Michael Nii Addy, Florence Dadzoe, Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, Clinton Aigbavboa and Barbara Simons
Climate change and global warming are two major ecological concerns. The construction industry has instituted measures such as green construction in response to these concerns…
Abstract
Purpose
Climate change and global warming are two major ecological concerns. The construction industry has instituted measures such as green construction in response to these concerns. This study seeks to assess the views of architects on the uptake of innovative green construction (IGC) in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate the factors influencing the decision to adopt IGC. A structured questionnaire was issued to architects who have been involved in the design and/or construction of green buildings in Ghana. The dataset was obtained from 61 architects and Partial Least Square was used to analyse the data.
Findings
The results show that two TPB factors; attitude and perceived behavioural control are significant determinants of architects’ intention to adopt IGC. Interestingly, behavioural intention did not have an influence on the actual behaviour of IGC adoption. However, perceived behavioural control had a significant impact on the actual adoption of IGC.
Practical implications
Contextually, the findings of the study will contribute to policy development and marketing of various green innovation within the Ghanaian construction milieu. Practically, the study will help encourage stakeholders to build the right capacity and competence towards the uptake of IGC.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper is based on the theoretical framework underpinning the study and the target respondents as the unit of analysis in assessing the full uptake of IGC in Ghana. The utility of the model evinces the role behavioural changes play in ecological development.
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Florence Dadzoe, Michael Addy, Daniel Yaw Addai Duah and Michael Adesi
To be able to achieve the uptake and usage of green buildings requires various actors within the construction value chain to be engaged. Despite its global uptake, green building…
Abstract
Purpose
To be able to achieve the uptake and usage of green buildings requires various actors within the construction value chain to be engaged. Despite its global uptake, green building construction is still at its nascent stage in Ghana. Most studies in sub-Saharan Africa point to the lack of knowledge as one of the mitigating factors against its development. However, there is a dearth of studies assessing the level of knowledge of stakeholders. The terms “knowledge” and “awareness” of green building construction are often used interchangeably in the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI). This study seeks to unearth the level of knowledge of stakeholders on green building construction through a comparative analysis of construction professionals and demand-side operators.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was issued to professionals in the various recognised bodies in the construction industry and public and private institutions in Ghana. Frequency, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, median statistics and Mann–Whitney U-Test were used to rank and analyse the level of knowledge of stakeholders.
Findings
Construction professionals were more aware of green building construction than the demand-side operators. It was further identified that only a few of these stakeholders had hands-on experience as the majority of them have gained their awareness through research studies. Based on the findings of the study, it was revealed that the concept of green building construction is more abstract to stakeholders than practical despite their positive attitude towards its adoption.
Practical implications
Contextually, the study has aided in showing the level of knowledge of stakeholders on green building construction. The findings of the study aside from it aiding policymakers have also helped in identifying the perceptions and attitudes of stakeholders, their strengths and weakness in green building construction. It is recommended that due to the differences in socio-political structures and construction methods, a clear definition of green building based on the availability of resources in the GCI will encourage its adoption.
Originality/value
The study used two stakeholder groupings in the GCI as the unit of analysis. This enabled insightful discoveries into the knowledge-attitude gap of Ghanaian stakeholders that are driving the adoption of green building.
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Michael Addy, Emmanuel Adinyira, James Cofie Danku and Florence Dadzoe
Developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with significant challenges as the economies continue to emerge. There is a huge infrastructural demand and various efforts to…
Abstract
Purpose
Developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with significant challenges as the economies continue to emerge. There is a huge infrastructural demand and various efforts to step up supply. Whilst stepping up the supply, the environmental concerns of these supplies require a lot of attention. With the need to reduce the environmental impact of buildings whilst promoting a green infrastructure, various studies have explored the obstacles to green building technology adoption. This study explores the impediments to the development of the green building market in sub-Saharan Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
Using building consultants as the unit of analysis, this study explores the impediments using a structured survey questionnaire. The study area is Ghana, an emerging country in sub-Saharan Africa.
Findings
Key impediments to the development of the market is lack of awareness, lack of education and lack of fiscal incentives. The analysis shows that all the variables identified are significant in impeding the growth of the market. The results suggest that within the domain of developing countries, environmental issues may not be of immediate concern as economic issues take centre stage. For sustainability of the environment, it is unequivocal that dissemination of knowledge to key stakeholders be done.
Practical implications
Academic institutions and professional bodies have a pivotal role to play in raising awareness of green buildings. Governmental support such as various structures should be put in place to build up the local capacity of firms not only to compete with foreign counterparts but also to ensure innovative delivery of green buildings.
Originality/value
The paper presents contextual realities on the green market restrictions within developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa through a deeper understanding of market barriers and recommends pathways for stakeholders.