Implementation of green buildings in Afghanistan, barriers and solutions

Abstract

Green building (GB) is receiving full acceptance as a workable option in the construction sector to meet the increasing demands for environmentally sustainable. Green standards are one of the most relevant energy-saving strategies, which define best practices in sustainable building. They also have significant impacts on resource conservation as well as on the saving of the climate. The demand toward a more sustainable construction has prompted, and green specifications are the best way to emerge and adapt. However, in industrialised economies, there are several types of problems due to green building implementation, including high costs, lack of green products, information, and awareness. The difficulties of adopting sustainable buildings in Afghanistan presently include original costs associated with construction. Construction companies also face a massive hurdle in understanding and applying the World Green Building Council Rating System. Implementing green building understanding in Afghanistan is not widely practised and most providers do not have appropriate training. This study evaluated the feasibility of green building implementation in Afghanistan, identifying green building implementation for indoor air pollution control, and assess barriers as well as green building solutions in Afghanistan. Thirty-three (33) sets of questionnaire were distributed to project stakeholders including consultants, contractors, real estate developers, and project management consultancies. The responses were analysed quantitatively using SPSS and Ms Excel Software. Findings showed that 75% of the participants had knowledge about green building and declared that green building could reduce the negative impact of climate change on the environment. Majority of participants construction firms acknowledged that the green building implementation procedure was excellent therefore green building implementation in Afghanistan is feasible and can be one of the most effective ways for reduction of the negative environmental impacts as the participants pointed out. Similarly 38% of respondent acknowledged that green building implementation effectiveness is eminent for the healthy and comfortable built environment. Green buildings implementation is also believed to reduce indoor air pollution related sicknesses of the residents due to controlled indoor air pollution. Result showed that knowledge of green building advantages among the Afghan construction firms was not adequate. Therefore, awareness, mutual benefits and establishing an award as an incentive for construction firms to apply green building characteristics in their projects are crucial. The findings of this study useful to all related parties towards improving green building implementation in Afghanistan.