Drivers of environmental sustainability of construction projects : a thematic analysis of verbatim comments from built environment consultants

Lack of deliberations on the environment regarding its designing, utilization, development as well as effective management of the natural environment has led to its pollution. This leaves a lot to be desired especially in most developing countries which are now embracing environmental sustainability. This paper examines the drivers of environmental sustainability of construction projects. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with purposively selected built environment consultants in Ghana within a case study (The Kumasi City Mall project). Thematic template analysis revealed designer’s own philosophy, request by clients, incentives for green designs, policies and regulation, and competitive advantage as the drivers of environmental sustainability of construction projects. Furthermore, the results disclosed specific governmental role and social network utilization as drivers of environmental sustainability of construction projects. The outputs of this study offer strategies which are significant to the construction industry in embracing environmental sustainability. Further, the findings contribute to knowledge on achieving the sustainable development agenda.