Challenges for Implementing Environmental Management Plans in Construction Projects: The Case of Malaysia

Abstract

An environmental management plan (EMP) can reduce the impact of construction projects on the environment. While there is an increasing trend to promote sustainability, effective EMP implementation in Malaysia is limited. In this study, we aim to investigate the challenges for implementing EMP at construction sites in Malaysia, identify the main issues among those challenges, and determine the interrelationships between the main challenges. We identified 30 potential challenges for implementing EMP through a systematic literature review of 41 papers and semi-structured interviews with 20 construction industry professionals. Subsequently, a survey was used to solicit opinions on the challenges. The collected data were analyzed using mean score, standard deviation, normalization, factor analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results illustrate that 21 main challenges exist for implementing EMP in Malaysia. From these, eight main challenges can be grouped into two major components: people- and project-related challenges. ANOVA test results suggest different perceptions of the challenges between project owners, contractors, and consultants. The theoretical implications of this study include a profound understanding of the challenges in implementing EMP at construction sites in Malaysia and their underlying relations.

The Effective Project Management Approach Towards Minimising Environmental Impacts in the Construction Industry

“…Furthermore, the conversion of steep mountainous land into arable land exacerbates erosion and sediment issues due to the changes in terrain. Without effective project management and a working environmental management plan, the detrimental effects of the construction industry on the environment will continue to seriously threaten the globe and (Asnor et al, 2022).…”

“…The adoption of sustainable development ideas is getting more and more popular in an effort to mitigate climate change (Asnor et al, 2022). Two of the most essential principles of sustainable development are the improvement of people's health and quality of life, as well as the maintenance of the systems that supply a nation with natural resources.…”

Key Challenges and Strategies Towards Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Malaysia

“…Many researchers have addressed indicators or criteria for evaluating sustainable infrastructure [17]- [19]. Despite a few studies on the problems of implementing sustainable infrastructure [20], [21], Malaysia's knowledge and practises on sustainable infrastructure implementation are still vague. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap by analysing ongoing sustainable infrastructure projects as well as generating plans for implementing solutions in developing and emerging nations like Malaysia.…”