The concept of sustainability, often represented through the three pillars social, economic, and environmental, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interrelationships among these dimensions, especially in the context of selecting SCMs. The correlations between these factors offer valuable insights into how these dimensions interact and affect decision making in the construction industry. The positive correlations among these factors reinforce the need for an integrated approach to material selection that balances social, financial, and environmental objectives. One of the most prominent relationships is between social and environmental factors, with a high correlation (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), which suggests that societal considerations, such as accessibility and local material use, are closely linked to environmental sustainability. This aligns with previous studies, such as those by Danso (2018) [13] and Calkins (2008) [26], which have emphasized the importance of incorporating community and local resource values into material selection to enhance both social equity and ecological outcomes. The correlation between these two factors was found to be the weakest positive correlation (r = 0.284, p = 0.027), still statistically significant but relatively weak. This finding suggests that while there is some degree of alignment between economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, it is not as strong as expected. Previous research by Barrier (2017) [18] has often highlighted the close connection between economic and environmental considerations, particularly in the context of life cycle cost analyses and the adoption of green technologies. The weaker correlation observed in this study may suggest that in the New Zealand context, economic factors, such as cost savings and investment in sustainable materials, do not always align directly with environmental goals, possibly due to factors like market limitations or policy priorities in the construction industry. Additionally, a moderate correlation between social and economic factors (r = 0.412, p = 0.011) reflects how social objectives, including community well-being, are often aligned with economic strategies, such as reducing transportation costs through the use of locally sourced materials. This supports the findings by Lim et al. (2015) [3], which highlighted the growing importance of economic factors in the adoption of sustainable materials. In the New Zealand context, this holistic perspective is essential to ensure that construction practices promote not only environmental sustainability but also social equity and economic viability. Decision makers in the construction industry should leverage the relationships between these pillars to select materials that offer long-term benefits across all three dimensions, contributing to a more sustainable future for the construction sector and the broader community.

Technical factors play an essential role in shaping the selection of sustainable construction materials (SCMs), influencing how materials interact with social, economic, and environmental considerations. The correlation between technical and environmental factors (r = 0.358, p = 0.004) reveals that technical characteristics, such as durability and energy efficiency, contribute to the environmental sustainability of materials by extending their life cycle and reducing environmental impacts. This finding is consistent with that of Akadiri (2015) [19], who emphasized the importance of technical innovations, such as energy-efficient materials, in enhancing sustainability outcomes. The correlation between technical and economic factors (r = 0.546, p < 0.001) highlights how technical factors, including buildability and maintainability, contribute to cost savings, supporting the integration of technical attributes into economic planning. Lastly, the correlation between social and technical factors (r = 0.582, p = 0.001) suggests that technical aspects, such as ease of construction and resistance to decay, are aligned with social goals as they ensure the durability and safety of materials for communities. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of these factors and provide a framework for developing an integrated approach to selecting sustainable construction materials in New Zealand. By considering the correlations between these dimensions, stakeholders can prioritize materials that meet technical requirements and contribute to economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability.