Barriers to green construction procurement practices in developing economies: empirical evidence from Ghana

Abstract

Purpose The practice of green procurement in construction is gaining attention, particularly in developed countries, where procurement is recognized as a strategic tool for advancing sustainability and quickening the shift to sustainable practices. However, in developing economies, the adoption of green construction procurement practices (GCPPs) remains low due to various barriers. There is a lack of understanding of the barriers to GCPPs in the developing countries, which hinders the implementation and present significant challenges; hence, this study aims to identify and analyse the principal barriers to GCPPs in the Ghanaian construction industry. Design/Methodology/Approach A survey was conducted among 120 construction procurement professionals and stakeholders, yielding an 88% response rate. One-sample t-tests and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyse and identify the principal barriers to GCPPs. Findings Out of the 14 variables tested, the PCA revealed three principal barriers: (1) organizational commitment and attributes of green construction materials, (2) market and materials supply and (3) governmental policies and regulations. These findings highlight the principal barriers militating against the practice of green procurement in the construction sector. Originality/Value The study provides practical insights for policymakers, construction firms and stakeholders to develop strategies and policies that enhance sustainability in construction projects. This research contributes to the literature by identifying key barriers to GCPPs, informing future efforts to promote sustainable procurement in the construction industry.