Adopting environmental management systems in the South African construction industry.
Date
2014-07-31
Authors
Green, Jordan Mark.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
It is widely acknowledged that sustainable development is a global imperative in
order to achieve the dual objectives of development which meets the needs of the
population, whilst ensuring long term impacts on the environment are minimised and
mitigated. Therefore pressure is being placed on the construction sector to
implement sustainable practices during development.
Studies show that construction industries vary in their environmental maturity and
are affected to varying degrees by a number of drivers and barriers which influence
the adoption of sustainable development practices, specifically the implementation of
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) such as ISO 14001 EMS.
This study conducted interviews and administered surveys with key personnel within
the major construction firms in South Africa in order to determine the level of
adoption of ISO 14001 EMS and the factors affecting its uptake.
The key findings indicate that, although construction organisations acknowledge the
sustainable development imperative, there is currently a sluggish implementation
rate as a result of mainly the cost related barriers exceeding the expected benefits
of implementation. Further, although the South African construction industry is
supported by comprehensive and robust environmental regulations, implementation
and enforcement of these regulations is weak, whilst trade associations and industry
bodies are not promoting its uptake. This has resulted in a low desire by contractors
to transition to environmental practices and there is no single stakeholder currently
driving the green agenda in the construction sector.
Although there is degree of environmental management taking place in South
African construction industry currently, it has a short term focus, rather than a long
term, holistic approach encompassing all principles of sustainable development.
Description
MBA 2014
Keywords
Environmental management,Industrial management -- Environmental aspects,Construction industry.