Barriers to emerging smart solutions adoption for energy efficiency in the construction industry

Abstract

Globally, the construction industry (CI) has been blamed to be directly responsible for climate change and its consequential adverse impacts. As a sector known to be energy-intensive and energy-dependent, it is logically right for energy efficiency reforms and strategies to begin in the CI. While energy challenges are largely constituting a hindrance to the accelerated growth and socio-economic development of Africa, the continent continually commits to unsustainable means in meeting its energy demands. Therefore, the adoption of energy efficiency solutions is pivotal for the continent to meet its sustainability agenda. Hence, this study is aimed at identifying the various barriers hindering the adoption of Emerging Smart Solutions (ESS) for energy efficiency in the South African construction industry (SACI). The quantitative research method was utilised in this research study. A questionnaire survey was administered to registered and active construction professionals in the SACI for data collection. Both descriptive and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyse the retrieved data. Findings from the study revealed 17 barriers with high initial cost, lack of financial incentives, and theft and security concerns as the top three barriers hindering the adoption of ESS for energy efficiency in the SACI. The study concluded that a multi-stakeholder approach is embraced to mitigate these barriers so that the potential benefits of ESS can be maximised in the sector. It is recommended that government intervention and support be increased to pave the way for the proliferation of ESS and other energy-efficient strategies.