Assessment of Sustainable Practices in Building Construction projects: The Case of a Federal Government Budgeted Buildings in Addis Ababa.

Abstract

Sustainable Construction Is An Urgent And Effective Approach To Mitigate The Negative Environmental, Social And Economic Impacts Of The Construction Industry, Which Has Been Criticized For Its Poor Sustainability Performance Resulting From Unsustainable Consumption Patterns And Human-Driven Activities. In This Context, This Research Focuses On Assessing The Level Of Implementation Of Sustainable Practices During The Physical Construction Stage Of Buildings, Specifically Examining Federal Government Budgeted Buildings In Addis Ababa. The Objectives Of The Study Are To Evaluate The Extent Of Sustainability Practice Implementation During The Physical Construction Phase, Examine The Barriers Encountered During Implementation, Identify The Driving Factors Behind Sustainability Practice Adoption, And Develop A Conceptual Framework For Effective Implementation. To Accomplish These Objectives, The Research Utilizes A Mixed-Methods Approach, Incorporating Both Quantitative And Qualitative Research Methods. The Target Population Comprises Federal Government Budgeted Buildings Currently Under Construction In Addis Ababa, With A Sample Size Of 28 Selected Through Stratified Random Sampling. Building Professionals Involved In The Selected Sample Population Are Purposively Chosen For Interviews And Questionnaires. Primary Data Is Collected From 49(75%) Respondents Out Of 65, While Secondary Data Is Obtained From Relevant Sources. The Collected Data Is Analyzed Using A Combination Of Descriptive And Inferential Analysis Techniques, Specifically Employing SPSS, Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation, Regression, Correlation And Excel. The Validity Of The Questionnaire Is Ensured Through Pre-Testing And Internal And Structural Validity Tests, While Reliability Is Assessed Using Cronbach's Alpha. The Study Findings Indicate That Among Federal Government Budgeted Buildings, The Most Commonly Implemented Sustainability Practices During The Physical Construction Stage Include Proper Storage And Handling Of Materials, Regular Inspection And Monitoring, Collaboration And Communication. However, The Overall Level Of Sustainable Practice Implementation During The Physical Construction Stage Is Between Low And Moderate. The Study Identifies Various Barriers Hindering The Implementation Of Sustainable Practices, Such As The Lack Of Regulations Enforcing Sustainability, Limited Availability Of Suppliers For Sustainable Products And Materials, And A Lack Of Training And Education. On The Other Hand, Driving Factors That Motivate The Implementation Of Sustainable Practices Include Government Regulations, Environmental Compliance, And The Commitment Of Professionals And Stakeholders. Based On The Research Findings, Conceptual Framework Is Developed, Encompassing Policy And Strategy Development, Action Plans, Assessment Criteria, And Effective Implementation Strategies. Finally, The Study Recommends Several Measures To Enhance Sustainable Practice Implementation, Including Strengthening Regulations And Enforcement, Promoting Supplier Engagement, Enhancing Training And Education, Fostering Collaboration And Coordination, Developing Expertise In Sustainability, And Integrating Sustainability Considerations From The Early Stages Of Construction.