ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS CONSTRAINING USAGE OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES IN TANZANIA

Abstract

Despite the well-established benefits of energy-efficient construction materials, their use in
building envelopes like walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors remains limited, in developing
countries. Using Tanzania as a case, this research assessed factors that constrain the use of energy efficient construction materials in building envelopes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify 15 factors that constrain the usage of energy-efficient construction materials in building envelopes. These factors were incoperated in a questionnaire design. A total of 95 questionnaires were distributed to consulting firms (Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors), and 92 questionnaires were returned. All collected findings were analyzed using a descriptive statistical method with the Statistical Package for Social Science version. Findings indicate that critical constraints are associated with the high cost of energy-efficient building materials, limited of locally manufactured energy-efficient construction materials, low awareness and knowledge among construction professionals and clients, insufficient research and development in energy-efficient building technologies and a scarcity of skilled labor and trained professionals for installing and maintaining energy-efficient materials. This study concludes that to ensure efficient use of energy-efficient construction materials, effort should focus to create awareness, training, and educating stakeholders in the built environment on importance of energy efficient construction materials.

Keywords: Sustainability, Barriers , Construction Materials, Adoption, Energy Efficient