Drivers and barriers to sustainability practices in the Zambian Construction Industry

Abstract

Zambia, and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) generally, is lagging behind in the area of sustainable construction due to several barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction. This study therefore explored drivers and barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Zambia. The study could inform stakeholders on measures which could improve the implementation of sustainable construction. The study used an online quantitative questionnaire survey of construction professionals and clients. A total of 112 responses were received representing various stakeholder groups in the construction industry. The data were subjected to factor analysis and ranked using the relative importance index. The data show that drivers to sustainable construction cluster into three constructs namely, environment and health-related factors, regulatory and industry-related factors and, economy and firm-related factors. Barriers clustered into three groups namely, awareness and knowledge-related factors, regulatory and industry-related factors and, economy and cost-related factors. Therefore, measures aimed at improving sustainable construction in Zambia should focus attention on these broad clusters.