Investigation of the challenges of executing sustainable construction practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry has made a significant contribution to global environmental issues while forging an imperishable relationship with society and the economy of the country. There has been an increasing trend in the promotion of sustainable construction (SC) in the industry. The implementation of SC practices is a vital step in construction projects to reduce the adverse impacts on the environment economy and society. While numerous challenges affect sustainable construction projects, those challenges continue to obstruct the further implementation of sustainable construction practices. However, the execution of SC projects in Sri Lanka is not up to an acceptable sufficient level due to many challenges. Hence, this research focused on the investigation of the challenges of executing SC practices in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the fruitful achievement of desired objectives. A questionnaire survey was designed to collect data and targeted 30 professionals including quantity surveyors, engineers, project managers, architects and other professionals in the industry. The results of the analysis revealed the importance and the existing applicability of SC practices in Sri Lanka. However, the results show that the important SC practices in Sri Lanka do not apply to a sufficient level in the Sri Lankan industry. Lack of government support, increasing energy costs and lack of existing SC principles are the major challenges to the SC in Sri Lanka. Finally, the findings recommended further improvement of SC practices in Sri Lanka with the perspective of legal, educational, technical, and financial efforts.