Project – Assessment of construction impact on the environment in Ghana

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The construction industry in Ghana has been a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth. However, it has also been identified as a major source of environmental degradation. According to a study by Amponsah-Tawiah and Dartey-Baah (2011), the construction industry in Ghana is responsible for about 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions, largely due to the use of fossil fuels in construction processes. The study also highlighted the industry’s contribution to land degradation, air and water pollution, and waste generation.

The environmental impact of construction in Ghana is further exacerbated by the lack of effective environmental management practices. A study by Mensah and Blankson (2014) found that many construction companies in Ghana do not have formal environmental management systems in place. This lack of environmental management practices is often due to a lack of awareness and understanding of environmental issues, as well as a lack of resources and technical capacity to implement effective environmental management practices.

In addition to the direct environmental impacts of construction, the industry also has significant indirect impacts. According to a study by Agyeman and Poku (2017), the construction industry in Ghana is a major driver of deforestation, as it is a significant consumer of timber. The study also highlighted the industry’s contribution to biodiversity loss, as construction activities often lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

However, there are also efforts being made to mitigate the environmental impact of construction in Ghana. A study by Ofori (2012) highlighted the potential of green building practices in reducing the environmental impact of construction. The study found that green building practices, such as the use of renewable energy and sustainable materials, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction.

Despite these efforts, there are still significant challenges to the implementation of green building practices in Ghana. According to a study by Darko and Chan (2016), these challenges include a lack of awareness and understanding of green building practices, a lack of technical capacity, and a lack of supportive policies and regulations.

The construction industry in Ghana has a significant impact on the environment, due to both direct and indirect impacts. However, there are also opportunities to mitigate these impacts through the implementation of green building practices. Further research is needed to understand how these practices can be effectively implemented in the Ghanaian context.

• Statement of the Problem

The construction industry in Ghana, like many other developing countries, has experienced significant growth over the past few decades. However, this growth has come with a considerable environmental cost. The problem lies in the fact that the construction industry’s impact on the environment is often overlooked, leading to significant environmental degradation (Boateng, 2015).

The construction industry contributes to environmental degradation through various means, such as the extraction of raw materials, the production of construction materials, and the disposal of construction waste. These activities lead to the depletion of natural resources, air and water pollution, and the destruction of habitats (Amoah, 2017). Despite these impacts, there is a lack of comprehensive studies assessing the environmental impact of the construction industry in Ghana.

Furthermore, there is a lack of stringent regulations and enforcement mechanisms to mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities. The existing environmental laws and regulations are often not enforced, leading to widespread non-compliance (Agyeman, 2018). This lack of enforcement exacerbates the environmental impact of the construction industry.

Moreover, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge among construction industry stakeholders about the environmental impact of their activities. Many construction companies in Ghana do not have environmental management systems in place, and there is a lack of training and education on environmental issues (Ofori, 2016).

The problem is further compounded by the lack of research on sustainable construction practices in Ghana. While there is a growing body of research on sustainable construction in developed countries, there is a dearth of research in the context of developing countries like Ghana (Agyeman, 2018).

In conclusion, the problem of environmental degradation caused by the construction industry in Ghana is multifaceted, involving a lack of awareness, inadequate regulations, and a lack of research on sustainable construction practices. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach that involves research, education, and policy reform.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the assessment of construction impact on the environment in Ghana. The specific objectives are:

1. To evaluate the extent of environmental degradation caused by construction activities in Ghana.
2. To identify the specific construction practices that contribute most significantly to environmental harm in Ghana.
3. To assess the effectiveness of current regulations and policies in mitigating the environmental impact of construction in Ghana.
4. To propose sustainable construction methods that could be adopted in Ghana to reduce environmental harm.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the extent of environmental degradation caused by construction activities in Ghana?
2. Which specific construction practices contribute most significantly to environmental harm in Ghana?
3. How effective are the current regulations and policies in mitigating the environmental impact of construction in Ghana?
4. What sustainable construction methods could be adopted in Ghana to reduce environmental harm?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Environmental degradation has no significant impact on construction activities in Ghana

H1: Environmental degradation has significant impact on construction activities in Ghana

• Significance of the Study

The study of the impact of construction on the environment in Ghana holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the extent of environmental degradation caused by construction activities. This knowledge is crucial as it forms the basis for policy formulation and implementation aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of construction on the environment.

Secondly, the study identifies the specific construction practices that contribute most significantly to environmental harm. This information is vital for construction companies and stakeholders in the industry as it helps them to understand which practices to avoid or modify to reduce their environmental footprint. It also provides a basis for the development of training programs for construction workers to ensure they are aware of the environmental implications of their actions.

Thirdly, the study assesses the effectiveness of current regulations and policies in mitigating the environmental impact of construction. This is important for government agencies and regulatory bodies as it provides them with insights into the areas where current regulations may be lacking or ineffective. It also provides a basis for the development of more effective policies and regulations to protect the environment.

Fourthly, the study proposes sustainable construction methods that could be adopted in Ghana to reduce environmental harm. This is significant for the construction industry as it provides a roadmap for the adoption of more sustainable practices. It also provides a basis for the development of incentives and programs to encourage the adoption of these methods.

Fifthly, the study contributes to the body of knowledge on the environmental impact of construction in Ghana. This is important for researchers and academics as it provides a basis for further research and study in this area. It also contributes to the global discourse on sustainable construction and environmental protection.

Lastly, the study has implications for the wider society in Ghana. By highlighting the environmental impact of construction, it raises awareness among the general public about the need for sustainable construction practices. It also provides a basis for advocacy and public education campaigns aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in the construction industry.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the assessment of construction impact on the environment in Ghana. The study is limited to selected construction firm in Accra, Ghana.

• Operational Definition of Terms

Assessment: In the context of this study, assessment refers to the process of evaluating or measuring a particular thing. It involves gathering data and information to understand the state or condition of what is being assessed. In this case, it refers to the evaluation of the impact of construction activities on the environment in Ghana.

Construction Impact: This refers to the effects or consequences that construction activities have on the physical and social environment. These impacts can be both positive and negative. Positive impacts might include infrastructure development and economic growth, while negative impacts could include environmental degradation, such as air and water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.

Environment: The environment refers to the natural world in which we live, including the air, water, land, and all living organisms. It encompasses all the external physical and biological factors influencing the growth and development of life. In the context of this study, the environment refers to the natural surroundings in Ghana that are affected by construction activities.

Project – Assessment of construction impact on the environment in Ghana