Managing The Barriers to Sustainable Construction Technologies in Ghana: A Conceptual Stakeholder Approach

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the subject of sustainable construction technologies and sustainable development goals have been a driving global agenda. Nonetheless, the Ghanaian community continues to experience challenges in fully integrating sustainability into the construction biosphere to harness the associated gains. The objective of this research was to conduct a current study on the barriers to sustainable construction in Ghana and propose a conceptual model for managing these barriers. As a quantitative studies, questionnaires were purposively distributed to professionals in the built environment who were conversant with the subject of sustainability. Using relative importance indices, analysis of the responses from respondents indicates that the seven most effectual factors impeding the assimilation of sustainable construction technologies in Ghana are lack of strategic approach, lack of demand, lack of governmental support, high construction cost, lack of awareness and lack of technical expertise.  To manage these barriers, an integrated stakeholder approach towards the adoption of sustainable construction was proposed that commences with a policy drive aimed at aimed at propelling a mindset change, value change and social change that would produce a cooperate acceptance. Wholistically, all key stakeholders including the statutory bodies, educational institutions, professional bodies, social actors, media houses, civic groups, chiefs and opinion leaders would be required to be partners to the above strategic drive to enhance an effective community penetration. Through public education, whilst the gains from sustainable construction technologies are highlighted, the dangers of construction pollution and environmental degradation would be recounted.

Keywords: Sustainable construction, barriers, green housing, stakeholders

DOI: 10.7176/CER/16-1-08

Publication date: September 30^th 2024