EXPLORING THE ADOPTION OF PRACTICES AIMED AT MINIMISING CARBON FOOTPRINTS IN THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S PERSPECTIVE

Purpose: This study is aimed at exploring the adoption of practices aimed at minimising carbon-footprints in the Zambian building construction sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodological approach adopted was quantitative, with data collected using a structured questionnaire containing closed ended questions. A total of 108 respondents drawn from firms involved in planning, designing, and building construction, participated in the study, these included: Architects, Engineers, quantity surveyors, environmentalists, as well as construction project managers. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics, as well as correlation analysis. Research Limitation: This study was conducted in Zambia, another study incorporating other developing countries is recommended Findings: The findings revealed a low adoption rate of; energy-efficient technologies, low-carbon materials, renewable materials, as well as water conservation strategies. The findings revealed significant relationships between respondents’ knowledge and adoption of practices aimed at minimising carbon footprints having recorded correlation value of 0.381 and a p-value of 0.000 Practical Implication: Interventions should be focused at ensuring increased awareness of sustainable construction among the built environment professionals and communities. Social Implication: It create the conditions for a more responsive, accountable, and ultimately more effective institutional architecture for carbon footprint reduction and future generations whose wellbeing depends upon the built environment's transition to a genuinely sustainable footing. Originality/Value: This study is among the few studies exploring the current state of adoption of carbon-footprint minimising practices in the construction industry from developing country’s perspective.