Barriers preventing the implementation of environmental sustainability in social infrastructure projects – Exploratory study of health infrastructure projects in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Purpose of this paper This study investigated barriers preventing effective implementation of environmental sustainability in health infrastructure projects and the effectiveness of current measures put in place towards the achieving environmental sustainability on construction sites. Research Methodology The research approach adopted included a study targeting purposively selected construction firms that are involved or have been involved in health infrastructure projects around Cape Town, Western Cape Province. An exploratory study was carried out to gain more insight into the concept of environmental sustainability and barriers affecting its implementation. Specifically, data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with relevant parties directly involved in project operations. The study obtained data from four construction firms via interviews which are involved in construction of health facilities and had agreed to be interviewed. Finding Two construction managers and two health and safety managers working on four construction sites were interviewed. The findings revealed that cost, time, climate change, process control, leadership and communications are the barriers to implementation of environmental sustainability in health infrastructure projects. Moreover, the findings revealed that there is no standard plan put in place or policies that ensure the implementation of environmental sustainability; thus, construction firms have their own ways which are efficient and cost effective in ensuring sustainability. The research concludes by recommending that a more detailed analysis is required and that attention should be focused on the concept of environmental sustainability, because, if one of the pillars of sustainability is weak then the system as a whole is unsustainable. Research Limitations This study was limited to construction firms that are involved in health infrastructure projects around the Western Cape Province. Value of the paper This study will be of great importance to all stakeholders including; contractors, consultants (Architects, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, and Project Managers) and clients operating in the construction industry in ensuring that a detailed analysis is carried out and that attention should be focused on the concept of environmental sustainability, because, if one of the pillars of sustainability is weak then the system as a whole is unsustainable.