Integrating Green Building Practices in Constraction Project Management: A Case Study of Kafue Hook Bridge Project, Central Province of Zambia


Authors : Chizola Lungu; Chibomba Kelvin

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4fm7xve7

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/dnnfu63y

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb333

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study analyzed the adoption and effectiveness of green building practices in the Kafue Hook Bridge project in Zambia, focusing on challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable construction in a developing country context. The objectives were to identify go green building practices employed in construction of projects, evaluate their effectiveness, access the factors influencing the green building practices success and explore implementation limitations. Using a case study design, data was collected from various specialists like The Environmental specialists, Engineers, Procurement personels and Architects, targeting individuals aged 25 to 65. A sample of 50 respondents was determined through purposive sampling methods due to limited resources and data was analyzed using SPSS. The study was grounded on the Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT). The results highlighted that 94% of specialists were knowledgeable about green building practices, and 88% agreed that the project achieved its objectives, leading to positive outcomes. Nevertheless, challenges such as high upfront costs of green materials 36%, technological limitations 28%, resource constraints 98%, and inadequate stakeholder collaboration 76% negatively affected implementation. In spite of these barriers, the study indicated significant alignment with sustainability objectives, indicating the success of green practices in contributing to the project's overall effectiveness. Stakeholder collaboration and regulatory frameworks were identified as critical for overcoming challenges, with 76% of respondents emphasizing the need for partnerships. The study recommended increased investment in research, development of cost-effective green materials, innovative technologies, clearer policies, and climate-resilient designs for future projects. Stakeholders are encouraged to adopt these recommendations to enhance the scalability and sustainability of green practices in Zambia's construction sector. This research has given a valuable insights about the importance of green building practices in infrastructure projects, giving practical recommendations to address challenges and improve outcomes. It underscores the importance of continuous investment in innovation, policy clarity, and stakeholder engagement to foster sustainable construction in Zambia and other developing countries.

Keywords : Ecological Modernization Theory, Project Management, Green Building Practices, Sustainable Development.

References :

  1. Akadiri, P. O., & Olomolaiye, P. O. (2021). Economic and Environmental Benefits of Green Building. Construction Management and Economics, 39(4), 345-360.
  2. BREEAM (2021). BREEAM Infrastructure. [Online] Available at: https://www.breeam.com/discover/technical-standards/breeam-infrastructure/
  3. Chileshe, N., & Kikwasi, G. J. (2021). Skills Gap in Green Construction in Southern Africa. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 17(3), 240-255.
  4. Clement, N. (2020). Green building practices and sustainable development in large-scale infrastructure projects. Journal of Environmental Policy, 42(2), 200-215.
  5. Darko, A., Zhang, C., & Chan, A. P. C. (2017). Drivers for green building: A review of empirical studies. Habitat International, 60, 34-49.
  6. Darko, A., Chan, A.P.C., Ameyaw, E.E., He, B.J. & Olanipekun, A.O., 2017. Examining issues influencing green building technologies adoption: The United States green building experts’ perspectives. Energy and Buildings, 144, pp.320-332.
  7. Ding, G. K., Zuo, J., and Zillante, G. (2018). Sustainability and life cycle management in infrastructure projects. Procedia Engineering, 118, pp. 67-74.
  8. Dwaikat, L. N., & Ali, K. N. (2018). Green buildings cost premium: A review of empirical evidence. Energy and Buildings, 110, 396-403.
  9. Fernandes, J., Oliveira, F., & Silva, A. (2020). Energy efficiency in bridge construction and operation: A review of current strategies and future perspectives. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(7), 1-12.
  10. Fowler, B., & Rauch, K. (2019). Climate resilience strategies in infrastructure: Lessons from the bridge sector. Infrastructure Solutions Review, 15(3), 223-240.
  11. Häkkinen, T., & Belloni, K. (2011). Barriers and drivers for sustainable building. Building Research & Information, 39(3), 239-255.
  12. Hwang, B. G., & Tan, J. S. (2012). Green building project management: Obstacles and solutions for sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 20(5), 335-349.
  13. Kats, G. (2003). The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings. Sustainable Building Task Force.
  14. Kibert, C.J. (2016) Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery. 4th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  15. Mwasha, A., Williams, R. G., & Iwaro, J. (2017). Modeling the performance of residential building envelope: The role of sustainable energy performance indicators. Energy and Buildings, 43(9), 2108-2117.
  16. Mubita, C. (2022). Barriers to Green Construction in Zambia. Zambian Journal of Built Environment, 5(2), 45-60.
  17. Reed, R., Bilos, A., Wilkinson, S., & Schulte, K.-W. (2019). International comparison of sustainable rating tools. Journal of Sustainable Real Estate, 1(1), 1-22.
  18. Ritchie, H. and Roser, M. (2020) ‘CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions’, Our World in Data. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions (Accessed: 21 August 2024).
  19. Shafii, F., et al. (2021). Stakeholder Engagement in Sustainable Construction. Sustainable Development Journal, 29(6), 563-578.
  20. Turner, R. (2021) Project Management in Construction: Green Building Practices and Sustainable Infrastructure. London: Routledge.
  21. USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). (2020). LEED rating system. Available at: http://www.usgbc.org/leed.
  22. UNEP. (2020). Biodiversity and Sustainable Construction in Africa. UNEP Report.
  23. Wang, Q., et al. (2020). Policy Support for Green Building Practices. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120760.
  24. Zambia Green Building Association (ZGBA). (2018). Promoting Sustainable Construction in Zambia. Lusaka: ZGBA.
  25. Zambia Ministry of National Development Planning (2021) Seventh National Development Plan 2021-2026. Lusaka: Zambia Ministry of National Development Planning.
  26. Zambia Ministry of National Development Planning. (2017). Seventh National Development Plan 2017-2021. Lusaka: Government of Zambia.
  27. ZEMA (Zambian Environmental Management Agency). (2023). Green Construction Guidelines for Zambia.
  28. Top of FormZuo, J., & Zhao, Z. Y. (2014). Green building research–current status and future agenda: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 30, 271-281.

This study analyzed the adoption and effectiveness of green building practices in the Kafue Hook Bridge project in Zambia, focusing on challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable construction in a developing country context. The objectives were to identify go green building practices employed in construction of projects, evaluate their effectiveness, access the factors influencing the green building practices success and explore implementation limitations. Using a case study design, data was collected from various specialists like The Environmental specialists, Engineers, Procurement personels and Architects, targeting individuals aged 25 to 65. A sample of 50 respondents was determined through purposive sampling methods due to limited resources and data was analyzed using SPSS. The study was grounded on the Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT). The results highlighted that 94% of specialists were knowledgeable about green building practices, and 88% agreed that the project achieved its objectives, leading to positive outcomes. Nevertheless, challenges such as high upfront costs of green materials 36%, technological limitations 28%, resource constraints 98%, and inadequate stakeholder collaboration 76% negatively affected implementation. In spite of these barriers, the study indicated significant alignment with sustainability objectives, indicating the success of green practices in contributing to the project's overall effectiveness. Stakeholder collaboration and regulatory frameworks were identified as critical for overcoming challenges, with 76% of respondents emphasizing the need for partnerships. The study recommended increased investment in research, development of cost-effective green materials, innovative technologies, clearer policies, and climate-resilient designs for future projects. Stakeholders are encouraged to adopt these recommendations to enhance the scalability and sustainability of green practices in Zambia's construction sector. This research has given a valuable insights about the importance of green building practices in infrastructure projects, giving practical recommendations to address challenges and improve outcomes. It underscores the importance of continuous investment in innovation, policy clarity, and stakeholder engagement to foster sustainable construction in Zambia and other developing countries.

Keywords : Ecological Modernization Theory, Project Management, Green Building Practices, Sustainable Development.

Paper Submission Last Date
28 - February - 2026

SUBMIT YOUR PAPER CALL FOR PAPERS
Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe