Perceived Factors Inhibiting Environmental Impact Assessment Practice in Construction Industry
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 29, Issue 1
Abstract
Among the best methods for identifying, preventing, minimizing, and compensating for any negative effects on the environment and promoting sustainability is environmental impact assessment (EIA). However, a number of variables make it difficult for EIA practices to be effectively implemented in the construction sector. The implementation of EIA methods in the building industry is further hindered by a lack of empirical studies on the subject. With Nigeria as a model, this article seeks to understand the perceived barriers to EIA practice implementation in the construction sector. For the purpose of the study, a survey research methodology was employed. A snowball sampling strategy was adopted to determine the important stakeholders in EIA practice for the administration of the questionnaire. Participants in the survey received 187 questionnaires altogether. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results from data analysis show that the factors inhibiting the adoption of EIA practice can be categorized into four constructs: administrative-related factors; financial-related factors; human capacity and behavior related factors; and government regulations, legislations, and laws related factors. This study identifies the factors inhibiting EIA use in the construction sector. Understanding these elements would make it easier to build the necessary strategies to lessen the barriers to EIA use in the construction sector.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request: data collected from the research instrument.
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Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 29 • Issue 1 • February 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Sep 6, 2022
Accepted: Jul 19, 2023
Published online: Sep 20, 2023
Published in print: Feb 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 20, 2024
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