Ahiabu, M K; Emuze, F and Das, D (2023) Perception of the benefits of sustainable construction in Ghana. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(2), pp. 306-323. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: The need to adopt sustainable construction (SC) practices in project activities will be appreciated when clear benefits are known to the stakeholders in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived benefits of using SC practices in building projects. Design/methodology/approach: A modified Delphi method (MDM) was used to solicit the views of an expert panel on 33 benefits identified from the literature and validated by a pilot panel to ensure robustness. Statistical tools were used to analyse the data collected. The comparative analysis among the expert panel lends credence to the strong consensus reached on the 26 benefits of SC. The consensus reached by the expert panel after the three rounds were validated using the median and important scale of 70% response rate and above. Findings: The essential benefits included the ability to enhance efficiency and improve the overall quality of life for all. Factors such as mandatory government policies and regulations are recommended as essential drivers to promote and sustain the implementation of SC in Ghana. The findings will enhance the drive for sustainability practices in construction projects in Ghana. Originality/value: The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the benefits of SC from the perspective of experts in the Ghanaian construction industry. The paper would enhance stakeholders understanding the critical benefits of promoting and adopting SC practices in building projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building projects; climate change; construction; environment; Ghana; sustainability |
| Index terms: | Ghana, comparative analysis, quality of life, sustainable construction, Delphi method, efficiency, climate change, construction industry, body of knowledge, implementation, regulation, government policy, construction project, methodology |
| Subjects: | Geography, production management, sustainable construction, performance management, public and environmental health, research methods, industry analysis, political science, climate science, data collection methods, knowledge management, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, public policy |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Information Management, Health and Safety, Procurement, Sustainability, Governance, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here