Microscoping the challenges of sustainable construction in developing countries

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present the result of an assessment of the challenges of sustainable construction (SC) in two developing countries (Nigeria and South Africa). This was done with a view to improving sustainable project delivery, which is a problem among most developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative survey approach with questionnaire used as the instrument for data collection from quantity surveyors, construction and project managers from both countries. Data analysis was done using a four-step analysis approach and relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted. Findings The study revealed a considerable level of awareness of SC and involvement in the use of the same among the assessed professionals. Also, it was discovered that SC materials are mostly used in the aspect of surface finishing and masonry construction. Further findings revealed that resistance to change, client’s preference, fear of the increased cost of investment and inadequate knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability are some of the major challenges of SC in these countries. Originality/value The strength of this study lies in the assessment of happenings from two developing countries and its recommendation can to a large extent promote improved SC in developing countries particularly in Africa were construction activities are similar.

Green Building Materials Products and Service Market in the Construction Industry

“…With this larger proportion of the respondents indicating a high level of awareness, it implies that construction-based experts in Nigeria are aware of the concept and benefits of green/sustainable construction. This result supports the findings of previous studies such as Aghimien et al (2019a), Baron and Donath (2016), and Nduka and Ogunsami (2015). However, the result obtained in this section is in disagreement with the findings of (AlSanad, 2015; Alabi, 2012;Susilawati and Al-Surf, 2011).…”

“…The 135 responses were deemed adequate for analysis as the focus was on quality and not quantity. The responses obtained in this study are higher than what was recorded in studies of (Aghimien et al, 2020;Aghimien et al, 2019a;Aghimien et al, 2019b;Awodele et al, 2019), that adopted similar sampling technique.…”

“…In their recent study, Aghimien et al (2019a) found that the level of awareness of sustainable building construction by construction professionals is high. This by extension means that there is a growing level of awareness of the existence of alternative GBM available for achieving sustainable construction.…”

“…It was further stressed that a suitable green star rating system is needed for old buildings instead of concentrating only on new ones. Aghimien et al (2019a) posit that the green/ sustainable concepts are becoming popular among construction professionals in the built environment; the level of popularity of the concept is proportional to the length of years spent in the industry. However, it was found that while the level of usage of sustainable materials might be high, there are still appreciable levels of nonintegration of these materials.…”

“…Considering the contribution of construction activities to environmental degradation, global warming, resource depletion, and damage to the ecosystem, there is a need for construction experts, clients, construction organisations and other industry's stakeholders to be encouraged to take up and start incorporating green building materials (GBM) in all construction operations. This is in response to the growing and urgency required for the global restructuring of the construction industry's activities (Oke et al, 2019), and the need to curtail the unwanted impact of the construction industry's activities on the environment (Abidin, 2010;Aghimien et al, 2019a). According to Abidin (2010), ensuring a responsive construction that will bring about a balance in the economic, social, and environmental dimensions, is through sustainable construction.…”