Abstract
M.Tech. (Construction Management)
In most developed countries, the construction industry accounts for over 50% of the fixed capital generation each year. Therefore, the construction industry is very important to the development of any country, as it is in South Africa. However, the industry has not escaped the challenges of implementing sustainable construction as the creation and responsible maintenance of a healthy built environment, based on ecological principles and by means of an efficient use of resources in South Africa. This study assesses the effects of and barriers to non-compliance within the construction industry, hence encouraging the construction industry to move towards achieving sustainable construction in South Africa.
The data used in this study was derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire which was distributed to construction professionals. Out of the 150 questionnaires sent out, 111 were received, representing a 74% response rate. Findings revealed that better quality of working conditions, education and training on sustainable practices, were the major social dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that the major economic dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction thinking in Gauteng Province included: increasing client awareness and enhanced efficiency policies in design and construction. Additionally, it was observed that major design dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction thinking were flexible and adaptable designs. The study also revealed that the major environmental dimensions that influence the promotion of sustainable construction thinking were the education of potential pollution and efficient use of water during construction. Furthermore, the study revealed that clients’ approval, more financial incentives towards sustainable construction, and water use reduction were the major driver for the implementation of sustainable construction practices. Additionally, it was observed that the major current construction industry practices that adversely affected the sustainability idea were designing to obtain minimum waste, specifying materials with low environmental impact and sourcing of building materials locally to reduce truck deliveries. The study also revealed the that the major critical barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction were the lack of technical understanding on the part of project team members, the high cost of construction and the...