Developing a strategy for the implementation of sustainable construction practices in Libya

In the 21st century, sustainability has become an urgent concern for the construction industry worldwide. It has been seen as one of the most significant challenges at the present time. Nowadays, the theory of sustainability is considered as a central part of strategy changes in most parts of the world because of the likelihood of negative effects of particular practices on the environment and society. Whilst sustainability is receiving significant attention in construction companies in developed countries, this seems to be less true for the construction industry in developing countries. This study explores the level to which the construction organisations in Libya scrutinise and employ viability assessments in construction activities, with a view to developing a strategy for transformation to improve sustainable practices. The study was carried out using a survey strategy to raise better understanding of the present status. A number of construction companies in Libya were selected for study to ensure the different backgrounds and opinions were included. The research was conducted in two phases; first, a questionnaire survey was carried out to explore wide understandings of the existing practices and the desire of the participating companies to apply sustainable aspects in their practices. 134 completed questionnaires were analysed by using statistical techniques. The findings from the survey informed the topics for the interviews with 10 participants from the top and senior level management from Libyan construction companies. The interviews were prepared to obtain deep insights into the justification for the existing practices and perceived benefits, as well as the challenges and further recommendations. Interview data were analysed by using the content analysis method. The outcomes of the research explained the adoption of sustainable construction in Libya, and the data showed that the awareness of sustainability in construction was weak in the practice of several companies. Weakness in awareness of sustainability was found to have been caused by low levels of understanding on the part of principal actors in the entire construction industry, such as the clients, regulatory and construction organisations. The behaviour of the stakeholders is essentially linked to their values, the nature of the construction industry and their sense of sustainability principles. Additionally, the failure of supporting institutions to create an effective application of sustainability guidelines, lack of stricter legislations, building codes or standards relating to sustainable construction practices were also found to be major challenges to implementing sustainable practices in the industry. This research identifies some significant issues that enhance the use of sustainable practices in the construction industry. It examines various theories of sustainability in order to produce a strategy for a shift in building practices in Libya, to transform them from the traditional practices to new and more sustainable methods. This research argues that the most vital point for a sustainable approach in Libyan construction is to bring about a change in the current understanding of the role of the construction industry in the development of the country. Such a change of thought and attention requires an increased awareness and adoption of sustainable construction by focusing on its benefits for society, the environment and investors. This calls for more focused education and training, where the risks inherent in non-sustainable practices as well as the benefits of sustainability in construction, functional application of legislation, leadership commitment and improvement of ability to support sustainable construction will be considered in-depth