate synthetic environmental results presented as empirical findings, manipulate sustainability metrics, or create fictitious references. All reported results must originate from legitimate research methodologies and verifiable data sources.

When AI tools assist with modeling or computational analysis, authors must ensure reproducibility, validation of assumptions, and transparency of parameters. Any AI-assisted simulation must be clearly documented within the methodology.

Confidentiality and Proprietary Data

Construction and infrastructure research may involve proprietary project data, contractual information, or confidential engineering documentation. Authors must not upload sensitive or confidential data into public AI systems unless explicit authorization and legal compliance are ensured. Responsibility for data protection rests entirely with the authors.

Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Given the societal and environmental implications of sustainable construction research, misrepresentation of results may influence policy decisions, public safety, or environmental planning. Therefore, authors must ensure that AI-assisted outputs do not compromise accuracy, compliance with engineering standards, or environmental reporting integrity.

Image or figure manipulation using AI that alters structural interpretation, material performance results, or environmental analysis is strictly prohibited.

Editorial Oversight

The editorial board may request clarification regarding AI usage during peer review. Where undisclosed or inappropriate use of GenAI is identified, the journal may take corrective action consistent with its Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.

Commitment to Responsible Innovation

JSCM supports research exploring AI applications in sustainable construction and infrastructure management. However, the use of GenAI in manuscript preparation must remain transparent, ethically sound, and secondary to human expertise. Accountability for all scientific and professional conclusions rests solely with the authors.

By submitting to the Journal of Sustainable Construction and Management, authors confirm compliance with this Generative AI Policy and accept full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and ethical standing of their work.