Abstract
This study explores the energy management criteria that local contracting firms operating in the Gaza Strip apply in construction processes. To achieve the objective of this study, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to identify the energy management application criteria followed by a structured questionnaire survey. The study showed that contracting organisations in the Gaza Strip do not strictly apply energy management to their projects, as many of these organisations have not considered energy issues seriously. The results showed that energy issues are not a predominant consideration of clients when the conditions and specifications for conventional local construction projects are being prepared. The findings of the survey provide useful knowledge to contractors and project managers in energy management requirements in order manage energy on construction projects. This study takes a novel perspective in the subject area as it is considered the first study to investigate energy management aspects in the local construction industry. The findings of this study will be valuable to construction practitioners in terms of saving energy and promote sustainable construction. Although this study is specific to Palestine, its results can be applicable to other developing countries. It is recommended to expand this study using qualitative method and involving other construction parties.
Highlights
In Palestine, the construction sector has been crucial in extending job opportunities in the Palestinian labour force (Enshassi et al, 2007)
The respondents had over five years work experience and most of their contracting companies had more than five years' experience in the local construction industry
Of the total 17 application requirements, 15 had a low degree of application and one of the remaining two requirements had an average degree of application with the highest application level of the listed requirements and the other requirement has a very low degree of application with the lowest application level. These results showed that the degree of application of the energy management requirements included in the study by the respondents was very low to average
Summary
In Palestine, the construction sector has been crucial in extending job opportunities in the Palestinian labour force (Enshassi et al, 2007). The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) indicated that 15.6% individuals working on the West Bank and Gaza Strip were employed in construction. In 2013, the construction industry contributed 14.1% to the Palestinian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (PCBS, 2016). The sector indirectly employs approximately 30% of labourers in industries related to the construction sector and other services and productive sectors (Palestinian Contractors Union [PCU], 2006). The construction sector is considered as one of the most important sectors of industries to the Palestinian economy and plays a major role in the development of infrastructure facilities. Environmental issues are seldom considered in construction projects in Palestine
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