A Framework to Improve Sustainable Practices in Government Construction Projects in Ghana

Abstract

For the construction industry to effectively contribute to the targets outlined in the UN Agenda 2030, a framework has been developed to enhance sustainable practices in government construction projects in Ghana, specifically on building projects. This research employed an exploratory sequential design to create the framework. Initially, qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with six industry experts and a thorough review of existing literature, which helped establish a foundational framework. Following this, a quantitative component utilised a questionnaire survey distributed to 104 practitioners to refine the initial framework after comparing qualitative and quantitative findings. A subsequent survey involving 20 industry practitioners validated the revised framework. The questionnaire incorporated eight questions utilising a five-point Likert scale and two questions on a two-point scale, with their responses detailed in the thesis. The normality tests conducted on the quantitative data indicated a need for reliability assessments, which confirmed internal consistency. The results showed that Ghana's construction industry is positively aware of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, its influence on decision-making regarding sustainable practices in government construction projects remains moderate throughout the project lifecycle. The newly developed framework identifies and prioritises key economic, social, and environmental factors stemming from government policies that promote sustainability in government construction projects, particularly about UNSDGs 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. In addition, it highlights crucial legislative, financial, knowledge-based, professional, and technological factors that significantly impact the implementation of these sustainable practices. The study also pinpointed 20 primary organisational barriers hindering key stakeholders from adopting sustainable practices in government construction projects and proposed 13 measures to mitigate or eliminate these obstacles. Moreover, it outlined 30 essential stakeholders that must engage to enhance sustainable practices, supported by robust government policies and a solid legal framework. The successful implementation of the developed framework relies on a comprehensive and user-friendly database system to facilitate these processes.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Glasgow Caledonian University
Supervisor	Kenneth Lawani (Supervisor) & Billy Hare (Supervisor)