Environmental Sustainability: Impact of Construction Activities

Abstract

As a result of pollution, deforestation and other environmental challenges, construction process and activities has contributed in no small measure to environmental degradation. One of the fundamental tripod of sustainability is keeping the environment safe for the inhabitants. This study, therefore, examines the impact of construction activities on the environment with a view to highlighting mitigation approaches and their enforcement strategies. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, and convenient sampling technique was employed to gather information from primary sources. Questionnaires were administered on construction professionals which include architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, safety officers, as well as construction and facility managers. Construction activities impact badly on the environment due to waste generation, resource consumption, noise pollution, air pollution due to dust from construction activities, as well as bad odours from large diesel-powered vehicles/construction machinery. Although, some of these impacts cannot be completely eradicated, there are a number of approaches that could be used to mitigate them, these include Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), green building (sustainable construction), Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA), Environmental Management System (EMS), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, an effort should be made by government and construction stakeholders to efficiently incorporate and enforce the available approaches/initiatives through constant monitoring of construction process from start to completion and legislative laws that spell out punishment as response to violations. Awareness, learning, and trainings of construction stakeholders on the impacts of building construction activities on the environment is also recommended.KeywordsConstruction activitiesConstruction industryEnvironmentGreen buildingSustainable construction