Assessment of Challenges Confronting Construction Industry Professionals in Implementing Sustainable Practices on Construction Sites
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Abstract
Sustainability in the construction industry is a panacea that ensures balance between environmental, social and economic dimensions. Despite the recognition, the implementation of sustainable construction practices faces challenges due to persistent obstacles. It is on this premises that this paper seeks to assess the challenges confronting construction industry professionals in implementing sustainable practice on construction site with a view to develop strategies for improving their adoption and effectiveness. A quantitative research approach was adopted using self-administered structure questionnaires to collect data from experienced construction professionals registered with Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN). A mixture of Purposive and snowball sampling technique was employed to select professionals with requisite experience, knowledge and involvement on sustainable construction practice. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics which is relative importance index (RII), to rank the severity of various challenges. The study revealed that professionals encounter significant barriers across economic, environmental and social dimensions. Among factors identified were high initial costs, investment risks and limited awareness of life-cycle cost benefits emerged as the most severe economic challenges. Environmental barriers, including poor understanding of sustainable practices and inadequate access to sustainable materials, further constrain the implementation, social factors such as low prioritization, poor perception, and limited government support exacerbate the situation. The study concludes that overcoming these obstacles requires stronger policy frameworks, increased awareness and training, and collaborative stakeholder engagement. In addition to improvement of awareness and understanding of sustainable construction, the study recommends the need to organize seminars and conferences to educate professionals and stakeholders on the benefits and lifecycle costing on sustainable practice to enhance the effective implementation of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.
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