PurposeThe urgent need to preserve the ecosystem, which faces a threat from non-environmentally-friendly anthropogenic activities, has led to the study of adaptive capacity implementation. There is an indication that the construction industries in developed countries are relatively better equipped to pursue sustainable construction than those in the developing world. Despite this, sustainable construction is yet to be established in developing countries. This research aims to develop a framework to drive and enable small and medium-sized (SME) firms in Ghana to implement adaptive capacity.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach, and 400 responses were retrieved as a sample size for which a six-factor adaptive capacity implementation framework was arrived at for SMEs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The data gathered from the respondents were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24, and a structural equation modelling was also used to determine the work's validity based on the AMOS software.FindingsThe findings revealed that education and training, government support and a centralised information hub significantly influence adaptive capacity outcomes in Ghana.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that the government, corporate and professional institutions that desire to preserve the country's ecosystem be guided by this study's adaptive capacity implementation framework.Originality/valueThis study's novelty also lies in the integrated framework for adaptive capacity implementation developed to aid small- and medium- sized enterprises in Ghana's construction industry to ensure environmentally-friendly construction activities.

The study was conducted to determine the professionals’ perceptions of consultancy firms that provide design and construction solutions that utilise sustainable construction practice standards. The core motive was to drive and enable SME construction firms to have the adaptive capacity to deliver construction projects in an environmentally sustainable manner to contribute to global sustainable development goals. A qualitative research approach was complemented by face-to-face and virtual interviews. The data obtained revealed meaningful and socially salient findings to benefit adaptive capacity. Interviewees included professionally registered members from the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), and the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) working in consultancy firms. The findings of the interview survey revealed that the overall construction teams believe in having education and training and a centralised information hub with government support to ensure environmentally sustainable construction. It is recommended that the government, corporate, and professional institutions’ desire to preserve the country’s ecosystem be guided by this study’s adaptive capacity implementation guidelines.

The study was set to assess the preventive measures of fire safety: case study, Accra Technical University. The research intends explicitly to identify the main causes of fire outbreaks, identify some effective measures to assess fire safety and give the best recommendations to overcome fire outbreaks at the university. The mixed method was adopted, comprising quantitative and qualitative methods for this research. A quantitative approach was used through field survey questionnaire distribution on the Google form platform to students and staff of Accra Technical University. The qualitative data was obtained through critical action research, including physical observation, which paved the way to gain in-depth knowledge about the existing fire safety measure at the Accra Technical University through narrative analysis. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS Version 26.0 for Windows, and Microsoft Excel generated frequencies percentages in tables where descriptive statistics were performed. The study revealed that power fluctuation, electrical appliance overload, lack of maintenance of electrical wiring, and the negligence of individuals were the main attributes. The study recommends regular firefighting audits, adequate fire safety awareness, fire alarms and smoke detection systems; proper electrical wiring requires regular attention. However, the university authorities should commend an emergency communication system and fire exits for overcoming fire outbreak eventualities.

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