Exploring the implementation of green supply chain management practices in the construction industry.

Abstract

Green supply chain management (GSCM) in construction is a set of frameworks intended to minimize the contribution of construction supply chain activities to the built environment. However, the context of green supply chain management has not been entirely appreciated by the local construction industry in Uganda mostly attributed to its slow rate of development and integration of novel practices. While several studies have identified the possible GSCM practices, the drivers for integration, and the barriers to adoption, the extent of the adoption of these practices locally has not been fully comprehended. This study therefore assesses the extent of its adoption in Uganda and utilizes a principal component analysis (PCA) methodology to rank the most significant drivers influencing the necessity for adoption and the suggested practices for adoption across several construction phases. This study not only contributes to the body of knowledge but additionally informs practising professionals of the possible recommended GSCM practices that can possibly be integrated into various construction phases to minimize the carbon footprint of several construction projects. The analysis of the level of awareness or extent of adoption reveals a very low understanding of the implementation of GSCM practices with the only well-comprehended practice being the transportation of materials in full truckload quantities with an average agreement score of 4.087. Furthermore, the synthesis of the drivers for the implementation of these practices highlights the overall need to satisfy corporate social responsibility, followed by pressure from competitors in the development of green practices, and environmental commitment with a communality of 0.5208, 0.4105, 0.3980 respectively as the top three influencing drivers.