Barriers to Sustainable Construction in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: Consultants Perspectives

Abstract

This research paper aims at examining the concept of sustainability in the Ghanaian construction industry with the objective of identifying possible barriers to sustainable construction in the Ghanaian construction industry. Consequently, research data was collected through a questionnaire survey of randomly selected professionals in the construction industry in Ghana. Data collected was mainly analyzed using Relative Importance Index to rank barriers identified. The results show that key barriers to sustainable construction are lack of demand for sustainable buildings, lack of strategy to promote sustainable construction, higher initial cost, lack of public awareness and lack of government support.

Barriers to Adoption of Sustainable Technologies for Energy-Efficient Building Upgrade—Semi-Structured Interviews

“…This could be due to lack of a large or broad market base [40] and inadequate marketing strategies linked to STs [41]. Certainly, lack of good marketing strategies could be a factor in the low level of awareness associated to STs [38], thus affecting sustainable construction [42]. Also, it can be attributed to the main stakeholders in the energy efficiency industry [43].…”

“…There is the perception that these technologies are not able to meet specified energy-saving targets [38]. In some instances, lack of energy efficiency policies contributes to slow adoption of energy-saving technologies [42]. These policies are often not rigorous enough to restrict the use of conventional technologies [34].…”

“…Furthermore, lack of awareness affects the adaptability of technology [42] usually perceived as a result of insufficient information about the technology and its potentials [45]. In addition, Kennedy and Basu [45] stated that, in many instances, there is insufficient replacement for some of the technologies thus affecting rate of use, largely due to the complexity of the design of the technologies [46].…”

LEED rating system barriers in the construction sector in Northern Iraq

“…2 Political and Governmental Issue (Rydin, et al, 2006); (Dzokoto and Dadzie, 2013) (Nelms, et al, 2005) 6 Leadership and Management Factor (Osaily, 2010) Source: Authors…”

“…The successful sustainable construction is highly depending on the government commitment in addition to the regulation and legislation. There are many benefits regarding sustainable construction, hence, governments should encourage and incorporate sustainable construction practices in construction projects to stimulate private sectors and individuals to act in the same way (Dzokoto & Dadzie, 2013).…”