Social aspect implementation in sustainable construction

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development integrates social, economic and environmental dimensions. There are various models that have been developed to monitor and ensure the sustainability concept are adapted in the construction process applicably. However, most sustainability studies that discussed in construction projects are more focus on environmental aspects rather than economics aspects and social aspects. Meanwhile, only a few studies are discussed on social aspects. Therefore, this study tries to investigate the perception of industry on the implementation. This study is conducted to identify the level of agreement to the implementation of social aspects in sustainable construction and the barriers faced. The social factors (accessibility, health, safety, human rights, education, equity, occupancy design requirement, culture, integrity and stakeholder's involvement) and the barriers (government enforcement, awareness, knowledge and experience, skills, involvement and cost factors) have been identified through literature review. The methodology used was quantitative methods through the formulation of questionnaires distributed to respondents with experience and experts in sustainable construction industry such as Green Manager (Architect, Engineer, and Quantity Surveyor), Town and Regional Planner and academician. The findings obtained through the mean score analysis have found that, the highest three (3) social factors on the agreement of the implementation of social aspects in sustainable construction which are the factors of occupancy design requirement, education and factor of involvement. Whereas the highest three barriers to the implementation were weaknesses of government enforcement, cost factors and stakeholder engagement in sustainable construction. However, there is no association between the numbers of years of respondent's experience with the selection of social factors measured by using gamma test. Thus, it can be concluded that not all aspects agreed by the respondents will influence the actual execution that they will perform in the actual situation on site.