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Barriers to the Effective Selection of Sustainable Materials for Residential Building Projects: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Constant Mahame

    (School of Architecture Construction Economics and Management, Ardhi University, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 35176, Tanzania)

  • Geraldine J. Kikwasi

    (School of Architecture Construction Economics and Management, Ardhi University, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 35176, Tanzania)

  • Modest Maurus Baruti

    (School of Architecture Construction Economics and Management, Ardhi University, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 35176, Tanzania)

Abstract

Although sustainability in Tanzania’s construction sector has been explored in areas such as energy efficiency and green building practices, little attention has been given to understanding the specific barriers to the selection of SBMs in residential projects. This study fills that gap by identifying and analyzing the critical barriers hindering the effective selection of SBMs in Tanzania’s residential construction sector. Through qualitative interviews with experts from regulatory bodies, public developers, and academic researchers, this research provides a comprehensive examination of these barriers. Using Atlas.ti 23 software for a qualitative data analysis, six key categories of barriers were identified: (1) Regulatory and Policy Barriers, (2) Financial Barriers, (3) Knowledge and Awareness Barriers, (4) Technical Barriers, (5) Market and Supply Chain Issues, and (6) Cultural and Social Barriers. Among these, lack of awareness and limited knowledge emerged as particularly significant, alongside regulatory and policy barriers, in hindering the effective selection of SBMs. This study’s novelty lies in its focus on the Tanzanian context, depth of the analysis of the unique challenges, and categorization of the barriers. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions, particularly in raising awareness, offering financial incentives, and establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, this study presents a graphical representation to illustrate the categories and constructs of these barriers, adding a visual dimension to the understanding of the issues. Future research should expand the scope to include private developers and material suppliers, whose roles are critical in enhancing the availability and adoption of SBMs in Tanzania’s construction industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Constant Mahame & Geraldine J. Kikwasi & Modest Maurus Baruti, 2024. "Barriers to the Effective Selection of Sustainable Materials for Residential Building Projects: A Qualitative Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-19, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:21:p:9526-:d:1512302
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Saul Nkini & Erik Nuyts & Gabriel Kassenga & Ombeni Swai & Griet Verbeeck, 2024. "Towards More Green Buildings in Tanzania: Knowledge of Stakeholders on Green Building Design Features, Triggers and Pathways for Uptake," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-31, April.
    2. repec:lib:000cis:v:10:y:2022:i:2:p:1-18 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. King Hang Lam & Wai Ming To & Peter K.C. Lee, 2022. "Smart Building Management System (SBMS) for Commercial Buildings—Key Attributes and Usage Intentions from Building Professionals’ Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Huang, Lizhen & Krigsvoll, Guri & Johansen, Fred & Liu, Yongping & Zhang, Xiaoling, 2018. "Carbon emission of global construction sector," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 1906-1916.
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