Assessing Environmental Sustainability Practices in Building Construction Projects in Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

The study focuses on assessing environmental sustainability practices in building construction projects in Tanzania, where rapid urbanization has led to significant construction activities and environmental concerns. The research highlights the lack of assessment and adoption of sustainability practices, which contributes to environmental degradation and resource inefficiencies. Aimed at aligning local construction practices with global sustainability standards, the study evaluates current sustainability levels, identifies barriers to adopting sustainable practices, and proposes actionable strategies for improvement. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved qualitative and quantitative data collection through surveys, interviews, and document analysis, applying the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) framework to analyze 97 building projects. Findings indicated a low overall sustainability level, categorized as “certified,” the lowest LEED rating, primarily due to insufficient energy efficiency measures and limited use of sustainable materials. Key barriers identified included financial constraints, a lack of sustainable material availability, and regulatory challenges. To address these issues, the study proposes several strategies: introducing financial incentives, improving local sustainable material supply chains, implementing regulatory reforms, and launching educational programs to enhance stakeholder capacity and awareness. These strategies aim to provide a roadmap for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities to collaboratively improve sustainability practices and reduce the environmental impact of construction activities. The study underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into building practices to promote resource conservation and ecological balance while supporting socio-economic development.