Benefits and Drivers of Implementing Green Building Projects in South Africa

Abstract

Several negative environmental issues are attributed to the activities of the construction industry (CI) globally with South Africa as no exception. Hence, the introduction of sustainability concepts in other to address these challenges which continually threaten the health and existence of both the human and natural environment. Green building (GB) as a sustainable concept aims to address the social and economic concerns and not only the environmental issues in the built environment. The paper, therefore, evaluates the beneficial factors and ways of promoting the implementation of GB projects in South Africa. The study employs a structured questionnaire survey as an instrument for data collection. The study gathered data from construction professionals (architects, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, and construction project managers) who are sustainability proponents. A quantitative approach to data analysis was utilised using percentage, standard deviation, and mean item score. From the data analysed, the results revealed improved indoor air quality, ecosystem protection, increased energy efficiency, enhanced health and well-being of occupants, and minimised CO2 emissions as the top five benefits of GB projects implementation. Availability of more financing options, improved market for green products/materials, education and training on GB technologies, provision of economic incentives, and affordability of GB materials are identified as the top drivers of GB projects implementation. The findings from this study will help create awareness and encourage the adoption and implementation of GB projects which in turn has the potential to combat the severe environmental challenges caused by the activities of the CI.