Stakeholder perceptions of the benefits and barriers of implementing environmental management systems in the Maldivian construction industry

Abstract Unprecedented increases in both tourism and population growth have put extreme pressure on the Republic of the Maldives, which has resulted in significant changes to the islands as a result of construction activities. This study is the first to investigate perceptions of the benefits and barriers of implementing environmental management systems (EMS) in the Maldivian construction industry, and what effective measures and strategies exist to drive environmental management practices. A subjectivist stance and deductive approach have been taken with an online survey adopting a quantitative strategy with a range of construction professions across the Maldivian construction sector. Using a central tendency measure of weighted average, the respondents’ opinions suggest that the primary benefits of having an EMS in the Maldives are perceived as the enhancement of corporate image and environmental protection; while the major barriers are lack of legal enforcement and the requirement for company structures and policies to change to accommodate an EMS. The findings also suggest that those companies who establish a waste management plan and where authorities enforce legal environmental requirements are believed to be the most effective means to encourage more widespread adoption. Based on these findings, it is recommended that managers, need to increasingly promote the principles of environmental management and sustainable practices/behaviours amongst construction industry stakeholders. Furthermore, policy makers within the Maldives should be exploring the viability of establishing financial incentive schemes (particularly for SMEs), in addition to encouraging wider adoption of EMSs across the Maldivian industry sectors.