Towards More Green Buildings in Tanzania: Knowledge of Stakeholders on Green Building Design Features, Triggers and Pathways for Uptake

Abstract

Green Building Practices (GBPs) are gaining prominence in many countries around the world. However, in many developing countries, Tanzania inclusive, little progress has been made in achieving its implementation. The current study sought to examine the factors attributable to low uptake, focusing on an appraisal of the stakeholders’ knowledge of GB design features, triggers, and the pathways for uptake. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam City in Tanzania, involving different stakeholders sampled from the construction industry, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and property managers. Valid data were collected through 412 questionnaires. The study revealed a general consensus among the respondents that GBs are environmentally friendly and cost effective. However, it appeared that the ranking score of GB design features according to the respondents did not correlate with their ranking in existing GB rating systems. It was concluded that there exist misconceptions among the constructions industry stakeholders regarding what green building practices entail and the essential requirements for their implementation. Therefore, the study recommends pragmatic educational trainings to stakeholders in the construction sector of Tanzania on GBPs. Mandatory legislation of green building codes and regulations is also suggested as a potential pathway for enhancing GB practices in Tanzania.