Implementing environmental management systems (ISO14001) in the construction sector of Ghana

Environmental management systems (EMS) enable organisations to manage their environmental impacts. Globalisation has resulted in more organisations needing to engage in environmental sustainability. In developed nations, ISO 14001 provides the key guidance, but in developing nations, sustainability remains a new concept. This study investigates EMS implementation within the Ghanaian construction sector which has low EMS adoption. A critical literature review identified 11 benefits, 11 barriers and 10 strategies for implementing EMS in the construction sector. The views of construction professionals in Ghana were sought regarding the benefits, barriers and strategies. Of 150 questionnaires distributed, 60 were returned and 52 were deemed usable. Data was analysed using the voting analytic hierarchy process (Manu et al., 2019). The results showed that “cost savings due to the reduction of fines associated with convictions” was the main perceived benefit of implementing EMS, while the major barrier was “a lack of government legal enforcement”. The most significant implementation strategy was suggested to be “the implementation of a legal requirement for environmental protection for EMS”. It is concluded that lack of legal requirements may impede ISO 14001 engagement. The recommendation is that environmental regulations and policies are created to encourage the adoption of EMS.