Extended Reality (XR) as a Human–Environment Interface for Sustainable Construction in Caribbean Small Island Developing States

Construction activities transform the physical environment through land-use change, resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions, making sustainable construction especially important in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This study investigates the current use and perception of Extended Reality (XR) as a spatial visualization and human–environment decision-support tool for sustainable construction in the Caribbean construction sector. This study addresses three research gaps: knowledge, contextual, and praxis gaps including a knowledge, contextual, and praxis gap by contributing XR evidence from a Caribbean SIDS context. The novelty lies in positioning XR as a human–environment interface for sustainable construction, creating the foundation for future studies on the use of digital tools within the construction sector for sustainable environmental development. Grounded in Human–Environment Interaction Theory, the study used questionnaire survey responses from 112 construction practitioners for analysis through descriptive statistics, effectiveness scoring, effectiveness indices, and non-parametric comparison of sustainability outcome groups. Findings show that XR adoption remains limited, but practitioners recognized its potential to improve design accuracy, project visualizations, workflow coordination, stakeholder communication, safety and sustainability-related decision-making. The main barriers were lack of awareness, cost, technological complexity and limited trust in digital outputs. XR was perceived to contribute most strongly to social and economic sustainability outcomes, particularly through the creation of jobs for AR (Augmented Reality)/VR (Virtual Reality) specialists, increased worker skills and experience, and enhanced collaboration and communication. Environmental contributions may currently emerge indirectly through improved social and economic sustainability.