Abstract:
The judicious control and management of construction waste has been a clarion call for
stakeholders in the construction industry of Ghana. Construction materials reuse and
recycling has not gained popularity in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study
sought to examine sustainable construction practices in Ghana, focusing on recycle and
reuse potentials of waste materials using Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions as the
study areas. A sample size of 184 contractors were selected from the two regions using
stratified sampling technique out of which 129 responded. Questionnaire and interview
were used as the main data collection tools for the study. The results of the study were
analysed using descriptive statistics like mean scores, relative importance index and
rankings. Lack of frequent visits by EPA, AMA and KMA to construction sites have
not improved compliance of environmental safety practices. Lack of expertise, resource
and poor awareness creation on construction materials reuse and recycling had led to its
poor practices. Materials such as wood, metals, tiles, plastics and papers were not
adequately utilized on site due to some contractors poor knowledge on reuse and
recycling coupled with lack of financial capacity engage in recycling. Failure of both
private and public companies to venture into construction waste recycling has led to its
poor practices by most contractors in the two regions. It is imperative for effective
awareness creation on construction materials reuse and recycling and government must
put in place policies that encourage construction firms to manage their waste
effectively. The right habit should be cultivated by both workers and the public towards
environmental sustainability and safety.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL
EDUCATION, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of
Education, Winneba in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of
Master of Philosophy (Construction) degree.
MAY, 2016