Environmental influences on sustainability dimensions in the South African construction industry

Abstract: The construction industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of developing countries including South Africa. The industry adds value to the quality of life of its citizen through the provision of necessary infrastructures. Notwithstanding its importance and contributions, the industry has been recognised as one of the largest environmental polluters. Its activities have significant impact on the quality of life of people and the environment. As such, sustainable development was recognised as prominent element for the improvement of quality of life through the maximisation and efficient use of natural resources to address issue related to social, economic and environment. Thus, this paper investigates the environmental sustainability dimensions that can influence the promotion of sustainable construction ideas in the South African construction industry. The participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling techniques..

Implementation of sustainable construction in the South African construction industry

M.Tech. (Construction Management)Abstract: In most developed countries, the construction industry accounts for over 50% of the fixed capital generation each year. Therefore, the construction industry is very important to the development of any country, as it is in South Africa. However, the industry has not escaped the challenges of implementing sustainable construction as the creation and responsible maintenance of a healthy built environment, based on ecological principles and by means of an efficient use of resources in South Africa. This study assesses the effects of and barriers to non-compliance within the construction industry, hence encouraging the construction industry to move towards achieving sustainable construction in South Africa. The data used in this study was derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire which was distributed to construction professionals. Out of the 150 questionnaires sent out, 111 were received, representing a 74% response rate. Findings revealed that better quality of working conditions, education and training on sustainable practices, were the major social dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that the major economic dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction thinking in Gauteng Province included: increasing client awareness and enhanced efficiency policies in design and construction. Additionally, it was observed that major design dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction thinking were flexible and adaptable designs. The study also revealed that the major environmental dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction thinking were the education of potential pollution and efficient use of water during construction. Furthermore, the study revealed that clients’ approval, more financial incentives towards sustainable construction, and water use reduction were the major driver for the implementation of sustainable construction practices. Additionally, it was observed that the major current construction industry practices that adversely affected the sustainability idea were designing to obtain minimum waste, specifying materials with low environmental impact and sourcing of building materials locally to reduce truck deliveries. The study also revealed the that the major critical barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction were the lack of technical understanding on the part of project team members, the high cost of construction and the..